The way we work—and the way we get hired—is rapidly evolving. The shifts taking place range from an increase in flexible working arrangements and gig work to the growing importance of soft skills and the influence of artificial intelligence in recruiting. If you’re actively job hunting or just thinking about your next move, it helps to understand what’s driving these changes, what employers are looking for and how you can stay competitive. In this article, we explore six trends shaping the hiring landscape in Canada and offer practical tips to help you stay ahead. 

Why continuous learning is no longer optional

Before the rapid advancement of technology and growing concerns about skill gaps, it was common to attain a degree or diploma, complete vocational training (such as an apprenticeship) or learn on the job—and that was often enough to secure sustainable, long-term employment. 

In today’s changing job market, learning new skills is important for staying employed and growing in your career. Most people will need to upskill and reskill at different points in their careers.  

  • Upskilling refers to enhancing your existing skills to perform better in your current role. 
  • Reskilling involves learning new skills to move into different roles. It often happens when new technology is introduced, your interests change or your job is no longer in demand. 

Examples of Upskilling:  

  • An HR professional learning new technologies to improve recruitment processes.  
  • A data analyst learning Python, R, Tableau or Power BI for deeper analysis, automation, and powerful data visualizations.  

Examples of Reskilling: 

  • A newcomer teacher retraining as an instructional designer or corporate trainer. 
  • An individual contributor taking leadership courses to move into management.  

Here are some options for upskilling or reskilling depending on your goals, timeline and budget:  

  • Formal education (degrees, diplomas) 
  • Employer-sponsored training 
  • Certificate courses (shorter than a degree or diploma program) 
  • Online learning 
  • Volunteering 
  • Conferences/professional association events 
  • Mentorship/coaching/on-the-job training 

The time and financial investment can vary, but many organizations recognize the importance of continuous learning. Some offer dedicated training time, access to educational programs or learning stipends—fixed budgets employees can use toward courses or certifications. Others include personal development plans as part of annual reviews to promote engagement and initiative. 

Hard skills get you in the door. Soft skills move you forward.

Technical skills, also known as hard skills, are typically acquired through formal education or training. Examples include data analysis, radiology, computer programming, plumbing or carpentry.  These skills are essential, but when employers are evaluating candidates with similar technical backgrounds, non-technical skills often become the deciding factor. 

Non-technical or soft skills reflect how you approach your work and how you interact with others. Examples include communication, teamwork, adaptability and time management. While they’re harder to quantify than hard skills, soft skills grow in importance as you advance in your career and move into leadership roles.  

To improve your soft skills: 

  • Get better at giving, receiving and asking for feedback. 
    Feedback is one of the most effective ways to uncover your strengths and identify areas for improvement. 
  • Use available resources to build communication and leadership skills. 
    Books, podcasts and online courses can help you develop skills in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and team dynamics. 
  • Learn from others. 
    Pay attention to people whose soft skills you admire. Observe how they communicate and lead. If possible, ask them for tips or insights you can apply. 

Why more workers are choosing gig work

Given the volatility of the economy and full-time employment, many people are turning to the gig economy—either by choice or by necessity. Gig work includes short-term contracts, freelance assignments or task-based jobs, and it’s on the rise in Canada. 

Gig workers typically take on casual, short-term work with a focus on completing specific tasks or projects. Digital platforms and apps have accelerated this trend, particularly in industries like ride-hailing, food delivery, online retail and freelance marketplaces. 

Examples of gig work include: 

  • Website design 
  • Freelance writing or graphic design 
  • Moving, delivery or rideshare driving 
  • House cleaning, repairs or home maintenance 
  • Performing arts or live music gigs 

While younger workers have largely led this trend, often due to the challenges of breaking into traditional employment, more older workers are now participating too. Many are combining gig work with part-time or full-time jobs to supplement their income. 

Benefits of gig work: 

  • Opportunity to sharpen or expand skillsets quickly 
  • Flexible scheduling and work-from-anywhere options 
  • Income while looking for full-time work 
  • Recent experience to add to your resume 

Challenges of gig work: 

  • Often a lack of job security or employment benefits 
  • Irregular income can make budgeting or planning difficult 

For many, the gig economy offers a valuable path to stay active in the workforce, develop new skills and maintain financial stability during uncertain times. 

A shift to more flexible working arrangements

Even with return-to-office (RTO) mandates, many workers still have more flexibility than they did before the pandemic. While fewer roles are now fully remote, many have transitioned to hybrid arrangements, where employees split their time between working from home and coming into the office. 

It’s also important to clarify what “remote work” typically means. For example, in Canada, remote work usually means you can work from anywhere within the country. 

The industries with the most remote-friendly roles include: 

  • Finance and insurance 
  • Educational services 
  • Tech and scientific services 
  • Information and cultural industries 
  • Government 
  • Wholesale trade 

For jobseekers, remote work offers greater flexibility, but it also means more competition—you could be competing with applicants across the country.  

DEI initiatives are helping to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives aim to ensure fair treatment and full participation for everyone—especially people from groups that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized. These initiatives are designed to create more inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces. 

In Canada, DEI policies are grounded in legal frameworks: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and the Employment Equity Act (1986). 

Common DEI initiatives include: 

  • Anti-harassment and respectful workplace policies 
  • Unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training 
  • Accommodations for people with disabilities 
  • Employee resource groups (ERGs) for equity-deserving groups, including: 
  • Women 
  • Racialized people 
  • Indigenous people 
  • Persons with disabilities 
  • LGBTQ2+ communities 

A key part of DEI work in Canada also includes a focus on Indigenous rights and reconciliation. 

These efforts help ensure everyone has the support they need to succeed and that all individuals feel valued, respected and able to fully participate.   

How technology is changing the hiring process

Technology is reshaping the way employers hire and how job seekers apply. Here’s what that looks like on both sides: 

For Employers 

  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)help post job ads, store applications and coordinate communication between recruiters, hiring managers and candidates. 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools generate job descriptions, scan resumes for keywords and suggest interview questions. 
  • Social media platformsallow companies to promote their employer brand, reach a broader audience and engage with both active and passive job seekers. 
  • Workforce analyticslet employers track employee performance and improve their hiring strategies over time. 

For Jobseekers 

  • Job boards and job alerts help identify new opportunities as soon as they’re posted. 
  • Video interviews—both live and automated—have become standard in many hiring processes. 
  • A strong social media presence can increase your visibility, help you network and showcase your skills. You can also use it to research potential employers and their workplace culture. 
  • AI toolslike ChatGPT can support your job search by helping you tailor your resume, write cover letters and prepare for common interview questions. 

Strategies to Adapt to Hiring Trends

To stay competitive in today’s job market: 

  1. Keep your skills up to date
  • Identify in-demand skills in your industry. 
  • Build those skills through online courses, webinars, volunteering or workshops. 
  • Explore learning stipends or development opportunities offered by your employer. 
  1. Use social media strategically
  • Follow companies you’re interested in. 
  • Connect with professionals in your field. 
  • Keep your profiles current, professional and engaging. 
  1. MakeAI work for you 
  • Use tools like ChatGPT to tailor your resume and cover letter. 
  • Practice common interview questions or summarize job descriptions with AI support. 
  1. Tailor every application
  • Customize each resume and cover letter to the specific role. 
  • Highlight relevant skills and accomplishments. Focus on measurable results, not just responsibilities. 
  1. Stay curious and engaged
  • Ask thoughtful questions in interviews that show your interest in the organization’s goals, culture and challenges. 

 

Success no longer depends solely on your technical skills or formal education. It requires adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning and the ability to market yourself effectively in a digital world. Whether you’re exploring gig work, embracing remote opportunities or navigating AI-driven hiring systems, the key is to stay informed and proactive. By understanding the trends and taking small, consistent steps to grow your skills and network, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the changes and to find sustainable and fulfilling work.