Flourish Coaching Podcast: 5 Must-Know Hiring Trends & How They Impact Your Student

In this episode, Lisa and Christine discuss:

• Shifting hiring timelines and employer decision-making in today’s job market

• Growing importance of skills-based hiring and micro-internships

• Influence of artificial intelligence on entry-level roles and required skills

• Continued power of networking and accessing the hidden job market

Key Takeaways: 

• The average job search now takes three to six months, as companies add more interview rounds and assessments before extending offers.

• Skills-first hiring means candidates should highlight real-world experiences—like micro-internships, portfolios, and certifications—not just degrees.

• AI is reshaping entry-level work, with 78% of hiring managers expecting AI-driven layoffs, but it is also creating new roles in data analysis and AI integration; learners should take AI courses (free or paid) and demonstrate use cases in portfolios.

• Over 70% of jobs are never posted publicly, making networking and referrals through LinkedIn or family connections essential to finding opportunities.

“Show, don’t tell, and proof beats promises.” – Christine Rigby-Hall