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Job Search Tips to Stay Competitive in 2025’s Shifting Market

The job market in 2024 reflects new realities, including the rising importance of digital skills, shifting work environments, and the expansion of freelance roles. These changes mean job seekers must rethink their strategies for 2025, focusing on adaptability and continuous improvement to align with industry expectations. 

 Let’s explore practical ways to update your job search approach and stay ahead of the curve. 

Skills-Based Hiring 

Employers are increasingly focused on candidates with real-world skills instead of just degrees. Practical abilities—such as data analysis, AI proficiency, and cybersecurity—have become essential across industries. As noted by JWU Online, tech proficiency has become a priority in hiring practices, particularly as companies integrate AI and cloud computing into daily operations. 

Investing in certifications through platforms like Coursera or Google’s Professional Certificates can enhance your job prospects. Demonstrating applied knowledge through projects or portfolios also helps differentiate you from other candidates. Companies today want to see evidence of what you can do, not just where you went to school. 

30The Expanding Gig Economy 

Freelance work is more than a trend—it’s becoming a viable career path for many professionals. According to Pratham Institute, freelance and contract roles offer flexibility and autonomy, making them attractive to individuals seeking variety and control over their schedules. This shift toward project-based hiring also helps companies adapt to rapid market changes by assembling agile teams on demand. 

Professionals should explore platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, and Toptal to find freelance opportunities. However, success in the gig economy requires more than technical skills—it also demands time management, financial planning, and building a reliable network of clients. Networking within professional communities, both online and offline, can create new project opportunities and foster long-term partnerships. 

Hybrid and Remote  Workplaces 

While remote and hybrid work arrangements remain common, their future is uncertain. Some organizations fully embrace remote work, while others are exploring a return to the office full time. The key for job seekers is staying prepared for either scenario by becoming proficient with remote collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams and preparing to commute to an office 

 Awareness of workplace trends, including remote models, helps candidates stay aligned with employer expectations. Whether applying for remote or in-office roles, demonstrating flexibility and familiarity with various work environments can give you an edge during interviews.  

Personal Branding and Strategic Networking 

 A strong personal brand is critical in today’s job market. Employers frequently review online profiles to gauge candidates’ fit before even extending interviews. Engaging actively on platforms like LinkedIn by sharing industry insights and participating in discussions builds visibility and credibility.  

As noted by GetPotential, networking is not just about collecting contacts but about engaging meaningfully with industry peers. Attend virtual events, join industry-specific groups, and contribute thought leadership content to establish yourself as a valuable member of your professional community. A polished online presence can be the difference between getting noticed or being overlooked.  

31

Lifelong Learning and Career Adaptability 

With industries transforming rapidly, the most valuable professionals are those who commit to continuous learning and skill development. According to JWU Online, organizations now expect employees to engage in upskilling throughout their careers, especially as AI and other technologies reshape roles across sectors. Public-sector initiatives, such as reskilling programs in tech, also reflect this focus on workforce development. 

 Creating a learning plan that includes short-term certifications and long-term educational goals ensures you stay relevant. Explore company-sponsored learning programs or public courses to build expertise in emerging fields. This strategy not only boosts your employability but also prepares you to pivot into new roles as industries evolve. 

Leveraging Technology in Your Job Search 

Modern hiring processes are increasingly tech-driven. Many organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI-powered tools to screen resumes and conduct initial interviews. To succeed in this environment, it’s important to tailor your applications with keywords from job descriptions, ensuring compatibility with these systems, as emphasized by Pratham Institute. 

Additionally, virtual job fairs and webinars offer opportunities to connect with employers beyond local markets. Tthese events can expand your professional network, giving you direct access to recruiters and industry leaders. Attending these events demonstrates initiative and positions you for roles that align with your career goals. 

Building Resilience Through Proactive Job Search Strategies  

A proactive approach is essential for navigating today’s job market successfully. Set up job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific sites to stay informed about new opportunities. Regularly updating your resume and online profiles ensures you’re ready to apply quickly when the right role appears. 

Networking should also be a consistent effort. Engage with thought leaders, participate in discussions within your field, and attend professional webinars or meetups. As GetPotential, a career resource site notes, resilience in the job market comes from staying active and visible within your community. 

Staying Prepared for Market Shifts 

Success in the job market is no longer just about experience—adaptability and continuous improvement are key. By focusing on building in-demand skills, maintaining a strong online presence, and leveraging both freelance opportunities and technology, you can position yourself for success, no matter how the market changes. The future belongs to those who stay flexible, learn continuously, and remain proactive in their career development. 

Our Impact

In 1995, our founders embarked on a journey that would disrupt the status quo of the executive recruiting industry. We have been transforming companies and lives ever since.

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9,395

First Round Interviews

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3,000+

Total Placements

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47%

Diversity Placements

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$700M

Economic Impact

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Brent Albertson

CEO, Zing Zang LLC

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Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“ Our experience with Protis Global has been very positive. They have strong multi-industry CPG experience and understand our business model and standards. They know the difference between an “A-player” and a “B-player” in several functions, and the honesty around that standard helps us move faster. Mike and team set up a great process, especially in early canvassing and vetting that helps our leaders engage at the right time and make decisions fast. ”

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Colin Nolan

Executive Vice President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc.

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“Protis Global’s approach to talent acquisition is marked by diligence, transparency, and a genuine dedication to client satisfaction. Their strategic insights and personalized service have made a substantial impact on our organization, ensuring that we always have the best professionals driving our initiatives forward. The team at Protis Global demonstrates a keen ability to identify individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also align seamlessly with our company culture.”

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Hilal Tabsh

Chief Revenue Officer, Glass House Brands

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Cannabis

“Over the last 10+ years my experience with Michael Bitar and the Protis Global team has been exceptional across multiple industries. Michael and his team work to get to the true needs of my hiring plan and partner with us throughout the process. They understand our business, company culture, what success looks like, and then propose candidates that will produce results while also fitting into our team dynamic. Overall it’s a great team and experience and I would recommend to anyone looking to hire top-notch quality candidates reach out to Protis Global and Michael Bitar.”

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Peter Iglesias

Chief Executive Officer, Bespoken Spirits

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

“I highly recommend Protis Global as a top-notch recruiting agency. I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past 15 years, both as a candidate and employer in the Spirits and Wine industry. In my 25 years of experience, I have found Protis Global to be the most efficient and effective recruiting agency I have ever dealt with. Protis Global has consistently come through for me in the clutch, providing exceptional professionalism and execution in job searches and placements. Their dedication to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers sets them apart from other agencies. I have always been impressed by their ability to understand the needs of both parties and successfully connect them in a timely manner.”

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Soley Van Lokeren

SVP, People

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Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“I have been in the field of human resources for over thirty years, in executive level roles both in-house and in outsourced positions. Michael Bitar is my favorite talent acquisition professional with which I have ever worked. He cares deeply about building a relationship with his clients, learning their business, culture, challenges, and truly understanding the needs of a role requisition. His approach is mirrored by the rest of the Protis team, who are courteous, thorough, and who make you feel like you are their only client. Protis successfully delivered hires for our Chief Commercial Officer role and for three key challenging roles (in both Marketing and Sales). They are simply – the best!”

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Brian Kuz

Chief Sales Officer

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“Protis is unique in their go-to-market strategy in that they not only find the right candidate for the role, but they find the right opportunity and company for the candidate. Protis Global looks for people who are ready to make a change...I will continue to recommend Protis Global as one of the best placement agencies in the World, as I have worked on every continent and have dealt with the big executive placement firms and the boutique ones. Protis shines above all, and as long as I am hiring, I will continue to go to Protis Global first, if not exclusively.”

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Chris Hall

CEO, poppi

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Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Partnering with Protis Global has been a game-changer for poppi. They understood our vision and the unique challenges we faced as a rapidly growing brand. Their expertise in executive search helped us find the right leaders who not only fit our culture but also brought the skills and passion needed to drive accelerated growth. The Protis Global team actively took our feedback and adapted the search so that we could focus on what we do best – creating innovative, healthy beverages that our customers love. They’ve truly become an extension of our team, and we couldn’t imagine achieving our success without the team members they helped us to bring aboard.”

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Chad Palma

President of Sales, Spindrift

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Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Michael Bitar and the Protis team have been such a pleasure to work with over the years. Not only do they do amazing work with recruiting but we have also developed a partnership between our two companies. Michael and his team provide a crucial role in reviewing my hiring needs at the beginning of each year. Once the review is complete, Michael begins searching for quality candidates that fit the role and culture for Spindrift. He and his team do an outstanding job of finding the right candidates for the position in need. I highly recommend Michael and the Protis team for your hiring needs.”

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John Sacksteder

President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“From the start, the relationship with Protis Global was different than other recruiting firms.  The team had a deeper level of commitment and desire to learn about our business than I had experienced with other firms. Our company was experiencing a time of exponential growth and our staffing needs were complex. We needed very experienced people across every possible function in the Operation and Supply Chain Teams and we needed them in a hurry. The Protis Global Team mobilized quickly and established a methodology to identify strong candidates and work them through the interview process in a professional and timely manner. Their grit, determination, understanding our needs and culture, sense of urgency and drive to exceed our expectations set them apart from the pack.”

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Kathleen Hutchison

Senior National Account Manager at Arla Foods

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Kayla was awesome and very thorough in her vetting of candidates. She understood our brief as we were looking for candidates and helped to weed through those who were not a good fit for the role. 

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Thomas Frisch

Chief People Officer at IJW Whiskey

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“The team worked quickly and efficiently to find a unique position.”

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Kim Nguyen

VP of Supply Chain at Lallemand

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

Everyone involved was extremely helpful - Gary, Michael, Ben - thank you!! The team didn't only search for candidates based on the job description, but also the qualities that I look for in candidates. 

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Shashank Gaur

VP of Product Technology & Innovation

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Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The interview process was smooth and extremely professional. Ben and team represented me as much as they represented the company. 

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Jeremy Schulman

Regional Business Manager - Foodservice

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Food & Snacks

Consistent communication, updates, and detailed knowledge of the client. The whole experience was top notch!

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Blake T. Bermingham

Supply Chain Manager

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

Very simplistic process finding the right role for the right candidate...keep up the great work! 

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Don Stohrer Jr.

CEO, Arla Foods USA

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“We’ve been a Protis Global client for eight years, and during this time have always appreciated the thoroughness of the recruitment process, as the candidates brought to us have been well-vetted, not only from a competency perspective, but more importantly from a [cultural] fit dynamic. Mike and the team have always been highly engaged to ensure they bring us candidates that match our culture. That’s been critical to the success of the candidates that have landed here by way of our relationship with Protis.”

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