Welcome back to The Recruiting Radar!

As spring settles in, so do new shifts in the job market — and we’re here to help you make sense of them. In this edition, we’re diving into what job seekers are prioritizing this season, where hiring is heating up, and how trends like AI, contract roles, and green jobs are shaping the future of work. We’re also sharing resume tips from our career experts, highlighting hot jobs, and celebrating a big milestone: our fourth consecutive year named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms! 👏 

Let’s dig into April’s highlights and keep the momentum growing into summer. 

📊 Industry Insights: 

April Jobs Report 

According to the latest release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 177,000 in April, slightly above the 12-month average of 152,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, reflecting continued stability in the labor market. 

Healthcare led job gains again with 51,000 new roles, driven by growth in hospitals (+22,000) and ambulatory healthcare services (+21,000). The transportation and warehousing sector followed with a notable increase of 29,000 jobs, including gains in warehousing and storage (+10,000), couriers and messengers (+8,000), and air transportation (+3,000). 

Financial activities continued its upward trend, adding 14,000 jobs, bringing its total growth since April 2024 to over 100,000. Social assistance added 8,000 jobs, a slower pace than usual, while federal government employment declined by 9,000, marking a total decrease of 26,000 since January. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, professional and business services, information, leisure and hospitality, and retail showed little or no change over the month. 

Wage growth remained modest, with average hourly earnings increasing by $0.06 to $36.06, a 3.8% rise year over year. The average workweek stayed flat at 34.3 hours, while revisions to prior months lowered total employment gains by 58,000. Overall, while some areas are leveling off, the job market remains strong—giving employers and job seekers alike a reason to stay optimistic moving into summer. 

April Poll Results 

Each month, we check in with our 300K+ LinkedIn followers to explore what’s trending in the world of work. April’s polls sparked great conversations around soft skills, job search motivations, and career “spring cleaning” strategies. Here’s what we learned: 

• Motivations Behind Job Searches: April’s most revealing poll asked: What’s driving your job search right now? Higher pay or better benefits (39%) came out on top, reinforcing the importance of compensation in a competitive market. But workplace environment still matters, 27% are searching for better culture or leadership. Career growth (17%) and flexible work options (17%) tied for third, showing job seekers are balancing ambition with the need for work-life fit. View the poll here. 

• Top Soft Skills at Work: We asked which soft skill gets the most use on the job. The clear front-runner was problem-solving (38%), showing just how valuable critical thinking is in today’s workplace. Staying calm under pressure (27%) came in second, a close reflection of the resilience many roles require. Meanwhile, planning and organization (21%) and boosting team morale (14%) rounded out the list—reminders that structure and team energy are essential ingredients to high performance. View the poll here. 

• Spring Cleaning for Your Career: We kicked off the month by asking how you’re refreshing your work life this season. Updating your resume and LinkedIn (39%) and reassessing goals (39%) tied for the top response, showing many professionals are using Q2 to reset and realign. Others are tackling smaller tasks like clearing to-do lists (15%) or taming inbox overload (6%), proving that even small steps can bring clarity and momentum. View the poll here. 

Thanks to everyone who participated! Keep an eye out for more polls each week and join the conversation on our LinkedIn page—your insights drive our content and help us stay on top of industry trends. 

📚 Recruiting Resources: 

Whether you’re a hiring manager planning your next move or a job seeker navigating the shifting market, these April resources are packed with timely insights to help you stay ahead: 

Top 10 U.S. Cities for Data Center and AI Infrastructure Jobs in 2025 

Looking for opportunities in a fast-growing tech sector? This blog highlights the U.S. cities leading the way in data center and AI infrastructure growth. Discover which markets are booming, the top companies driving demand, and the roles employers are hiring for now. 

Read the full blog. 

Full-Time vs. Contract Hiring in 2025: What’s Right for Your Business Now? 

Hiring strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all. This article breaks down the pros and cons of full-time vs. contract roles and offers guidance on how to choose the right mix for your team—especially during uncertain economic cycles. 

Explore the article. 

Recession-Proof Hiring Strategy for 2025 

Worried about hiring in a shifting economy? This blog outlines how businesses can adapt their recruitment strategies to stay agile, resilient, and competitive—no matter what’s ahead. 

Learn the strategies. 

💡Featured Guides:

• Green Jobs Are On the Rise in 2025: From renewable energy to sustainable manufacturing, green jobs are gaining momentum across industries. This guide gives a quick look at where demand is growing and how both job seekers and hiring managers can stay ahead. Whether you’re building your team or thinking about your next career move, it’s worth a scroll. Check out the guide. 
• World Health Day 2025: Wellness at Work: This one’s for all the people-focused leaders and teammates out there. In honor of World Health Day, we pulled together a few easy ways to support wellness at work—from protecting mental health to setting boundaries. It’s a great reminder that small actions can lead to a healthier, happier workplace. Explore the tips. 

📺 Resume & Career Services YouTube Library 

Our sister company, Resume and Career Services, has a YouTube library full of practical tips to help you stay competitive in today’s job market. If one of your spring goals is to be more visible to recruiters, this month’s featured video is a must-watch. 

▶️ This Month's Featured Video: Are You “Open to Work” on LinkedIn? 

LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature can be a game-changer when used the right way—but there are a few things to consider before flipping the switch. This video breaks down how the feature works, why it’s helpful, and how to make sure it supports your job search without signaling the wrong message. Whether you’re actively applying or just passively open to opportunities, this quick guide will help you show up for the roles you want. Watch now! 

🔥 Hot Job Openings 

1. Vice President, Enterprise Sales - Hospitality Solutions 
2. Plaintiff Employment Associate 
3. Lead Substation Engineer – Protection & Controls 
4. Director of Data Center Engineering 
5. Senior Construction Project Manager 
6. Accounting Manager 
7. Financial Manager, FP&A  
8. Federal Sales Manager – Law Enforcement Solutions
9. Litigation Attorney 
10. Strategic Construction Leader – Critical Infrastructure 
11. Business Development Manager

Discover exciting career opportunities across diverse industries on our job board! 

✨ Special Announcement 

We’re thrilled to share that Blue Signal has been named to the Forbes America’s Best Recruiting and Temporary Staffing Firms 2025 list — in both the Executive Search and Professional Search categories! 🎉 

This recognition reflects the hard work our team puts in every day to connect top talent with top companies. Thank you to Forbes and Statista for this incredible honor, and to our amazing clients, candidates, and team members — your trust and dedication make this possible. We’re proud to be your go-to executive and professional recruiting firm.  

Read the full press release here. 

Closing out April 

As we close out this edition of The Recruiting Radar, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next in 2025. At Blue Signal, we remain committed to guiding you through the job market's latest trends and opportunities. With a team of specialized recruiters and a wealth of resources, we're here to support your career goals and staffing needs. We're excited to keep sharing insights, opportunities, and advice to guide you. Don't miss out on future updates—make sure to subscribe and join us on this journey toward success. 

Need help finding talent? Reach out today! 

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