The Talent Pulse – October 2025

In this edition: 

• Three ways to stand out in today’s job market 
• Employer trends and insights with Kyle Allen, CPA  
• Highlights from the 2025 Agility Index Report 
• Current stats on job market confidence and workplace trends 

How to stand out in today’s job market 

49% of professionals don't feel confident in their ability to land a job right now, and that uncertainty may be driven more by a tight job market than a lack of qualifications. With fewer postings and increased competition for top roles, it's more important than ever for candidates to differentiate themselves at every stage of the hiring process. 

Understanding how to effectively prepare for and navigate interviews can transform your job search into a journey toward a compelling offer. Here are actionable steps professionals can take to stand out from other candidates and take the next step in their career journey.   

Prepare intentionally for each interaction  

Being ready for interviews and company conversations goes beyond simply reading the job description. Research the company’s mission, recent news, and leadership team to tailor your responses and ask thoughtful questions. 

Here are 5 quick tips to help you prepare with purpose: 

1. Scan recent press releases or blog posts to understand what’s top of mind for the company. 
2. Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn to get a sense of their background and role. 
3. Review the company’s values or culture page to align your talking points with what they care about. 
4. Note any recent awards, partnerships, or product launches; these make great conversation starters. 
5. Prepare 2–3 questions that show you’ve done your homework, like asking about a recent initiative or team milestone.  

Practice for each interview stage 

From initial phone screenings to virtual calls and in-person meetings, each interview stage has its own best practices. Research each type of interview, review and practice answering potential questions, and for virtual calls, make sure your environment is interview ready. Here are a few ways to prepare effectively: 

• Phone screenings: Practice concise, confident responses to common questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you interested in this role?” Keep your resume nearby and take notes during the call to stay focused. 
• Virtual interviews: Test your tech—camera, mic, and internet connection—at least 30 minutes before your interview. Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background. Dress professionally, even if it’s a remote call. 
• In-person interviews: Prepare a few tailored questions to ask the interviewer that show you’ve researched the company. Bring printed copies of your resume and arrive 10–15 minutes early to show punctuality and professionalism. 
• Mock interviews: Ask a friend or mentor to run through a few practice questions with you. Record yourself to review tone, clarity, and body language. 

Communicate your experience with confidence  

During the interview, focus on providing specific examples of your accomplishments. Use the STARL method to structure your responses: 

• Situation – What was the context? 
• Task – What were you responsible for? 
• Action – What steps did you take? 
• Result – What was the outcome? 
• Learning – What did you learn, and how have you applied it since? 

This approach not only highlights your skills, impact, and experience,  but also shows that you’re reflective and continuously improving—all qualities that resonate with hiring managers. 

Stay ahead of the curve 

Proactive preparation can turn interviews into offers. Continuously refine your personal processes and leverage expert resources to confidently navigate today’s job market.  

Check out Vaco’s Candidate Interview Guide to stay prepared and position yourself as the ideal candidate for your next role. 

Employer trends and insights 

“The risk of overreacting to a lack of jobs data includes making hasty decisions that lead to overstaffing or workforce reductions without clear justification, which can disrupt operations and damage morale. It may also cause missed opportunities by failing to respond timely to emerging trends. Maintaining a flexible, data-informed approach ensures businesses stay resilient and aligned with market needs." 

Kyle Allen, CPA , EVP | Business Development and Recruiting at Vaco by Highspring, offers his perspective on the challenges businesses are facing in the current climate of limited job market data, and how prioritizing agility can drive actionable insights and resilience in decision-making. 

"In the absence of new jobs data, organizations should prioritize insights that emphasize business agility, such as real-time demand signals, supply chain dynamics, employee engagement and retention metrics, and evolving customer behaviors. Monitoring these factors helps businesses adapt quickly to changing conditions and make informed staffing decisions beyond just headcount numbers.”  

Data from our Agility Index Report reinforces this approach. In 2025, organizations with high agility were: 

1. Four times more likely to see strategy alignment across their talent, execution, and technology. 
2. Two times more likely to report upward revenue trends. 
3. 51% of low-agility organizations experienced layoffs in the last 2 years, compared to only 31% of high-agility organizations.  

For Canada: 

1. Less than 50% of Canadian SMBs and enterprise organizations can move fast to fill emerging-need roles. 
2. Nearly 50% of Canadian organizations surveyed say they’re “at the curve” in their industry, however, less than 8% score high on agility. 

Explore our Agility Index Report 

Learn how leading organizations measure and strengthen agility with our Agility Index Calculator—and get actionable insights to help your business stay resilient in times of uncertainty.  

What professionals are saying 

With constant shifts in the job market, we asked our audience how they’re feeling about their current career outlook. Here’s what they told us: 

• 49% said they feel confident in their ability to get a job right now, reflecting a divided sentiment that may be shaped more by market conditions than individual qualifications. 
• 66% feel confident they can improve their financial situation in the next six months, whether through a raise or a new opportunity. 
• 45% are currently working remotely, showing that flexible work arrangements remain a strong part of today’s employment landscape.  

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