Emerging Job Markets

They've worked themselves up over competitive exams and college society admits and fought it out in hackathons and campus clubs — and now the class of 2025 is set to leave the halls of academia. As they switch from classroom notes to meeting transcripts, where is the path leading these fresh graduates? Patna is the fastest-growing region for young professionals with a Bachelor’s degree, according to LinkedIn’s 2025 Grad’s Guide report. And for those with a Master’s degree — Nashik leads, the report finds. The growth rate was calculated based on the first full-time roles of graduates, comparing hiring shares from 2022–2024. So, what factors are contributing to this rise? Booming startup activity, improved infrastructure, and a strong local talent pool are some reasons propelling this shift, says DHIRAJ KUMAR PATHAK, Assistant Manager Placement at Amity University Patna. The post-pandemic era also has a part to play. According to Varmora Group’s Managing Director Hiren Varmora, professionals returning to their hometowns fuelled demand for local hiring in regions like Rajkot. Rajkot along with Vadodara are other cities that made it to the list for Bachelor’s degree holders, LinkedIn data shows. Marwadi University’s Assistant Professor and Placement Coordinator Dr. Divyang Tiwari shares that there’s been steady growth in the manufacturing and service sectors in Rajkot.  “With changing times, local businesses, once centered around ‘karigar’ networks and handwritten ledgers, are onboarding software, building e-commerce channels, and hiring tech-savvy youngsters straight out of college,” Varmora says. From a surge in retail expansion to a change in consumer behaviour — Tier 2 and 3 cities are transforming.  For Trustopay’s Co-founder and CMO Utkarsh Mishra, workplace flexibility is driving hiring growth in cities like Vadodara. “Sectors like IT, green energy, and manufacturing are growing here, and freshers are upskilling,” he says. The trend is similar for those with more advanced degrees. Flexibility is a priority for growth in Jaipur with IT parks and co-working spaces boosting local job opportunities, says Balvir S. Tomar, Founder & Chancellor of NIMS University. Jaipur is among the fast-growing regions for Master’s degree holders, the data finds. But with continuous digital transformation and AI changing the hiring landscape — how can freshers future-proof their careers? “Start small but stay curious,” says Varomora. Here’s more advice from the experts: 💻 Commit to continuous learning.  🛜 Join communities and alumni networks to identify mentors.  ⌨️ Build your online presence. 👍 Stay adaptable and open to learning.  🤝 Work on your people skills. 💡 Explore fresh ideas. 🪷 Build resilience. ➡️ Swipe through to get a closer look at the fast-growing regions. And share your advice for freshers using #Classof2025. Editor: Dipal Desai Data insights: Alejandra Budar   Graphics: Arunagiri Ramadurai

Across Europe, remote work is taking a backseat, the number of hybrid roles on offer is growing, and jobseekers are applying to almost one fifth more posts than this time last year, according to LinkedIn data. Hybrid roles accounted for more than one third of all listings last month in the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), and in some parts of Europe, the proportion was higher. In Ireland, 43% of roles advertised were hybrid, an increase of 20% on last year. In the UK, 43% of open jobs were hybrid posts, an increase of 15% on last year, and in Sweden, there was an increase of 20% on the proportion of roles which were hybrid last year, to 38%. 💻 Remote postings are dropping in some parts of Europe, but jobseekers are still interested in this work setup. Across Europe, the share of job listings which were remote ranged from 3% in the Netherlands, to 11% in the UK. But there were large drops, in comparison to last year, in this proportion. 🏠 In Ireland, there was a drop of 37% in the share of remote jobs among all listings in comparison to last year. In the Netherlands, the drop was 36% and in France it fell by 35%. 📨 But jobseekers continue to apply for remote roles, although fewer than before. In France, 7% of job applications were for a remote job, but this is down by 21% on last year. And in the UK, 18% of all applications went to a remote role, down by 14% compared to 2022. Overall, applications for remote roles took up the greatest proportion in Germany, at 21%, down 9% on last year. Overall, jobseekers sent 19% more applications on average in EMEA last month in comparison to 2022, and the biggest increases were in France (26%), the UK (22%), Germany (20%) and Ireland (19%). Unemployment in Europe increased by almost 100,000 people last month, to hit 6.5%. This may lead to a tougher job market for jobseekers. 🏛 In terms of specific industries, some of the biggest increases in hiring were in government administration. In Ireland, there was a 9% increase in this sector last month in comparison with last year, in the UK it was 4% and in Germany, it rose by 1%. Countries analysed in EMEA: Germany, Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.  Data relates to paid job postings. ✍: Polly Dennison 📸: Getty Images Sources: LinkedIn's Economic Graph  Eurostat: https://lnkd.in/ekPT5hZt

LÁ FHÉILE PÁDRAIG SHONA DAOIBH GO LÉIR!!! Happy St. Patrick’s day everyone! What better day than today to explain why Ireland is one of the best places to be in the world when it comes to AI! Ireland's appeal to leading global companies is well-documented, with the likes of Google, PayPal, Apple, Meta, LinkedIn, eBay, TikTok, and Twitter choosing it as their European operations hub. This concentration of tech giants is evidenced by the presence of 9 of the top 10 global tech companies and 8 of the top global gaming companies in Ireland - as well as globally important AI companies like OpenAI. At a recent OpenAI event in Dublin, Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief of Strategy was “intoxicated” by Ireland’s tech talent, and as reported in the Business Post, said “Probably one of the most important things for us in choosing a partner, and seeing how effective that partnership might be, is the receptiveness shown”, making it clear OpenAI has been overwhelmed by the support shown to it in Ireland. A research report carried out by LinkedIn found that Ireland has the highest ratio of AI talent in the EU. Ireland's leading position in AI talent per capita within the EU is testament to its strategic emphasis on creating a conducive environment for AI R&D. The presence of major tech companies, alongside a strong emphasis on education and skills development, has created a vibrant ecosystem where AI can thrive. A recent Labour Market Pulse report shows that the share of AI talent in Ireland grew more than 500% between 2016 and 2022. Recent emphasis on investment in AI resulted in an upturn in AI talent growth in Ireland of 28.5% between 2021 and 2022. Ireland's focus on AI is further evidenced by its impressive international rankings, standing 10th out of 54 countries globally and 3rd in Europe for AI capacity based on implementation, innovation, and investment criteria. This is reflective of the country's burgeoning demand for AI solutions across various sectors, reinforced by governmental strategies aimed at embedding AI within the public services sector. There are more than 105 courses in AI and related areas available across Ireland, increasing every year. The strategic vision for AI in Ireland is encapsulated in the "AI - Here for Good" national strategy, launched in July 2021. Supporting this vision is Ireland's investment in R&D, with institutions like the Insight Data Analytics SFI Research Centre and the SFI Research Centre for Future Networks spearheading innovative AI research. These efforts underscore a national ethos of innovation and a forward-looking stance on technology adoption. Initiatives such as the establishment of an AI Innovation Hub and the creation of an Enterprise Digital Advisory Board aim to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies across the business landscape, from multinationals to SMEs. There are so many reasons to be proud to be Irish - and AI is one of them! We are ready to be the centre of the world for all things AI.

Interesting take on Ireland's Evolving Employment Landscape by Morgan McKinley, ManpowerGroup & Robert Half From the reports - The Irish employment market is undergoing significant shifts. According to reports, while certain sectors like technology and life sciences continue to see strong demand, overall job openings have decreased. The ManpowerGroup Q4 outlook emphasises that employers are more cautious, adopting selective hiring practices. Morgan McKinley's data highlights a 2% decline in available jobs, with permanent roles still competitive. Key areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and engineering remain top priorities, but businesses are becoming more strategic in their recruitment efforts amidst economic uncertainties. Additionally, tech roles such as software development, AI and Machine Learning are in high demand, as reported by Robert Half. Despite this, many organisations struggle to find the right talent, resorting to contract roles and enhancing benefits to attract top candidates. Flexibility in work, including remote options, has become an essential factor in retention strategies. While opportunities still exist in Ireland, especially in tech and life sciences, the overall job market is tightening. Companies are increasingly looking for specialised skills and candidates need to be prepared to adapt to a more selective and competitive environment. For more details, you can check out the full reports in comments -

Next Gen Programs in Oil & Energy: Opportunities for Fresh Graduates 🚀 The oil & energy sector is evolving fast, from traditional hydrocarbons to renewables, digitalization, and sustainability. To stay ahead, global energy giants are investing heavily in Next Gen & Graduate Programs that prepare fresh graduates for future leadership and technical excellence. These aren’t just jobs, they are career accelerators designed to give you global exposure, cross-functional rotations, and mentorship from industry leaders. Here are leading worldwide companies with Next Gen opportunities for young professionals: 🔹 Schlumberger (SLB) – Early Careers & Field Engineering Programs 🔹 Halliburton – Next Gen Engineer & Global Internship Programs 🔹 Baker Hughes – Aspire Leadership & Technical Program 🔹 Weatherford – Graduate Development in drilling, completions, and digital energy 🔹 Technip Energies – Graduate Programs in energy transition & project management 🔹 Petrofac – Engineering Graduate Development Program (global operations) 🔹 Shell – Shell Graduate Programme (upstream, downstream & renewables) 🔹 BP – Global Graduate Development Program & Future Leaders Program 🔹 Chevron – Horizons Development Program for new engineers 🔹 ExxonMobil – Graduate opportunities in upstream, chemicals, and low-carbon solutions 🔹 TotalEnergies – Graduate Program across oil, gas & renewables 🔹 ENI – Worldwide graduate intake with focus on sustainability & innovation 🔹 Saudi Aramco – Graduate Development Program in engineering & energy projects 🔹 ADNOC – National & international graduate career development initiatives 🔹 Petronas (Malaysia) – Graduate Employability Enhancement Scheme 🔹 ONGC (India) – Graduate training in exploration & production 🔹 Equinor (Norway) – Global Graduate Program in energy transition 🔹 Repsol (Spain) – Graduate programs focused on exploration & renewable integration 💡 Advice for Fresh Graduates Seeking These Roles: 1️⃣ Apply early, competition is global and seats are limited. 2️⃣ Highlight certifications & internships relevant to oil, gas, or renewables. 3️⃣ Showcase adaptability & global mindset, many programs require relocation. 4️⃣ Build a LinkedIn presence: recruiters often scout talent online. 5️⃣ Stay curious, show passion for both traditional energy and the future of energy (digital, AI, renewables). 🚀 The next generation of energy leaders is being built today. If you want to play a role in shaping the future of oil, gas & energy, these programs are your gateway. #OilAndGas #EnergyIndustry #GraduatePrograms #NextGen #slb #EngineeringCareers #halliburton #bakerhughes #FreshGraduates #weatherford #shell #adnoc #sonatrach #bp #totalenergies #eni #Jobs #Careers

The #Singapore hiring market has changed and it’s not going back to what it was. This is the new normal, and it’s time we get used to it. Over the past week, I met with three clients hiring three different senior management roles across three completely different industries. Yet every one of them said the same thing: “We can put this position in any market in SEA… except Singapore.” This trend isn’t limited to transactional or process-driven roles anymore. Increasingly, management-level and higher-value roles are being placed in markets like #Thailand, the #Philippines, and #Malaysia. Companies are leveraging or establishing regional hubs to do work that was once exclusively done in Singapore. As a result, the volume-driven hiring Singapore was known for is markedly down and unlikely to return. Singapore is now viewed as a high-cost centre, especially compared to the calibre of talent available in nearby markets at significantly lower salary levels. But hiring in Singapore hasn’t disappeared; it has shifted. Demand is increasingly centred on niche, specialised, and high-impact skill sets such as: • Quant trading • AI & data engineering • Precision engineering • Compliance & regulatory • Leaders with deep regional networks and functional regional knowledge And this shift has important implications for job seekers. Earlier this week, I spoke with a senior candidate currently employed but proactively exploring the market. They recognised these changes and said something that stood out: They were open to a 20% reduction in salary to secure the right role in Singapore and equally open to opportunities across other Southeast Asian markets. That’s the mindset of someone who understands the landscape and is willing to adapt. Tips for job seekers in today’s market: • Be flexible on salary, location, and scope. The market rewards adaptability. • Look beyond Singapore. Roles in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines are growing rapidly and offer strong career trajectories. • Invest in niche skills such as AI, data, compliance, engineering where there will. be ongoing demand • Don’t wait until you’re out of a role, proactive exploration gives you an edge. • Leverage your regional experience as it’s becoming one of the most valuable differentiators. Singapore is still a strategic hub, just not for large-scale, high-volume teams anymore. The landscape has shifted. The winners will be those who move with it, not against it. #GRIT #Freshlybaked #SingaporeJobs #HiringTrends #SEAJobs #TalentMarket #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #FutureOfWork #RegionalTalent #SoutheastAsia #LeadershipHiring #NicheSkills #AIJobs #DataEngineering #ComplianceCareers #CrossBorderHiring #EmergingMarkets #CareerStrategy #RecruitmentInsights #AdaptAndThrive

Canada can’t afford to waste top talent. I’ve seen it happen too many times. Talented newcomers come to Canada full of ambition—only to get stuck in jobs that don’t match their skills. We say we need more doctors, engineers, and tech talent, yet we make it nearly impossible for skilled immigrants and international grads to succeed. If we want to stay competitive, we need to fix this. Here’s what’s happening according to Marshia Akbar, Director of the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab, and Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair at Toronto Metropolitan University: ✅ Skilled immigrants face major barriers – Many arrive with in-demand degrees and experience but struggle to get jobs that match their qualifications.  ✅ International grads earn less than their Canadian peers – Even with Canadian education, they make 20% less in their first year after graduation. ✅ The “Canadian experience” requirement is outdated – Employers hesitate to hire without it, even though it’s legally prohibited in Ontario. ✅ Hiring biases and credential roadblocks hurt our economy – Underemployment drives top talent away, with 34% of immigrants leaving Canada within their first five years. The choice is clear: We either unlock the full potential of skilled newcomers—or risk falling behind. How can we make sure talent doesn’t go to waste?

📊 Stamp 1G Jobseekers: Where Ireland’s Postgraduate Talent Stands 40,400 international students studied in Ireland in 2023/24. 8,810 of them are pursuing master’s degrees (~22%). ~27,450 are from non-EU countries (~68% of internationals). Top fields: Business, Admin & Law – 17.7% Health & Welfare – 21.5% STEM – 32% combined (Engineering, Science, ICT) Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences – 22% combined Why it matters for Stamp 1G holders: Ireland is hiring in data, biotech, pharma, engineering & business analysis. 40-hour workweek entitlement lets you gain experience while job hunting. Know the talent landscape → position yourself strategically. 💡 Takeaway: Postgraduate talent in Ireland is booming. As a Stamp 1G holder, use this to your advantage—focus on in-demand sectors, build experience, and network. #Stamp1G #JobSeekerIreland #CareerOpportunities #PostgraduateTalent #IrishJobMarket

🍀Ireland’s migration story = workforce story. 📊 (CSO (Central Statistics Office Ireland) ⬇️Immigration fell 16% (125,300 arrivals). ⬆️Emigration dropped 6% (65,600 departures). Big shifts: 🔹 #US professionals relocating to #Ireland nearly doubled (+96%). 🔹 Departures to #Australia surged (+27%, highest since 2013). Ireland’s population now sits at 5.46 million, with net migration still fueling growth. 👉 For HR and business leaders, this isn’t just statistics. It’s about: 💥Talent availability – new skillsets entering the market. 💥Retention challenges – especially with young talent eyeing Australia. 💥Workforce planning – demographic shifts reshaping demand. Migration is actively reshaping Ireland’s talent pool. The organisations that recognise these shifts early will be better placed to secure talent, strengthen retention, and plan for long-term workforce resilience. #Ireland #HR #Business #Recruitment #Talent #Workforce #Leadership #FutureOfWork #Immigration #Retention Sigmar Recruitment #industryinsights #statistics #employmentinsights #talentpool

Most people use LinkedIn or Indeed to apply for jobs! But the truth? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface are dozens of hidden job boards, local portals, and niche platforms most candidates never explore. That’s where the real opportunities are hiding. Here’s what’s under the surface: Jobs.ca → A network of specialized boards by industry (tech, healthcare, logistics, and more). CanadaJobs.com → General job site with postings from verified Canadian employers. AllStarJobs.ca → Covers both entry-level and experienced roles across provinces. CareerBeacon → Atlantic Canada’s leading job platform, ideal for local roles. JobsInCanada.com→ Broad listings from SMEs and corporate employers nationwide. LocalWork.ca → Focused on community-based jobs and regional hiring. TorontoJobs.ca → Strong for roles in the GTA, especially business and admin. TechJobs.ca → Niche board for IT, software, and engineering professionals. FreshGigs.ca → Perfect for marketing, creative, and digital roles. BCJobs.ca→ Western Canada’s go-to platform for growing companies and startups. JobPostings.ca→ Targeted at students and recent graduates entering the workforce. SalesRep.ca → Specialized in sales and business development positions. Retail.ca→ Focused entirely on retail and customer service roles. eJobbo → Fast-growing site for both local and remote job listings. MARS Discovery District Jobs → Startup ecosystem hub for innovation and tech roles. Careermine.com → Industry-specific site for mining, energy, and natural resources. Red Seal Recruiting Solutions Ltd. → Specialized in trades and technical placements across Canada. CIM ICM (Canadian Institute of Mining) → For professionals in mining, metallurgy, and geoscience. We don’t stay on the surface because we’re lazy. We stay there because it’s comfortable. But breaking through Canada’s job market means exploring deeper, testing new platforms, and staying consistent, even when it’s quiet. If you want different results, you need to go where others don’t. Dive below the surface. That’s where the real jobs are. ________ ♻️ Re-share with your network if you found this useful and help others :) I help job seekers land better jobs. If you are job hunting, let's connect - https://lnkd.in/eujW3aBP