JOB MARKET TRENDS: Sales Hiring – 2024 vs 2025
Sales hiring in 2025 hasn’t changed so much compared to last year as the familiar pattern is still there with a relatively steady first half, a clear peak in Q3, and some softening at year end.
What has changed?
In 2024, we saw Sales hiring looking reactive with activity surging mid-year, and dropping in Q4 possibly as confidence tightened from Q3 to Q4, as we see volumes fell by around 18%, leaving the year well below where it started.
In 2025, the movement is more restrained with the Q3 peak still there, but the decline into Q4 is closer to 14% with the year-end above Q1.
For employers, that’s an important distinction as it may be suggesting Sales roles are no longer being treated as something to switch on and off as a response to short-term conditions.
What’s also changed is intent – in 2024, we were much more optimistic while in 2025 we have seen much more protection.
For Jobseekers, this may explain why there may be fewer advertised roles, but also why we have seen roles feel more specific with the hiring process being more deliberate.
Employers are placing greater emphasis on proven sales capability.
Conclusion
Considering the fluctuations we have seen in Sales hiring over the last two years, 2025 is pointing to a more stable and considered approach. We can only see if this approach continues settled and sustainable, as we go through 2026.
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