EXPERT INSIGHTS

From AI to Gen Z: Andrew Bull on 2025 Hiring Trends and Insights

Sep 10, 2025 Written by: ALKU Media

As CEO & President of ALKU, Andrew Bull is at the center of shifting hiring trends, including how companies are adjusting their strategies, how entry-level candidates are navigating the market, and how AI is changing everything from consulting to staffing operations.

I sat down with him to talk about what leaders, businesses, and consultants should be paying attention to for the rest of 2025.

What are the top hiring trends you’re seeing from clients right now? Which industries are leading the way?

Andrew Bull: We’re seeing momentum in AI and data-related roles. Companies that are in the middle of digital transformations, or trying to keep up with competitors, are putting real resources into modernizing their systems. This means more demand for people with expertise in analytics, automation, and developing smarter workflows. However, across the board, clients are taking longer to hire than they have in the past. Part of this is because there’s simply more talent available and they’re interviewing more candidates, but it’s also a sign that companies are feeling pressure to make the right hire, not just the fastest one. And with good reason. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a bad hire can cost up to 30% of that employee’s first-year salary.

What’s the most surprising shift you’re seeing in how companies are hiring right now?

Andrew Bull: One of the biggest surprises is a shift back to working in the office (far more than companies are admitting). Candidates, especially entry-level talent, are showing interest in in-person opportunities. They want the structure, mentorship, and face-to-face experience that can sometimes be difficult to replicate remotely.

Another shift we’re watching closely: it’s getting harder for recent college grads to land that first job. Entry-level unemployment is higher than it’s been in recent years.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Gen Z unemployment rate is around 8.2%, which is more than double the national average of 3.5%.

There’s a lot of speculation around AI playing a role, either by automating certain tasks or changing what roles companies are prioritizing. That said, there’s still real opportunity in service-based and sales-related roles. For example, at ALKU, we’re seeing more strong entry-level candidates interested in joining the workforce and growing.

How is AI reshaping the consulting and staffing space — and what new roles are emerging because of it?

Andrew Bull: AI is absolutely reshaping our world and I’d say it’s creating opportunity on two main fronts.

For our clients, the need for AI-literate talent is only growing. They’re looking for consultants who can implement automation as well as analyze large volumes of data to make better business decisions and deliver a better customer experience. Specifically, we’re seeing interest in hiring Machine Learning engineers and data engineers, MLOps Experts, AI product managers, as well as versatile consultants who can do all the above and speak the language of business.

Internally, AI is helping us become better at what we do. It’s changing how we train, how we operate, and how we serve our clients. We’re using AI to make our sales teams more efficient, from identifying the right candidates to matching them with the right roles. It’s helping with outreach, training, and even backend operations.

If you had to name the top two skills companies are looking for right now, what would they be and why?

Andrew Bull: Two big ones stand out. First, anything related to data science and AI. Companies want people who can help them build smarter systems, automate repetitive work, and make better decisions with the data they already have. We’re seeing demand surge for AI consultants across industries.

Second, automation engineering, especially in the manufacturing space. As more organizations modernize operations, they need people who can bring those systems to life and make sure they’re running efficiently. For example, in manufacturing and logistics, we’re seeing AI drive major improvements, from predictive maintenance to smarter supply chain operations.

Is there anything about hiring today that the media isn’t covering but should be?

Andrew Bull: Definitely. I think Gen Z is often misunderstood, especially in the media. There’s a narrative that they want completely different things from previous generations, but that’s not what we’re seeing. Yes, their experiences have been different, many went through college or started working during COVID-19, and that shaped how they see the world. But when it comes to what they want from work, it’s surprisingly familiar: strong training, supportive leadership, meaningful career paths, fair pay, and a chance to be part of something big.

It’s our experience that they have the same hopes, dreams, and desires as generations before them. They’re ambitious. They’re driven. And when they have the right support, they’re ready to succeed.

What’s often overlooked is how far listening goes. Gen Z wants to be heard. They don’t expect leaders to have all the answers, but they do expect them to ask questions, listen, and take feedback seriously. That’s how trust is built.

And trust is key, especially as the path into the workforce is getting narrower. Entry-level roles are changing, and in some cases disappearing. That’s why internships matter more than ever. At ALKU, we’ve seen this firsthand, bringing on more than 350 interns this summer. We view internships as a launchpad for future leaders. Many of our leaders started as interns, including me! What makes the difference isn’t just the training, it’s the trust. We were given real responsibilities early on. We give interns meaningful work, surround them with mentors, and invest in helping them succeed.

What advice would you give to consultants trying to navigate today’s job market?

Andrew Bull: Focus on being adaptable. The world is changing fast, and the best consultants are the ones who can roll with it. Be curious, ask smart questions, and stay open to learning! Clients aren’t just looking for technical skills. They’re looking for people who understand the “why” behind the work, communicate clearly, and collaborate well across teams.

The Best Companies Know that It’s Still About the People

Hiring will continue to evolve, whether it’s driven by AI, shifting expectations, or changing market pressures. But the companies that stay ahead are the ones that stay people-focused: building strong talent pipelines, embracing smart tools, and supporting their teams through change by listening, adapting, and motivating people to grow with the company.