The Top 7 Trends Shaping Creative and Tech Hiring in 2024

7 Trends shaping Creative & Tech Hiring with trend checklist
Author: Kristen Harris

The job market for creative and tech roles is evolving rapidly, with various forces impacting how companies hire and how candidates search for opportunities. We specialize in staffing and recruiting for these fields, so we’re always watching for trends to help our clients and talent find the right match.


Whether filling an open role or hiring seasonal support for your team, here are seven trends we’re watching…

1. AI and Automation Skills Are in High Demand

There’s this little thing called AI…heard of it? 😳 Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries across the board, and creative and tech roles are no exception. Technology candidates with expertise in AI, machine learning, and automation are in high demand, especially for roles in software development and data science. And creative professionals who know how to leverage AI tools for design, marketing, and content creation are also extremely valuable.


Companies are prioritizing roles that integrate AI into their work, making candidates who can blend creativity with technical skills highly sought after.

2. A Shift Back to In-Office and Hybrid Work

While remote work saw a significant rise during the pandemic, many businesses are now prioritizing in-office or hybrid models in 2024. We’re seeing this shift in our clients’ policies – most are filling in-office or hybrid roles, with some remote work depending on the position. Employers, especially in creative and tech sectors, are recognizing the value of in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and stronger team dynamics that come with office-based work. Companies need to build a cohesive culture, improve communication, and ensure higher engagement, all of which can be more challenging in fully remote settings. As a result, many employers are moving away from fully remote roles and emphasizing the importance of a physical presence in the workplace.

Hybrid work is becoming a common model, offering flexibility without losing the benefits of face-to-face interactions, while other companies need their teams fully in-office. This decision depends on the type of business, the product or service, internal culture, office location, the role being filled, and other factors. Whether hiring for in-office, hybrid, or remote roles, it’s important to create an environment that fosters innovation and productivity, while providing enough flexibility to attract talent.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a Top Priority

DEI initiatives have become a business imperative, not just for ethical reasons but for driving innovation and better outcomes. Diverse teams lead to improved decision-making, creativity, and financial performance. According to McKinsey & Company, companies with a high level of diversity outperform peers financially.


In creative roles, diversity ensures content resonates with a wider, multicultural audience, helping brands expand reach and engagement. In tech, closing diversity gaps brings fresh problem-solving approaches and helps build products that appeal to a broader audience.


DEI also boosts employee satisfaction and retention, making businesses more attractive to top talent. If you’re hiring, a strong DEI strategy can increase innovation, improve culture, and help you stay competitive in today’s global market.

4. Freelance and Gig Work is on the Rise

The gig economy continues to grow, and creative and tech roles are at the forefront of this shift. Independent talent are in high demand for project-based work, especially in web design, development, and digital marketing. According to Forbes, the independent workforce is expected to continue growing, with companies favoring the flexibility of hiring contractors to meet short-term needs.


Staffing firms are playing a big role in this, helping companies quickly find skilled professionals for specialized tasks. (Yes, that includes us!) When you partner with a staffing firm, you leverage our expertise and connections to a wide variety of pre-vetted professionals. This saves time and reduces hiring costs, while providing the flexibility to scale your team based on project needs. We handle all the recruiting and employment logistics, allowing you to focus on core operations and everything else on your to-do list.

5. Skills Matter More Than Degrees

More companies are moving away from traditional degree requirements, focusing instead on skills and experience. Don’t get us wrong – the right degree can still be important for certain roles – but not every postition requires a lengthy educational background. In the technology world, we’re seeing coding bootcamps and self-taught programming skills becoming more accepted, as long as candidates can prove they can do the work. A joint study by Harvard Business School and the Burning Glass Institute found that many employers are announcing a shift away from traditional degree requirements (although the actual implementation of skills-based hiring is still a work in progress).


In the creative industry, we know that portfolios speak volumes. Showcasing real-world projects and innovative thinking often carries as much weight as academic credentials. Focusing more heavily on the skills required can open you up to a larger candidate pool for your open role.

6. Soft Skills Are Just as Important as Technical Skills

While technical skills are crucial in technology and creative roles, companies are placing increased value on soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Creatives need to collaborate across departments, communicate effectively with clients and team members, and present their ideas clearly. Technology professionals who can think critically, solve problems, and work well in teams are highly sought after, especially in roles that require cross-functional collaboration.


In a LinkedIn Global Talent Trends report, 92% of hiring professionals said that soft skills are just as important (and maybe more important) than hard skills when it comes to hiring. Take that with a grain of salt – knowing the key software or required programs is still table stakes. However, once a candidate has shown that they have the technical skills necessary for the role, soft skills can be the deciding factor for which person is best for the role.

7. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Hiring

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are increasingly influencing hiring decisions, as companies seek to fill roles that support their environmental and ethical values. Businesses are actively looking for candidates who can contribute to their sustainability efforts, which is reshaping job descriptions, particularly in creative roles like marketing and design.

As brands shift their messaging towards eco-friendly products and practices, they require professionals who understand and can communicate these values effectively. In the tech sector, the focus on sustainability is driving the development of innovative solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact, leading companies to prioritize candidates with expertise in green technologies. Additionally, job seekers are becoming more discerning, often choosing employers based on their commitment to ethical hiring practices, fair labor, and social impact.

This shift means that organizations must not only articulate their sustainability goals but also demonstrate genuine progress in these areas to attract top talent that cares about these issues.

What’s Next?

As creative and tech roles continue to evolve, staying up-to-date on hiring trends is crucial for success. Whether you’re a manager looking to build your team or a professional searching for your next role, understanding these changes will help you stay ahead in 2024.

If you’re looking for expert guidance in navigating the ever-changing job market, our team is here to help! We specialize in connecting the best creative and tech talent with companies that need their skills. Let’s chat about how we can help you find your next great hire!

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