Photo by José Ramon Martinez on Unsplash
What does the executive hiring landscape look like going into H2? We asked our team of executive recruiters to share hiring trends they expect to see in the second half of 2024.
Trends we expect to see in the coming months:
Hiring will continue to ramp up. As companies settle into their projections for the second half of the year, our team expects to see an uptick in hiring on the executive team. As we've experienced fluctuations in tech markets over the past two years, we’ve seen the ripple effects this has on companies’ expectations for growth. Many pulled back on hiring or expanding their leadership teams, becoming more “defensive.” In the first half of 2024, however, we began to see signs of growth as companies shifted to an “offensive” stance and began looking forward to 2025.
GTM leaders are in demand. We’re seeing an uptick in hiring for GTM roles specifically, along with Product and Finance roles. We expect to see that continue throughout the second half of the year as companies stabilize and shift to a more growth-focused strategy.
Companies are looking for functional leaders. Hiring teams are focusing on high will and skill over the "press release hire." We’re seeing a focus on tactical leaders as opposed to those focused solely on the big picture. Given the conditions over the past 12-18 months, many CEOs have carried the weight for multiple roles. Many companies are looking for specialized executives who can lead a team and execute on strategy.
Our advice for CEOs considering growth:
Don’t focus on what other companies are doing. Make the right addition to your team at the right time for your organization and the unique challenges you’re facing. Rather than paying attention to what other companies are or aren’t doing, focus on making your team and your company better every day.
Consider company morale. Many companies have made deep cuts over the last few years. It’s a good time to check in on your team. How is morale? Is the team operating at max capacity, or did you cut too deep? Are you missing out on leaders who are vital to your growth?
Set your team up for success in the coming years. Companies should be considering what hires they need to be in place by the end of this year in order to set them up for success in 2025—who are the people who will be alongside the CEO (including the executive team and independent board members) as they determine the strategic priorities for the next 1-3 years?
Thinking about your next hire?
At Bolster, we’re reinventing executive search by combining the power of experienced recruiters with our intelligent sourcing platform. Built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, Bolster matches CEOs with transformational executives for full-time, fractional, and board roles—without the hassle of traditional talent sourcing. It’s smarter search done faster and with more confidence.
When you work with Bolster, our extraordinary team will work alongside you to make your search a success. We take the time to listen, understand, and respond to your needs, support you throughout your search, and offer our expertise as a resource.
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