The new year could be a good time to look for a new job as there may be a boost in new job openings, according to research by this Canadian recruitment and employment agency.

Robert Half is predicting a jump in the number of available job openings compared to the second half of 2024 with 46 per cent planning to to add new permanent roles and 49 per cent planning to hire for vacated positions, as noted in its new State of Canadian Hiring Survey.

Senior Regional Director Mike Shekhtman says job seekers can take advantage of the wave of opportunity by streamlining their professional portfolios, among other tactics.

“It starts with how you show up online…so one of the things that’s going to be important is that your LinkedIn profile is up to date. It’s relevant. It’s in line with the type of position you’re looking for, and maybe most importantly, it is a mirrored image to your resume,” he told Now Toronto on Friday.

According to the firm, hiring for vacated positions will ramp up as businesses prepare to add new roles in January.

“Forty six per cent of companies report plans to add new permanent positions in the first half of the year, and another 49 per cent plan to fill vacated positions,” the survey says, adding that 54 per cent of companies are increasing the number of contract professionals to aid with projects in 2025. 

In addition, among managers surveyed, 47 per cent cited company growth as the primary factor influencing hiring decisions and strategy, followed by employee turnover rates (44 per cent) and the emergence of new projects (41 per cent).

To catch the attention of hiring managers, Shekhtman says candidates should also keep an eye on grammar and spelling, as errors may “deter somebody from pursuing your experience and profile.” 

“The next big thing is, we know that many hiring managers have a level of influence on hiring based on referrals. So, tapping into your network, whether it’s your professional network, maybe through your education and university alumni group, or even your personal one, is key,” he continued.

Shekhtman assured that job seekers with gaps in their resume shouldn’t worry, explaining that most employers are more interested in an articulate explanation of it, than the lapse itself, and that many years of experience at the same company is not necessarily preferred over short stints at various workplaces or across multiple industries.

“It’s not frowned upon at the same level as it used to be, where people were bouncing from company to company very quickly. I think if you are able to explain your situation, I think maybe on a contract or temporary engagement is a great opportunity to get a foot in the door with some really great organizations,” he said.

As well as this, partnering with a recruitment firm that specializes in industries of interest can help candidates attain roles that open the door to further opportunities, Shekhtman said. 

Building on that, honing industry-specific skills can make applicants stand out in a competitive marketplace, alongside attending networking where potential employers can make new introductions and obtain mentorship or professional interview coaching.

Finally, “it’s important to reflect as an individual and to ensure that your mindset is in a positive place,” he concluded.