Martin Hill

Job applications have surged by 45%, leaving recruiters overwhelmed and increasingly skeptical of AI screening tools. As application volume rises, many employers are shifting away from advertised applicants and focusing instead on passive candidates, referrals, and trusted professional networks. This hiring trend is changing how candidates stand out in today’s competitive job market.

A bad hire can cost 30% to 200% of salary, but the real impact goes far beyond fees. It slows execution, disrupts teams, and delays growth. Most hiring failures are not about capability, but misalignment. By the time it becomes visible, the cost is already compounding

Leading during a hiring freeze requires more than doing more with less. Without actively managing workload and expectations, teams face rising burnout, disengagement, and attrition risk. Strong leadership focuses on prioritisation, protecting team energy, and creating sustainable ways of working that maintain performance under pressure.