Metaview, a recruiting AI scribe, released its 2024 Interview Trends Report. The report, which analyzes over one million interviews conducted by more than 2,000 companies around the world, highlights the main topics that shape hiring conversations during the year.
The most dominant themes were AI’s increasing influence, the debates surrounding workplace flexibility and the changing nature of company culture.
AI was mentioned in interviews more frequently, and by a significant 35 percent. AI-related trends and skills like “prompt-engineering” have become more prominent, particularly within Engineering, Product and Go-To-Market. AI agents were also discussed more than AI assistants. This reflects a shift of focus with the advancement of technology.
The workplace culture was a hot topic, and mentions of cultural alignement increased by 40%. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), however, dropped by 30%, due in part to the fact that high-profile companies like Ford and Boeing have scaled back their DEI programmes. Interviewers and candidates are focusing on the cultural fit of the candidate, with a greater emphasis on work-life balance.
AI skills are on the rise across departments
AI has a significant impact across industries. Candidates are more likely to discuss AI skills in interviews without being asked. AI mentions reached a peak in November and December. Emerging topics such as AI agents became popular, and Engineering, Sales, and Marketing roles were the ones leading these discussions.
Interviews revealed a clear increase in AI-related skills. The analysis showed that Python was the most frequently mentioned language, surpassing JavaScript. This is in line with the fact that Python has become the most popular programming language on GitHub because of the increasing adoption of generative AI. These trends indicate that AI will be a key differentiator in the talent acquisition process for all roles, a trend expected to continue through 2025.
Changes in Workplace Culture Discussions
In 2024, while discussions about DEI decreased, company culture was a major topic. Interviewers emphasized the importance of cultural fit, and candidates expressed their expectations about work-life balance. The debate about flexible working arrangements was at the forefront, and remote work preference surpassed hybrid models.
The shift in priorities is a reflection of the changing workplace, especially as employers increasingly require office returns. This tension is highlighted by the peak of “return to office” discussions in October, when candidates continue to prioritize flexibility.
LinkedIn reports that the most sought-after skills are adaptability, resilience and problem solving. As a result, the confidence in job security increased, and references to layoffs or economic downturns decreased by year’s end.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Metaview’s research suggests that AI integration in hiring conversations and skills requirements will continue to grow over the next year. Technical expertise and adaptability are highly desired. The workplace culture will also continue to play a major role in attracting top talent. Organisations must balance flexibility with operational needs.
Siadhal Magnos, CEO and co-founder of Metaview said: “Nonewhere are the driving forces and motivations of today’s market more exposed than in interviews between interviewers. Organizations are looking for candidates with future-proofed skills as AI continues to transform the way virtually all jobs are performed. In order to win on the market today, it is more important than ever that employers look for candidates who share their values and norms.