The tables are turning for public sector recruitment. After several challenging years marked by applicant shortages and fierce competition for talent, NEOGOV’s latest data reveals encouraging trends that suggest a shift toward an employer’s market.
Our analysis, garnered through firsthand data on thousands of local and state government agencies, along with key research on job seeker sentiment, reveals five key trends reshaping public sector recruitment. With 93% of Americans interested in exploring new opportunities this year and economic uncertainty driving job seekers to prioritize stability over flashy perks, government agencies are attracting more candidates and seeing improved candidate quality.
As job seekers continue to rediscover the value of government careers, agencies can use this opportunity to strengthen recruitment, attract top talent, and build sustainable talent pipelines.
Download the full report to see the 5 key trends we uncovered that are impacting the 2025 job market — and what actions your agency can take to stay prepared for the future of public sector recruitment.