South Africa’s online labour market trends

South Africa's job market is experiencing a shift as more employers are turning to candidate sourcing to tap into passive jobseekers. As competition for talent intensifies, companies are recognizing the need to actively search for potential candidates who may not be actively job hunting but are open to the right opportunity. Insights from Pnet's April 2025 Job Market Trends Report shed light on key trends in the online labour market, painting a picture of the evolving job landscape in South Africa. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Paul Byrne, the Head of Data & Customer Insights at Pnet, shared valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the job market. One of the key takeaways from the report is the importance of talent sourcing, which encompasses both job advertising and database search. Job ads typically reach only about 12% of the employment market, consisting of actively job-seeking individuals, while another 13% are casually looking for opportunities. This leaves a significant portion, 75% of the talent pool, who are not actively aware of the job openings available. Recruiters are increasingly turning to candidate sourcing to reach this untapped talent segment. When it comes to the sectors that are actively engaging in candidate sourcing, business and management, finance, IT, administration, and sales professionals are among the top sectors being targeted. This indicates a growing awareness among companies that relying solely on job applications may not be sufficient in attracting top talent. In terms of specific skills that are in high demand, managerial roles such as finance managers, sales managers, and business development managers are at the forefront. Software development skills remain sought-after despite a 45% decrease in demand over the last three years. Additionally, sales representatives, finance and project accountants, and admin clerks are also in demand, with a notable shift towards roles like tender administrators and financial assistants within the admin sector. Soft skills play a crucial role in increasing a candidate's likelihood of being targeted through sourcing. Skills such as creative thinking, negotiation, and sales acumen are highly valued by recruiters as businesses seek candidates who can drive innovation and differentiation. The evolution of recruiter search terms reflects the changing demands of the job market. Terms like accountant, bookkeeper, financial manager, sales, and project manager continue to dominate the search landscape, highlighting the importance of financial stability and revenue generation within organizations. Project managers, especially in the IT sector, are in high demand across various industries, reflecting the need for skilled professionals to oversee complex projects. Notably, software developers, data analysts, and financial accountants are among the most contacted candidates, with recruiters reaching out multiple times throughout the year. The high demand for these skills underscores the competitive nature of the job market. As South Africa's job market continues to evolve, recruiters and employers must adapt to the changing landscape by embracing candidate sourcing strategies to access top talent and drive organizational success.