The newly released GRID 2025 Talent Trends Report by Bullhorn confirms what many in healthcare recruitment already know: job boards may dominate the candidate journey, but they don’t deliver everything today’s workforce needs.

Job Boards Still Rule the First Click

According to the report:

• 66% of candidates start their job search on broad job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed.
• Only 35% turn to recruiters, down from 45% just a year ago.
• Among Gen Z, that number drops further to 26%.

Job boards remain popular because they’re fast, accessible, and powered by AI-driven alerts. But while convenient, they lack the personal connection, trust, and tailored matching that healthcare professionals deserve.

What Candidates Really Want

The GRID 2025 report highlights key areas where candidates are setting new expectations:

• Speed & Communication: 3 out of 4 candidates stop working with recruiters when the process drags or communication goes silent.
• Transparency: 16% say they never even receive confirmation that their application was received.
• Upskilling & Flexibility: 91% of candidates who participate in reskilling programs stay loyal to the firms that provide them.

The takeaway is clear: today’s healthcare professionals don’t just want a job. They want timely responses, clarity, and opportunities for career growth.

The Role of AI in the Candidate Experience

Nearly half of candidates have already interacted with AI during their job search, and 77% reported positive experiences. Whether it’s instant acknowledgments, AI-powered matching, or voice agents that feel surprisingly human, candidates value technology that eliminates delays.

But there’s a catch: tech alone isn’t enough. The strongest candidate experiences come from a balance of automation and human connection.

Where ProfiHitch Fits In

At ProfiHitch, we’re building exactly what the GRID 2025 report calls for:

• Skill-Based Matching: Candidates are connected with healthcare employers based on verified credentials, certifications, and preferences, not just keywords.
• Confidential & Candidate-Centric: Personal details remain hidden until both sides agree to connect, giving candidates control and peace of mind.
• AI + Human Insight: We use automation to reduce delays and eliminate black holes, while still ensuring meaningful human connection throughout the process.
• Career Growth Features: ProfiHitch is more than a job board. It’s a career platform designed to support healthcare professionals long-term, from skill-building to career alignment.

The Bottom Line

The GRID 2025 Talent Trends Report underscores a simple truth: the era of relying on job boards alone is over. Candidates want speed, transparency, and growth opportunities that align with their career “love language.”

That’s why ProfiHitch is redefining healthcare recruitment, delivering both the efficiency of AI and the empathy of human connection.