If you’re a Spotify or Apple Music listener, you know December is when those highly-anticipated yearly rewinds drop — the playlists and stats that show what you’ve been listening to all year. Similarly, we’re taking a moment to rewind and reflect on what resonated most with you — recruiters, employers, and HR professionals navigating an ever-changing hiring landscape — in 2024. Over the past year, our office shared a variety of insights on everything from hiring best practices to development advice, and your engagement has shown us what truly hit the mark.
In this blog, we’re recapping the top-performing pieces of content from 2024. These highlights aren’t just a look back — they’re an opportunity to revisit ideas that can inspire your talent strategies in the year ahead.
Blogs You Loved Most…
“Why Google Hires Humanities Majors“
Key Takeaway: Diversifying the talent pool by hiring beyond traditional majors drives innovation and enriches problem-solving.
This blog sparked interest around skills-based hiring, emphasizing how companies like Google and Apple value the unique perspectives humanities majors bring to the table. Readers appreciated practical insights into identifying key skills for success — both soft and technical — and how inclusive hiring can give organizations a competitive edge. Even if a major is seemingly incompatible with an industry, there is more that often meets the eye.
For recruiters still narrowing their talent pool by major, this piece serves as a wake-up call: innovation doesn’t come from homogeneity! If you missed it the first time, revisit it here.
“Why Savvy Companies Are Hiring International Students — and Why You Can Too“
Key Takeaway: Tapping into the international talent pool is a strategic advantage, not a compliance burden.
This blog put a spotlight on the many benefits of hiring international students, from fueling innovation to reaching new markets. We broke down OPT and CPT programs, and let small and mid-sized companies know that it is possible to navigate visa logistics with minimal hassle.
As companies increasingly prioritize global perspectives, this blog inspired readers to rethink their hiring strategies and explore untapped opportunities. Ready to explore the “how” behind international hiring? Check it out here.
“A Self-Care Guide for Recruiters this Hiring Season“
Key Takeaway: Burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable — self-care is a professional strength.
During the hectic hiring season, this blog delivered a much-needed pause. From stress management tips to boundary-setting advice, it addressed the unique pressures recruiters face during peak times. The curated resources, including practical checklists and personal stories from industry leaders, helped our audience prioritize mental health without compromising performance.
If you’re heading into 2025 feeling drained, this blog is a reminder that sustainable success starts with self-care.
Newsletters that Caught Your Interest…
January
“Shape Hire-Hopkins Content in 2024 + A Guide to Applicant Screening”
January kicked off the year with a newsletter that truly resonated with our hiring partners. Alia’s Director’s Note provided insights into Hire Hopkins’ dual mission: closing equity gaps in hiring outcomes and sharing industry trends. This edition offered a concise guide for applicant screening, perfectly timed for hiring partners beginning their interview processes. It also highlighted the often-overlooked advantages of hiring international students, introducing programs like OPT and CPT and promoting an international hiring event.
February
“Skip the Beer Test, Try Skills-Based Hiring Instead”
In February, Alia took a reflective and authentic approach, sharing a personal anecdote that led into a discussion on embracing transparency and authenticity in recruiting. The newsletter highlighted key insights from Deloitte’s 2023 Gen Z & Millennial Survey, emphasizing how value-driven students resonate with organizations that engage in self-reflection and honest communication.
November
“Burnt Out Recruiters, This One’s for You“
As recruiting season often reaches a high in November, this edition directly addressed the exhaustion many recruiters feel around this time. Alia emphasized the importance of self-care, not as an indulgence but as a vital component of effectiveness and resilience. The newsletter shared curated resources from Harvard Business Review and First Round, offering actionable advice for navigating stress and maintaining balance.
A standout quote from this edition: “We can take control by creating more choice points — moments where we bring in intention and make decisions to move towards our goals or values.” The focus on well-being struck a chord with readers, cementing its place as one of the top-performing newsletters of the year.
Looking Ahead
The themes that resonated most this year — inclusion, innovation, and well-being — aren’t just trends; they’re essential for building resilient, future-ready teams. As you plan for 2025, let these insights guide you toward hiring practices that elevate both your organization and the talent you bring on board!
Thank you for joining us this year, and here’s to more collaboration and innovation in the year to come. Stay tuned for fresh insights and strategies in 2025!
What topic would you like to see us tackle next year? Share your ideas — we’d love to hear from you!
