Getting hired in healthcare in 2025: ATS and soft skill strategies after the Great Resignation

Even since the Great Resignation significantly upended the workforce beginning in 2021, the role of human resources (HR) leaders and the technologies they use — especially applicant tracking systems (ATS) — have evolved dramatically. This evolution has had significant implications for job seekers across all industries, including healthcare administration.  

Healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles in practice management and administration should understand these trends to optimize their job applications. 

Tech-driven recruitment and retention 

The Great Resignation accelerated the adoption of technology in HR departments, as organizations needed to quickly identify, recruit and retain top talent in a competitive job market. ATS platforms became even more integral, allowing HR teams to streamline hiring processes and efficiently manage a high volume of applications. 

Modern ATS platforms now incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to sift through resumes, assess candidates based on relevant experience and predict cultural fit. Throughout 2025, these systems will be even more refined, helping healthcare employers better identify candidates who align with their organizational values and have the skills necessary to thrive in challenging healthcare environments. 

Increased emphasis on data-driven decision-making 

HR professionals have increasingly relied on data to inform their hiring decisions. In healthcare administration, this trend is particularly important, as organizations seek leaders who understand a broad range of financial, operational and regulatory challenges through data analytics. In HR departments, this means measuring the effectiveness of their recruitment efforts and identifying talent trends that shape hiring strategies. 

Healthcare administrators looking for new opportunities should understand that ATS and HR leaders are using data to predict the long-term success of hires. This means that when crafting applications, candidates must showcase their measurable achievements, such as cost-saving initiatives, team management successes and improvements in patient care metrics. 

A shift toward people-centric recruitment 

As staffing shortages have stymied some organizations and retention rates suffered in a competitive market for healthcare workers, HR leaders have shifted focus from purely transactional hiring to people-centric recruitment strategies. The industry now prioritizes long-term retention and employee satisfaction, and HR leaders are looking for administrators with technical expertise plus the ability to create supportive, resilient workplaces and foster a positive organizational culture. 

For healthcare administrators, it’s crucial to demonstrate not only your ability to manage operations but also your leadership in creating a culture of wellness and engagement. HR teams look for candidates who will be strong partners with them in preventing turnover by focusing on staff well-being and development. 

Tailoring your application in 2025 

Given the changes in recruitment, here are some tips for healthcare administrators or practice leaders when applying for jobs in 2025: 

1. Optimize for ATS but show your human side: While ATS technology continues to filter candidates based on keywords, HR leaders are increasingly focused on the human aspects of candidates. Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using relevant keywords such as “healthcare administration,” “team leadership,” “employee engagement” and “workforce retention.” However, don’t forget to include examples of how you’ve fostered a positive workplace culture or supported staff well-being. 
2. Highlight retention and wellness initiatives: The Great Resignation made employee retention a top priority. Emphasize any experience you have in reducing turnover, improving staff satisfaction or implementing wellness programs. For instance, showcase achievements like “reduced staff turnover by 20% through mentorship programs” or “increased employee engagement scores by 15%.” 
3. Showcase adaptability and empathy: HR leaders are increasingly valuing soft skills, especially in healthcare leadership roles. Highlight your adaptability in crisis situations (such as navigating the COVID-19 pandemic), your ability to lead diverse teams, and your empathy for staff and patients alike. 

Conclusion 

Healthcare systems and medical groups need strong administrator and leader candidates who can exercise technical expertise while also proving their soft skills 

The Great Resignation has fundamentally changed how HR leaders approach recruitment and retention, especially in the healthcare industry. Healthcare administrators and practice leaders should tailor their job applications to reflect these changes. By optimizing your resume for ATS, focusing on employee wellness and retention, and showcasing both technical expertise and soft skills, you can position yourself as a top candidate in this highly competitive field.