2024 - A Year in Review

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Justin McGuire
December 19, 2024

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2024 - A Year in Review by MCG Talent CEO Justin McGuire

As 2024 began, I was clear-eyed about the state of the markets we operate in across APAC and MENA. I had a strong sense of how the year would unfold, for us as a business and for candidates navigating the market.

Unlike the boom of 2022, the markets had steadied. Challenges like inflation, China’s economic slowdown, and the aftershocks of the tech downturn were still in play. But I felt optimistic about what lay ahead, particularly in MENA, which I knew would be our strongest market this year.

At MCG Talent, we stayed lean with around 25 team members split between onshore and offshore. We doubled down on our recruitment model, shifting further towards offshore hiring and enhancing efficiency with smart automation tools.

2024 was also a game-changer for how we help candidates and clients.

We expanded our marketing efforts, launched a monthly webinar series on market trends, tech, and hiring strategies, and hosted events focused on navigating the GCC job market. These included discussions on EVPs, salary trends, mental health, and talent attraction.

We also partnered with trade bodies like PRCA and MEPRA to create guides aimed at tackling the region's unique challenges. This collaboration added real value to businesses looking to thrive in a shifting landscape.

For candidates, we noticed a shift in hiring priorities, with companies favouring regional experience over international relocations. In APAC, we saw a similar trend, with businesses leaning towards local-language speakers. 

Personally, I made a big push to grow my personal brand this year, and I’m excited to hit 100,000 followers on LinkedIn, a reflection of consistent effort and meaningful content. 

At MCG Talent, we’ve seen how personal branding can open doors in competitive markets. 

It’s been a major driver of our success in 2024, from cold outreach sparked by our content to the visibility our campaigns and videos have created. If you’re looking to make an impact in 2025, I’d say building your personal brand should be at the top of your list.

So, what’s ahead in 2025?

In MENA, we expect demand for talent to keep rising, especially with the growing interest in the UAE and the expansion of our Saudi operations, where we locked in our business license this year. 

In APAC, the markets are picking up, and we’re confident about steady growth there too. 

We’re stepping into the 15th year of MCG Talent and my 25th year in the industry, and I’m as energised now as I was when I started. With a clear focus and a strong plan, we’re set for an exciting year ahead. 

To our clients, candidates, and partners: thank you for your trust and support. You’ve been key to our journey, and we’re looking forward to navigating the next chapter together.

Here’s to a thriving 2025!

Justin McGuire, CEO of MCG Talent and Founder of 7-Figure Recruitment, continues to provide valuable insights to help businesses scale and thrive. For more updates, tips, and a closer look at his journey, follow Justin on his social media channels and check out his podcast Beyond the Business Card.

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