Over the years, searching for jobs has come a long way. In the 90s, job seekers scanned classifieds, hand-delivered resumes, and networked in person. Today, a few clicks can connect you with opportunities and professionals across the globe.
But no matter how much technology has changed, job hunting has never been simple. As we approach Atrium’s 30th anniversary, we’re taking a look at how much the job search has evolved, and how we’ve made it easier for candidates along the way.
The Job Search in 1995
Atrium began as a small office above Grand Central Station on September 15, 1995. It was there that we introduced our Applicant-Centric™ philosophy and launched our first recruitment solution. While recruitment remains at the heart of everything we do, the job search looked very different back then.
Here are five ways candidates found opportunities in 1995:
1. “Help Wanted” Ads in the Newspaper
Before online job boards, the classifieds were the go-to for every job seeker. They poured over the “help wanted” sections of the newspaper to find openings.
(Fun fact: one reason we’re named Atrium is that it placed us at the top of the Yellow Pages!)
2. Hand-Delivered Resumes
Online applications were rare, so most applicants mailed, faxed, or personally delivered their resumes. Landing a job often meant putting yourself (and your resume) directly in front of a hiring manager.
3. College Career Services
Much like today, graduates turned to their university career centers for guidance when exploring new opportunities. However, back then, these services were far less tech-savvy and much more transactional. Most jobs and internships were listed in binders or posted on bulletin boards with a phone number to call; nothing like the streamlined online portals, such as Handshake, that students use today.
4. Networking in Person
Connections mattered just as much as they do now. Many job seekers found opportunities through personal relationships or word of mouth, proving that networking has always been a foundational element of the job search.
5. Staffing Agencies
By 1995, staffing agencies were shifting from filling short-term roles to becoming strategic workforce management partners. With the rise of early Applicant Tracking Systems, this era marked a turning point as candidates increasingly turned to agencies to help land their dream jobs.
Fast Forward: The Job Search in 2025
Thirty years later, technology has completely reshaped the candidate experience. Some of the biggest changes include:
- AI-Driven Job Matching – Platforms now recommend roles tailored to your skills and experience.
- Remote & Global Opportunities: Virtual work has opened doors to positions that would have been unimaginable in 1995.
- Online Networking: LinkedIn, social platforms, and digital communities make connecting with professionals instant and global.
- Modern Talent Solutions Partners: Today’s leading agencies now combine advanced recruitment technology with personalized strategies to help candidates stand out.
Yet, despite all these advances, the heart of job hunting remains the same. Candidates still want more than a job. They want guidance, trust, and a partner who understands their career goals.
That’s why Atrium has stayed committed to keeping the experience human. From connecting with candidates through a newspaper ad in 1995 to leveraging AI-enabled recruitment strategies today, our Applicant-Centric™ approach has always focused on people first.
Shaping the Next 30 Years of Work
After 30 years in business, we’ve seen the world of work transform and are excited to help shape what’s next. Explore our open opportunities and get matched with an Atrium recruiter who’s ready to guide you through the future of job searching with confidence
