Four job recruiting trends that defined 2016

Thanks to a talent shortage, leadership gap and advances in technology, employers need to change how they recruit the best candidates. (BraunS/Getty Images)

For the sixth consecutive year, the U.S. economy has had increasing job growth every single month as it continues its gradual rebound from The Great Recession.

In fact, the streak of job growth extended to 74 months in November 2016. Meanwhile, the nation's unemployment rate dropped to a nine-year low of 4.6%.

Here are four recruiting trends that defined 2016.

America's (got a) talent crunch

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Consistent job growth in 2016 has further fueled America's talent crunch. Employers continue to struggle finding qualified candidates with current, relevant work experience in specialized fields.

This is especially true for job openings in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related fields.

The result has led major corporations to launch employer-branded digital media campaigns. GE's "What's the Matter with Owen" praises the company as providers of world-changing jobs in an effort to attract the best job candidates for software positions.

In addition to digital media campaigns on national television and YouTube, employers have made full use of available work visas to import the talent they need.

Employers are turning to older workers to fill job needs

Some companies have more heavily turned to mentorship programs to develop the talent they need.

For example, Lisa Carnoy, New York City market president of Bank of America, launched an 18-month training program to develop individuals to be private bankers.