"I left my last company almost a year ago and have been struggling to find a new role. I know the tech job market is tough right now, but when is this likely to change? Where are the best opportunities right now?"
The tech job market has been in a state of flux for the last two years, influenced by economic uncertainty, a reduction in available VC funding and shifts in industry demand. Many companies are still adjusting to the over-hiring frenzy sparked by the pandemic, particularly in Europe, where stabilisation is just beginning as businesses adapt to new economic realities.
Hiring decisions are now far more deliberate, and the abundance of high-quality job opportunities that once existed has diminished. Inflated titles and compensation are no more — creating a gap between job seekers' expectations and the actual availability of senior roles, leaving many in a state of limbo.
However while the job market may not be as fast-paced as before, the number of new opportunities is steadily growing as tech trends evolve. Although it’s difficult to predict when the market will fully rebound, tech markets have historically been cyclical. After a downturn, they typically return to growth, which is already evident in fields like AI and cybersecurity. Encouraging signals include a surge in startups founded by seasoned tech professionals (e.g. DeepMind, Palantir and Revolut alumni), VCs announcing new funds and some tech companies rebuilding their recruiting teams. While these signs may not indicate an immediate hiring boom, they offer promising glimpses of recovery.
Here are some ideas and steps you could take to improve your chances of success:
Focus on growth areas
Stay informed about emerging industry trends and align your search with sectors poised for growth. AI is a hot area, but unless you're aiming for an R&D role, focus on companies applying AI to real-world problems with clear end-user value. Similarly, fields like defence and cybersecurity are hot, but competition for roles in trending sectors is likely to be intense. Hiring teams have more candidate options than ever, so make your outreach personal — or better yet — leverage a warm introduction. While growth is slow in some sectors, don’t completely rule them out; keep an eye on companies driving innovation or adapting to changing consumer and business needs.
Be targeted, but flexible
In a tight market, it’s tempting to apply to as many roles as possible, but this approach can lead to disappointment and burnout. Instead, be intentional about opportunities that align with your expertise and interests. This will save time and energy by avoiding roles that don’t match your long-term goals. If you choose to broaden your search, experiment with parameters like company size — for instance targeting less senior roles at a more scaled company — or geography, if your circumstances permit. Research regions with growing tech hubs using tools like Atlas and reach out to local connections for insights.
Differentiate yourself
In a competitive landscape, it’s crucial to stand out. While it’s important to tailor your CV and cover note for each role (and using ChatGPT can really help with that), there are other ways to leave a lasting impression. Refine your career story and create a succinct, engaging introduction for cold outreach. Boost your personal brand by contributing to relevant online communities, engaging in industry discussions on LinkedIn and X, or even launching a blog or podcast. Building an audience within your niche not only showcases your expertise but also increases your visibility to hiring managers.
Pinpoint where you’re stuck
If you’re applying for jobs but not seeing the results you expect, take time to assess where the process is reaching a bottleneck. Is the issue getting interviews, or progressing through the later stages? Identifying this will help you refine your approach. For example, if you’re getting interviews but not advancing, focus on sharpening how you present your skills and practice giving more succinct, results-oriented responses. Seek feedback when possible and adjust your strategy for future interviews. If the problem is finding enough roles to apply to, broaden your sources of opportunity. Send a concise, forwardable email to your network with your pitch and job preferences to facilitate frictionless introductions. Use LinkedIn to keyword search “Posts” rather than just job listings, as many opportunities aren’t formally advertised yet can be found in network announcements.
Consider freelancing
Stay open to alternative working arrangements, such as contracting or freelancing. This can keep you connected to the industry while giving you flexibility. For startups, freelance engagements may offer a low-risk way to test if a company is a good fit, and could lead to full-time opportunities if things work out. Even if you decide to build a portfolio career, it’s a way to maintain momentum in a challenging job market.
Stay proactive and resilient
It’s natural to feel discouraged when the job search takes longer than expected, but maintaining a resilient mindset is key to long-term success. Rejection is a natural part of the process, especially in today’s market, so try to learn from each experience. Stay connected with your support network — whether friends, family, or other jobseekers — to avoid feeling isolated. Consider setting small, achievable goals each week, such as reaching out to a certain number of contacts or applying to a set number of positions, to keep yourself motivated and on track. Staying focused and confident will make a difference when you do land interviews.
Though the job market is challenging at the moment, I’m confident that better opportunities are on the horizon. It’s not just about finding any job, but about securing the right next step for your career. Patience and persistence often lead to the most rewarding outcomes — the best opportunities are usually worth the wait!
At this October's Sifted Summit, Zoe's hosting a live in-person Q&A session. Do you have a burning question you want her to answer? Get your tickets today and come along.
