How to Get An IT Job in a Tough IT Jobs Market: Evidence-Based Strategies for Job Seekers and Employers
There’s no dancing around the subject: it’s tough to get an IT job at the moment.
The IT sector got off to a volatile start this year with the sudden stock crash for tech giant Nvidia (and the stock crashes just kept on coming, for various other reasons…). This followed Chinese startup Deepseek’s release of their AI reasoning model – a free-to-use, open-source rival to Chat GPT that was made for much cheaper. Deepseek’s debut is just one of the signs that new movers and shakers are entering the industry to disrupt the market, create new tech trends, and transform the culture of the corporate IT world. Any company could make a sudden come-up, and any company could make a sudden fall into obscurity. Employers are being cautious in reaction, with job vacancies for permanent IT roles in the UK shrinking at the fastest rate in four years.
This is scary news, but this is not the time to cower. Amidst these challenges, opportunities still exist and are emerging for job seekers that are willing to think strategically and be proactive, not reactive to a difficult time. The job market isn’t shrinking, it’s changing, and you need to know how it’s changing so that you can secure your career’s future. It’s tough now, not forever. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Current IT Jobs Market in the UK
Recent trends indicate that UK employers are exercising extreme caution due to economic uncertainty. A key factor influencing this downturn is the 1.2% increase in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) announced for the next tax year, which would immediately raise payroll costs in the short term and lead businesses to find alternative ways to maintain profitability. This could include stagnating wage increases, investing in automation solutions, and reducing recruitment efforts.
However, that’s not the full story. While NICs increase, the Bank of England have continued to cut interest rates to 4.5%. This makes borrowing more accessible, which could encourage certain companies to take advantage of the lower rates to invest in future growth during the downturn, in anticipation of economic recovery.
Interestingly, in spite of job availability decreasing and NICs decreasing, wage inflation has been rising over the past four months, suggesting that employers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality talent. This means job seekers who can fill key skill gaps stand a strong chance of securing excellently paid employment opportunities, provided they position themselves strategically. So… how do they do exactly that?
Why Upskilling is Your Best Investment in Your Career
One of the most significant trends in today’s job market is the widening gap between the skills that employers need in their employees and the skills that job seekers possess. This is due in part to changing legislation and hiring cultures, with Brexit having the biggest impact on the talent pool that UK companies have access to. Another challenge has come from the lack of job-ready graduates. Universities, while valuable for academic research and theory, often fail to equip graduates with practical, job-ready skills. This mismatch presents an opportunity for professionals who are willing to upskill and adapt.
Companies increasingly value employees who demonstrate efficiency, speed, quality, and adaptability. By proactively investing in learning new technologies, obtaining industry certifications, or developing technical skills like data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, job seekers can make themselves indispensable.
Furthermore, businesses that invest in their current workforce through training and professional development will be better positioned to capitalise on economic recovery. Upskilling employees not only enhances productivity but also improves retention rates and ensures continuity during times of disruption.
Why Remote Work Could Be Your Way to Beating a Tough IT Jobs Market
Another emerging trend is the increasing reliance on remote work. Companies looking to cut costs may shift towards hiring remote employees to maintain productivity while reducing overhead expenses associated with office space. For job seekers, this means a broader range of opportunities beyond their immediate geographical location. Being open to remote positions and having the necessary technical skills to thrive in a remote work environment can significantly improve employment prospects. Beyond location, there are other elements to job opportunities that job seekers should look for during their searches:
Key Strategies for Job Searches in a Challenging Market
- Read The Company Bio in the Job Description
Many candidates apply for jobs without thoroughly reading the job description and may be missing a key part that could inform whether to apply or not. The company bio shows how companies want to present themselves and what they prioritise. Look for companies that prioritise employee development, offer genuine benefits, and provide a clear path for career progression. It also doesn’t hurt to look for the company on Glassdoor to get an idea of staff turnover and company profits, which are key indicators for if the company will provide stable employment. - Be Vocal About Pay and Benefits
With rising wage inflation, companies are willing to pay for top talent. Don’t be afraid to ask what a “competitive salary” means to a prospective employer. Transparency around pay ensures that you are not undervaluing yourself, and could secure you better paid work than you expected. - Acquire the Skills that Employers Want
The job market is competitive, but individuals who continuously develop their skills will stand out. Invest in professional certifications, take online courses, and stay updated on industry trends. Specialised skills in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics are particularly valuable in today’s IT landscape. - Network and Build Relationships
The hidden job market is real. More and more positions are being filled before they are even advertised. Engage with industry professionals on LinkedIn, attend virtual and in-person networking events, and build relationships with recruiters who specialise in IT roles. - Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Businesses need employees who can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks, as well as provide solutions for streamlining processes. When applying for roles, highlight projects where you improved workflow, reduced costs, or contributed to business growth. - Stay Resilient and Persistent
Job searching in a difficult market can be discouraging, but persistence is key. Keep refining your resume, tailoring your applications, and leveraging every opportunity to showcase your skills.
Why A Tough Jobs Market is Nothing to be Scared Of: The Dangers of Hiring Freezes
Even with all these job search strategies, it’s fair and understandable to still feel disheartened. During economic downturns, many companies impose hiring freezes in an attempt to cut costs. However, this strategy can backfire when the economy rebounds, and a growing number of companies are waking up to this. Businesses that fail to prepare for recovery may find themselves understaffed, struggling to keep up with demand, and losing market share to competitors who took a more strategic approach. Smart companies recognise that hiring and upskilling in difficult times can provide a strong foundation for future success.
For job seekers, this means that while some companies may be reluctant to hire, others will take advantage of reduced competition in the market to attract top talent. Even if job seekers struggle for a while in their search, a continual investment in professional development will help them emerge as prime candidates when hiring inevitably ramps up again. Upskilling works like compound interest – the more you invest, the more you grow, and your growth will create more growth. Don’t give up on learning new skills, networking and applying – you never know what the new experiences and new connections could give you in the future.
What Employers Can Do to Stay Competitive
Job seekers are doing all they can, but the companies can do more. For IT companies navigating an uncertain market, the key to long-term success lies in strategic hiring and workforce development. Here are a few essential steps:
- Invest in Employee Upskilling
Instead of hiring externally for every role, businesses should identify skill gaps within their teams and provide employees with training to bridge those gaps. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters employee loyalty. - Maintain a Flexible Hiring Strategy
Rather than implementing hiring freezes, businesses should focus on strategic hiring. Prioritising critical roles that drive business efficiency and investing in emerging talent will prove lucrative when the market rebounds. - Leverage Remote Work to Access Top Talent
Expanding the hiring pool beyond the business’s immediate location opens up access to highly skilled professionals who might not be willing to relocate but are perfect for the role and can also help with reducing office costs. - Strengthen Employer Branding
A strong employer brand that prioritises professional development, work-life balance, and career growth will attract top candidates during economic downturns and long after. A good brand position is crucial for staying afloat during tough times and could be the reason one business survives an economic downturn over another. Brand should be echoed through job postings, company websites, and social media. - Prepare for Market Recovery
Economies will always ebb and flow, and companies should proactively develop their workforce to be better positioned to scale for both ebb and flow. Regardless of the economy, businesses need employees more than they need anything else. Laying the groundwork now ensures a smooth transition when the economy recovers.
Final Thoughts
The IT job market may be experiencing a downturn, but that does not mean opportunities have disappeared. Job seekers who invest in upskilling, adapt to market demands, and strategically position themselves will find success even in tough conditions. Likewise, employers who resist the urge to freeze hiring completely and instead focus on developing their existing workforce will emerge stronger when the economy rebounds.
By taking a proactive approach, both job seekers and businesses can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. The key is to stay adaptable, continually invest in growth, and prepare for the inevitable upswing in the market.
