After a couple of rocky years, things are settling down. Not a boom, but a steady, more focused market. That is good news if you know how to work it.
Where the jobs are
The strongest hiring activity right now is in tech, healthcare, engineering, and green energy. What has changed is that employers are being much more selective. They are not hiring in bulk. They are looking for specific skills and experience, and they are willing to wait for the right person.
That shift works in your favour if you have genuine expertise in a particular area. Generalists are finding it harder. Specialists are in demand.
How AI is changing the process
You will have noticed that recruitment moves faster than it used to. That is because AI tools now handle a lot of the early screening and matching. Your CV gets assessed quickly, and you should be hearing back sooner.
This is not something to worry about. It simply means your CV needs to be clear, well-structured, and keyword-relevant. If your CV reads like it was written in 2015, it is time for an update. Make sure your skills, qualifications, and achievements are easy to find and clearly stated.
What you need to know about compliance
There have been further tweaks to IR35 and off-payroll working rules, and compliance requirements are tighter than ever. If you are contracting or considering it, make sure you understand your employment status and that any agency you work with is transparent about how contracts are structured.
A simple rule: if something feels unclear or you are being asked to sign up to an arrangement you do not fully understand, ask questions. A good recruiter will explain it properly. If they cannot, that tells you something.
What you should be doing right now
- Sharpen your niche. Work out what makes you different and make sure your CV reflects it.
- Update your CV for 2026. Clear structure, relevant keywords, and achievements with numbers where possible.
- Target growth sectors. If you can transfer your skills into tech, healthcare, engineering, or green energy, now is the time.
- Choose your agency carefully. Work with recruiters who know your industry and your area, not ones who send your CV everywhere and hope for the best.
The market is not flashy right now, but it is rewarding people who are focused and well prepared. If that is you, there are genuinely good opportunities out there.
If you would like to read the full industry breakdown, then click on the link for the full article.