Let’s be clear: the job market isn’t collapsing. It’s shifting fast. Applications are up. Feedback is down. Processes are slower. But under the surface,
things are evolving, not ending. And if you’re a mid-to-senior professional, there’s plenty of opportunity — if you know how to reposition yourself.
Fewer Roles, More Competition
The number of job vacancies in the UK has dropped again — now at its lowest since before the pandemic (ONS, 2025). For the first time in years, there are 2.2 unemployed professionals for every vacancy. That means more competition, yes — but also more confusion for employers, who are overwhelmed with options and struggling to spot the right candidate. To stand out, you’ll need more than a strong CV.
Quick Wins to Stay Ahead:
- Tailor every application: Use the same language as the job description. Align your experience with the role’s goals.
- Prove your impact: Use metrics and clear examples to show how you’ve made a difference — especially in change, cost savings, or transformation.
- Be proactive, not passive: Don’t just apply online. Reach out to hiringmanagers, attend industry events, and ask for introductions. Many roles are filled through networks, not job boards.
- Stay consistent: Job searching can take time. Set weekly goals for applications, networking, and learning to maintain momentum.
Tech Disruption & The Shifting Skills Landscape
You don’t need to work in tech to feel the impact of it. AI, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping roles across every sector, from recruitment and finance to marketing, HR, and project delivery. It’s not just the tools that are changing, but how decisions are made, how teams
collaborate, and how careers evolve. The future of work isn’t coming. It’s already here. According to PwC UK’s Workforce Hopes and Fears 2024 report: 41% of UK workers believe their role will be significantly changed or replaced by technology within the next five years. Yet many mid-career professionals report lower confidence in adapting to these shifts, often due to a lack of access, training, or clarity on where to
start.
The challenge? Many feel overwhelmed. The opportunity? Those who stay curious, adaptable, and focused on value creation are still highly sought after.
This isn’t about becoming an AI expert. It’s about understanding how technology is influencing your industry — and shaping your story around what stays uniquely human: creativity, judgement, leadership, and change readiness.
So What Can You Do?
- Map the impact in your industry: Read sector-specific reports, follow industry leaders on LinkedIn, and look for patterns in job specs. Understanding how roles are evolving helps you position yourself more confidently.
- Don’t ignore AI: Engage with it. You don’t need to master ChatGPT or become a prompt engineer overnight. Start by exploring free tools or courses to understand how AI could support (not replace) your work.
- Spot your transferable value: Ask: What do I bring that tech can’t replace? Your strategic thinking, people skills, and leadership mindset are often the differentiators.
- Upskill with purpose: Focus on learning that supports your long-term goals — whether that’s digital literacy, stakeholder influence, or leading through change.
- Frame your story: When networking or interviewing, talk confidently about how you’ve adapted to change, led digital initiatives, or supported innovation. Even in small ways.
Navigating AI in Hiring
AI isn’t replacing human potential, but it is reshaping how talent is found, assessed, and shortlisted. From LinkedIn’s AI-powered hiring assistant to tools like HireVue that analyse interviews for soft skills and cultural indicators, algorithms are increasingly involved in the recruitment process, especially at mid-to-senior level.
That means your visibility and digital footprint matter more than ever. But so does your ability to show up as a real human, not just a set of keywords.
How You Can Shine:
- Speak in AI’s language: Embed key skills and leadership language in your CV and LinkedIn — matching JD keywords helps AI recognise your value.
- Highlight human impact: Algorithms can flag data, but you highlight context: use stories that spotlight empathy, leadership, resilience.
- Stay digitally visible: Regular posts, comments, and updates boost your profile in recruiter searches.
- Bring the human edge: Whether it's through storytelling, tone, or shared values — the emotional resonance of you still matters.
- Ask smart questions: Try: “How does your process balance AI efficiency with human insight?” It shows awareness and prompts clarity.
Written by Becky Webber, Regional Director for Tate Recruitment
Looking for more career advice?
Explore our Career Advice section for expert insights or fill in the form below to connect with a Tate consultant. Prefer to speak directly? Visit our Contact Us page to find your local branch.
