If it feels like the technical job market is confusing right now, that’s because it is. At a high level, job creation has come to a screeching halt. But in some high-demand technical fields, candidates are fielding multiple offers, which signals a growth in the sector.
As you consider your next career move, what should you make of these mixed signals? Is this a blip that will go away soon? Or is it a sign of a fundamental transformation?
Based on what I’m seeing, here are four of the most significant changes in the technical market and what you should do about them.
Key Takeaways
- Specialists are winning. Roles in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity are in high demand, especially in hubs like St. Louis and Dallas, while generalist positions face more competition.
- AI is reinventing job descriptions. Even if it’s not replacing your role, employers expect candidates to understand and apply AI in meaningful ways.
- Strategy and flexibility matter. Companies want senior specialists who can connect tech to business outcomes—and candidates who can pivot as the market shifts.
Why Have the Past 12 Months Been So Crazy?
If you’ve felt like the technical talent market has been up and down lately, you’re not wrong. The last year has brought a perfect storm of factors, each of which would have been enough to shake things up. Together, they’ve created a chaotic reality:
- Recent developments in AI have prompted companies to rethink their org charts. Some entry-level tech and support roles are disappearing, while new AI-heavy positions are being spun up overnight.
- The economy hit the brakes, as inflation, trade policies, and a general slowdown forced companies to trim fat.
- Cybersecurity, cloud, and AI experts are still in major demand, and companies are scrambling to fill these seats even while handing out pink slips elsewhere.
Contrast this with just a few years ago, when it felt like anyone could put “tech” into their bio and get a hundred job offers. This sense of whiplash has sent everyone into a tailspin, and we’re all having to pivot and figure out how to handle it.
What Have Been the Biggest Changes in the Technical Job Market Over the Past 12 Months?
So what does this look like on the ground? Some of these changes are to be expected, given the realities I mentioned above. Others are downright head-scratching. Either way, these are clear signals that we’re living in a very different tech market than just a few years ago.
1. Surge in Demand for Specific Roles
In our own backyards of St. Louis and Dallas, Concero is seeing significant demand for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity hiring. These have been fueled by data center investments, Fortune 500 relocations, and major healthcare and defense players doubling down on tech talent.
2. Return to Office
A defining trait of 2025 has been the overwhelming slew of return to office mandates. Not just in the Silicon Valleys of the world, but also in up-and-coming hubs like Dallas and St. Louis. So if you’re open to relocating (or even just commuting) you’ll find the hottest opportunities in these hubs. Plus, many of these cities are just really cool places to live.
3. AI as Disruptor, Not a Replacement
Yes, AI has reshaped the talent market, but not always in the way headlines suggest. In 2025 alone, AI-driven automation contributed to over 10,000 layoffs in the U.S. tech sector, mostly in entry-level, repetitive roles. That stings, but it’s a tiny slice of overall cuts. A slow economy and broader re-orgs are also to blame.
But even for those people who’ve avoided the chopping block, AI is rewriting those job descriptions. Employers now expect candidates across all roles to understand, leverage, or at least collaborate with AI. If you’re leveling up, AI can be your competitive edge.
4. Demand for Senior Specialized Talent
If you’ve got 10+ years of experience in a deep specialty, this is your moment. We’re seeing companies leaning hard on high-skill individual contributors who can deliver impact fast, not just supervise from the sidelines. Employers want leaders who can both set direction and get their hands dirty. If you can bridge business strategy with technical execution, you’re in the sweet spot of today’s market.
A Technical Recruiter’s Advice on How to Navigate These Changes
Yes, the market’s noisy, unpredictable, and honestly a little exhausting. But what exactly should you do about it? From my seat as a recruiter, here are a few changes I’ve seen work repeatedly.
Contribution is Key
Did you save the company money, speed up delivery, boost security, or drive revenue? That’s the story to tell, both on your resume, in interviews, and on your LinkedIn profile (which employers are definitely checking). Frame your experience around outcomes, not outputs. Titles and responsibilities are fine, but measurable value creation is what gets you hired.
Start Leveling up on AI
Like it or not, AI is the new baseline. Even if your role hasn’t been disrupted yet, change is coming. So now’s the time to learn the tools, experiment with workflows, and show how you can combine human expertise and AI fluency to drive ROI.
Position Yourself as a Strategist
Technical chops get you in the door, but strategy keeps you in the room. Companies don’t just need coders or admins. They need people who can connect the dots between business goals and technical execution. Show that you’re more than a tactician: own the process, guide the roadmap, and make yourself indispensable.
Stay Flexible
Nothing is a sure thing in this world. Roles evolve, priorities shift, and entire industries pivot overnight. The people who thrive aren’t the ones clinging to a rigid plan; they’re the ones who adapt. Stay curious, adopt new skills, and don’t be afraid to pivot.
Work with a Recruiting Partner
You don’t have to navigate this chaos solo. A good recruiter has a front-row seat to the market: what’s hot, what’s not, and where hidden opportunities live. We can advocate for you, surface roles you’d never find on your own, and sharpen your strategy.
Final Thoughts
The technical talent market isn’t broken, but it’s definitely in a weird state. Roles are evolving, priorities are shifting, and the rules of the game keep changing. But if you focus on contribution, build AI fluency, stay flexible, and think like a strategist, you can stay ahead of the curve.
Want a recruiter in your corner who can help you navigate this crazy market? Reach out and let’s connect.
