Whether you’re looking to move into the technology industry or are choosing an area to specialise in, there’s never been a better time to work in the sector.
Technology is part of everything we do, every job we have involves a level of technology and that means the demand for tech candidates is on the rise. But to really establish yourself in this industry it’s crucial to keep your knowledge up-to-date, learn about new trends and technologies and take a real interest in the field.
Why choose the technology industry?
There are so many exciting aspects of the technology industry. From the speed of innovation, to the wide range of employment opportunities, to job security and remuneration packages. Once you’ve found your dream role there really are endless possibilities for your career.
State of play in the tech right now
The UK is currently facing a skills shortage which is making it harder to find qualified candidates for vacancies. This is impacting the tech industry, where new technologies such as AI are creating demand for unique skill sets that few in the industry have.
That means for qualified candidates, with relevant qualifications or working experience of those new technologies there’s a high level of demand with an acceleration in the interview process to allow companies to snap up those candidates. But it also means that to stand out candidates need to have the right skills and qualifications - interest alone isn’t enough.
There are a breadth of roles available in the industry, and technology is ever evolving and expanding. 61% of hiring managers plan to hire for new roles this year, and 34% intend to fill vacant positions - demonstrating the potential opportunities already on the market. But research also found that 64% of those working in the industry plan to look for a new job in the coming year. While there is strong demand for candidates in the tech marketplace, it still remains a highly competitive arena.
Most in-demand jobs
To understand what jobs are in-demand in the tech industry it’s helpful to take a step back and look at the emerging technologies driving that demand.
Cloud computing
84% of businesses in the UK are adopting a ‘cloud smart’ stance, meaning they need to embed experts in cloud computing within their business. With hybrid working in full effect cloud computing is becoming more important to every day business practices.
Cybersecurity
53% of businesses experience a cyber attack at least once a month, putting cybersecurity at the forefront of businesses minds. Demand for cybersecurity professionals grew by 8.7% between 2022 and 2023, and demand is still strong.
AI & machine learning
Research by McKinsey has found that since 2017 investment in AI has more than doubled with 50-60% in recent years. This rise in investment and the adoption of AI technologies has led to demand for professionals with direct AI experience.
Here are the top 10 tech roles most in-demand in 2024
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DevOps engineer
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.NET developer
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Solution architect
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Software engineer
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Cloud engineer
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Data engineer
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Product manager
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Project manager
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Business analyst
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Cyber security manager
Secure your dream tech role
With demand high not only for candidates but also for those searching for a role in the tech industry, finding your dream role can feel like a challenge. While it’s unlikely that the ideal role is going to fall into your lap there are some steps you can take to improve your chances and to stand out from the crowd.
Audit your skills and interests
To build a long-lasting career in the tech industry you need to be passionate about what you’re doing. You never stop learning in tech and keeping up with the pace of the industry can be exhausting for those who don’t love it. It’s also worth checking your soft skills in relation to job market trends and current vacancies.
Update your knowledge
Before you start applying make sure that your qualifications are up-to-date, any certifications or accreditations have been renewed and you can demonstrate active learning in your chosen field, taking particular interest in new and emerging technologies. This might be through your current role or you might need to commit some time outside of work.
Broaden your job search
The most competitive roles move quickly, often they don’t make it to traditional job boards. That means you need to widen your search and look for other methods beyond job boards. Attending networking events, meetups, industry conferences or proactively reaching out to companies you’d love to work for will expand your network and you’ll begin to hear about more opportunities.
Work on your CV
You need to ensure that your CV is to the point and highlights your main features, taking time to review it and, if possible, getting someone else to take a look will help strengthen your application. It’s also worth creating a portfolio to demonstrate the projects you’ve contributed to and your specific expertise.
Once your CV is ready to send to hiring managers, upload your CV here so we can assist you in finding the best tech roles in your specialism.
When it comes to discovering the best jobs in the technology industry there’s one crucial thing to think about. That’s what you’re passionate about, what your skills are and what you’d love to be doing. There are so many jobs within the industry that if you go into your job hunt without a focus you’ll be overwhelmed, you’ll also be unsuccessful.
There is growing demand for skilled technology professionals, but the skill set of those individuals needs to align with growth areas within the market and also needs to be up-to-date. In an industry that moves so quickly, learning, passion and adaptability are key traits that you need to be successful. Those with those skills, and who put the work into securing their dream role, are on track to enjoy a challenging, long-lasting career with many rewards and benefits.
Are you currently in the market for a career defining tech role? See our jobs search for available tech roles here.
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