The tectonic plates of the technology landscape are shifting, and with them, the very fabric of tech hiring. In 2025, a new set of priorities and demands is reshaping how organisations find, attract, and retain top talent.

At Moon's MET (Management, Engineering and Technical) Practice, we're on the front lines of these changes. We asked Gemma Wilks, Head of Moon’s MET Practice, about the 5 trends shaping tech recruitment and how you can navigate this evolving terrain.

1. The AI-Driven Talent Transformation

We're witnessing a surge in demand for AI-adjacent professionals, who are adept at leveraging AI tools to enhance their productivity and insights.

● Why is this important for employers? You need to look beyond traditional AI roles and identify talent who can work collaboratively with AI, understand its ethical implications, and implement AI solutions effectively.

● What does this mean for candidates? Highlight your ability to work with AI tools and your understanding of related ethical considerations. Even without deep AI expertise, showcasing adjacent skills is valuable.

2. Cybersecurity Talent as a Core Business Need

With increasing cyber threats, cybersecurity is non-negotiable for employers, driving a significant demand for skilled professionals.

● Why is this important for employers? Securing your digital assets requires specialised cybersecurity talent with proactive threat prevention skills, not just reactive incident response.

● What does this mean for candidates? Specialised cybersecurity skills are highly valued. Emphasise your expertise in areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, and proactive defence strategies.

3. Optimising Remote and Hybrid Teams

Remote and hybrid work are now commonplace, requiring new approaches to hiring and team management.

● Why is this important for employers? You need to assess candidates for their ability to thrive in remote settings and build inclusive virtual cultures to effectively tap into a wide talent pool.

● What does this mean for candidates? Showcase your strong communication, self-management, and collaboration skills in remote environments. Highlight any experience working in distributed teams.

4. Engineering a Greener Future

Sustainability is increasingly influencing tech, creating demand for professionals who can contribute to environmentally conscious innovation.

● Why is this important for employers? Integrating sustainability into your tech initiatives requires hiring talent who understand green technologies and sustainable development practices.

● What does this mean for candidates? Highlight any experience or interest in green software development, renewable energy technologies, or data analysis for sustainability.

5. Valuing Competencies Over Credentials

More so than ever, candidates are being evaluated based on demonstrable skills and potential, rather than traditional qualifications.

● Why is this important for employers? Focusing on skills allows you to access a wider talent pool and identify individuals with the practical abilities needed for success, regardless of their formal background.

● What does this mean for candidates? Showcase your skills through portfolios, projects, and practical demonstrations. Emphasise transferable skills and be prepared for skills-based assessments.

Looking to build a high-performing tech team? Arrange a consultation with our MET Practice.