Changing jobs is one of the most significant career decisions you can make. In 2025, the UK job market is shifting in ways that make it both exciting and challenging for candidates - particularly in high-demand sectors like software, engineering, and life sciences.
At Platform Recruitment, we work closely with candidates navigating these transitions. Whether you’re aiming to secure your next software role or looking for a step up in engineering, our goal is to help you prepare, stand out and feel confident when making your move.
Explore our live roles today and see where your career could take you.
Why Changing Jobs in 2025 Feels Different
The UK job market in 2025 is not the same as it was a few years ago.
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Vacancies are falling: In June - August 2025, UK job vacancies dropped to around 728,000, down 14% compared to the same period in 2024. Companies are being more selective in their hiring.
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Candidate supply is rising: Recruitment surveys highlight the fastest growth in available candidates since late 2020, fuelled by redundancies and people looking for greater job security.
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Pay growth is slowing: Regular pay rose by 4.8% in mid-2025, but once adjusted for inflation, the real increase is closer to 0.7%. Candidates need to think beyond headline salaries when assessing offers.
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Skills matter more than ever: UK employers are placing more emphasis on skill-based hiring, with adaptability, problem-solving and leadership joining technical skills as top priorities.
For candidates, this means competition is stiffer, salary growth is levelling out, and demonstrating the right mix of technical and soft skills is crucial. With that in mind, here are our top tips for changing jobs successfully in 2025.
Step 1: Research the Market Before You Move
Before sending out applications, take time to understand the landscape.
Benchmark salaries realistically
Use up-to-date salary guides, industry reports and platforms like Glassdoor to check what’s typical for your role and location. Keep in mind the current slowdown in pay growth - offers may be competitive but not inflated.
Look at growth sectors
Certain industries are still expanding despite wider market pressures. In particular, software, AI, engineering, and life sciences are continuing to see investment and innovation. Targeting these growth areas increases your chances of long-term security and progression.
Work with a recruiter
A specialist recruiter can give you insider knowledge of which companies are hiring, what salary ranges are realistic, and how to position yourself effectively. At Platform Recruitment, we regularly publish insights on market trends to help give you our expert insights. Read our blog on how to utilise recruiters effectively for more advice.
Step 2: Evaluate Employers Beyond the Job Title
A new role isn’t just about the responsibilities on paper.
Culture and values
Research a company’s culture by looking at their website, social media presence, and employee reviews. Do their values align with yours? Do they invest in training and development?
Employer branding
A strong employer brand signals that a company values its people. During the interview process, pay attention to how the organisation communicates and treats candidates. (We recently covered why employer branding is vital in attracting top talent.)
Questions to ask in interviews
Prepare thoughtful questions that reveal what life at the company is really like:
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What opportunities exist for progression and learning?
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How does the company support work-life balance?
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What’s the long-term strategy for the team or department?
Working with a recruiter means you’ll often know the answers to these questions before you even step into the interview.
Step 3: Prepare for Interviews with a 2025 Mindset
With more candidates on the market, standing out at an interview is essential.
Be ready for competency-based questions
Employers are still focusing on evidence of past performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give clear, structured examples.
Highlight soft skills alongside technical expertise
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can adapt, problem-solve, and collaborate. Don’t just talk about what you did - show how you worked with others, overcame challenges, and learned quickly.
Prepare for hybrid or remote interviews
Video interviews remain common, especially in early stages. Ensure your tech works smoothly, dress professionally, and maintain strong eye contact with the camera.
Use recruiter support
At Platform Recruitment, we coach candidates through interview preparation, including role-specific technical tests and soft skills advice. This ensures you’re presenting your best self in a competitive market.
Step 4: Before Accepting an Offer
The offer stage is exciting, but it’s also where many candidates make rushed decisions.
Review the full package
Look beyond salary - consider pension, healthcare, flexibility, professional development, and bonuses. With real pay growth modest in 2025, benefits and work-life balance are increasingly valuable.
Clarify expectations
Confirm working patterns (remote, hybrid, on-site), probation terms, and performance expectations before accepting.
Negotiate carefully
It’s natural to want the best possible package, but remember, employers are more selective this year. If you’re working with a recruiter, they’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure both sides are aligned.
Consider long-term fit
Ask yourself: Will this role help me grow? Does the company’s direction match my career goals? If not, it may not be the right move, no matter the salary.
Step 5: Prepare Before Day One
Even though this blog is aimed at candidates before they join, some preparation ahead of your first day can make the transition smoother.
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Understand the onboarding process: Ask what training or induction is in place.
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Connect early: If possible, link with future colleagues on LinkedIn or through company groups.
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Plan logistics: Whether it’s a new commute or relocating, make practical arrangements in advance.
These steps reduce stress and set you up to hit the ground running.
Make Your Job Change Count in 2025
Changing jobs is a major step, and in 2025, it requires more preparation than ever. With vacancies declining, candidate supply rising, and pay growth slowing, it’s essential to be strategic in your move. By researching the market, evaluating employers, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and reviewing offers carefully, you can turn a competitive environment into an opportunity for long-term success.
At Platform Recruitment, we specialise in helping candidates in software, engineering, life sciences, manufacturing, and beyond find the right role with the right employer. From market insights to interview prep and offer management, our consultants are here to guide you every step of the way.
Explore our live roles today and see where your career could go next.
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