If you’ve been looking around for a new job and noticing that there don’t seem to be as many out there as there used to be, it isn’t just you – official statistics show the number of vacancies in the UK keeps on falling.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the estimated number of vacancies in the UK dropped by 9,000 between November 2024 to January 2025, falling to a total of 819,000 – the 31st drop in vacancies in a row.
Research by accountancy firm KPMG makes the bad news worse, suggesting that the pace of decline is increasing, and is particularly bad for full-time jobs. While the situation is most difficult for those people currently out of work and looking for a job, those in the office looking for advancement may find they are stuck.
Those looking to move on from their current company might struggle to find a job they like – or find that the field is much more competitive than usual if they see a role they do want. But even people planning on staying where they are might find promotions are harder to come by, because senior staff aren’t leaving.
Three recruitment experts have offered their best advice to people in the workplace, whether they’re looking to keep their current job, get a better one, or else just find fulfillment when the job market is tough.
The mood among big businesses is turning against working from home, even though research suggests it doesn’t actually reduce productivity. As a result, all three employment experts suggested returning to the office as much as possible, and making sure you’re as visible as can be when you’re there.
“Working from home most of the time is rapidly falling out of fashion,” says James Reed, chairman and CEO of the employment agency Reed Group. “Sure, hybrid working offers some benefits but employers increasingly want to see people in the office the majority of the time. Recent research by Reed.co.uk showed that 68 per cent said they’d be more likely to promote or give a pay rise to people who were more present in 2025.”
Lucy Bisset, director of recruitment consultancy Robert Walters North, echoed this advice, but stressed that workers don’t necessarily need to up their days in the office.
“Maintaining a consistent, proactive presence makes a real impact,” she explains. “This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to increase the days you come into the office but focusing on making the most of the time you’re there – participating in office activities, collaborating with colleagues, and arranging face-to-face meetings.”
Workers who are fully remote, or have a formal contractual agreement not to work from the office very often, risk being left out as the mood turns. Rebecca Williams, talent strategy adviser at job search site Indeed, suggests workers in this position should be proactive.
“If you have an agreement to work remotely, speak to your manager to find opportunities and showcase your value so that you’re not overlooked,” she says.
When there are fewer vacancies around – so the job market is tight – employers have more power relative to their workers, because in a hot job market, there are probably strong candidates who could replace anyone that leaves.
That means it’s a good time to make a strong impression at work – which experts said didn’t necessarily mean working more hours at thankless tasks, but instead means honing in on what bosses are looking for.
“It may sound obvious, but being enthusiastic in the office is key,” James Reed says. “For employers, enthusiasm is infectious and you need to demonstrate it. Make sure you’re aware of recent initiatives, big hires or growth plans.
“Put yourself forward to take on more work and stretch yourself – showing willing will earn plaudits from your boss and allow you to demonstrate your value.”
Lucy Bisset suggests making it clear you’re a good candidate for promotion. “Commit to constantly delivering high-quality work which proves how you are exceeding the expectations of your current role and demonstrates your readiness for a higher-level role,” she explains.
“Take initiative in meetings, regularly contribute ideas, and consider opportunities to collaborate with colleagues outside of your immediate team. Don’t be afraid to shout about your achievements, keeping supervisors informed of your progress.”
Workers who have been eyeing up a promotion that now looks out of reach may find the current job market frustrating – if you can already do your job in your sleep, the idea of being stuck in it for a while may be frustrating.
Indeed’s Rebecca Williams suggests using the time for training. “If you’re looking to upskill or move sideways into another type of job, consider taking courses or stepping out of your comfort zone by tackling challenging projects,” she says. “Pushing yourself in this way can help remind you of your potential and set you up for future success.”
Another option, says Lucy Bisset of Robert Walters North, is to look for fulfilment outside your job – whether that’s a paid side gig, or something else. “If you’re feeling in a rut when looking for new opportunities, make more of a concerted effort to put yourself out there,” she says. “Whether that be taking on pro-bono or voluntary work, career coaching, or strategic networking to gauge new openings through word-of-mouth or even taking on freelancing and consulting opportunities to open the door to new potential opportunities.”
For those who are committed to searching for a new job, the experts had a few specific tips – not least being aware how little time recruiters spend looking at CVs.
“Our research suggests that typically, employers spend no more than seven seconds looking at each CV when sifting through applications,” says James Reed of Reed Group. “These days, they may even be initially assessed using AI. So, you have a very limited opportunity to make your mark.”
Reed recommends making sure the top of your CV functions as a brief personal statement of your main strengths – which should be customised to every role you apply for. But as well as being aware that AI might scan your application, he suggests considering how it might impact your next job.
“Which parts of the economy are moving in an exciting and dynamic way and hold the most potential? Which are the fast-growth industries that will prove resistant to trends like AI?” he asks. “Make sure your job search is in the best place – where personal progress is propelled by structural change.”
For professionals, Lucy Bisset says that LinkedIn can be at least as helpful as a conventional CV – if it’s used right. “It’s important to ensure your LinkedIn profile accurately showcases your skills, achievements and endorsements,” she says. “You don’t have to become a professional influencer but simply being more active on these platforms can also offer the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise by getting involved in industry-related discussions.
“However, it’s crucial to keep things professional – be careful not to treat it as you would Facebook or Instagram and overshare personal details.”
When the field is at its most competitive, the temptation might be stronger to embellish your accomplishments a little – something more than one Cabinet minister has been accused of in the media. But James Reed warns such efforts can backfire, whether in the short run or over a longer period.
“In a competitive jobs market, more than ever employers take references up. Make sure you offer the strongest possible people to vouch for you, and talk to them about what you want them to say if they’re contacted,” he says.
“Finally, never lie on a CV. Everyone wants to present themselves in the best possible light, but falsehoods have a habit of catching up with you.”
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