Navigating Today’s Jobs Market

Navigating today’s job market is not easy. Erika Gaizauskaite, one of EMBS’s dedicated recruitment specialists, shares her insights on the current jobs market, drawing on the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

If you’re an engineering professional in the East Midlands on the hunt for your next role, pay attention – this is for you.

Have you noticed the jobs market feels a bit tougher this year? You’re not imagining it. The numbers confirm it. There are now 2.2 people for every job vacancy in the UK, a notable increase from 1.9 just a few months ago.

Looking at the period from March to May 2025, the estimated number of vacancies across the UK fell by 63,000, marking the 35th consecutive quarterly decline. In fact, total vacancies are down by nearly 17% compared to a year ago, and even slightly below pre-COVID-19 levels.

The overall number of workforce jobs in the UK did see a modest increase of 187,000 (0.5%) in March 2025. Employee jobs make up a significant portion of that growth, however the reality for job seekers is increased competition. This means you might experience slower responses, and some roles might simply go nowhere, even if you feel like the perfect fit on paper.

My Advice for Engineering Candidates

What can you do to stand out in this more competitive landscape? 

Set small, achievable weekly goals. Break down your job search into manageable tasks. Aim for things like submitting five tailored applications or making three new networking touchpoints each week. Consistency is key.

Ditch the generic CV. This is crucial! Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor your CV specifically for each role, using the language and keywords from the job description, not just your own preferred phrasing.

Focus on outcomes, not just responsibilities. Instead of simply listing what you did in previous roles, highlight the tangible outcomes and impact of your work. Did you improve efficiency? Reduce costs? Lead a successful project? Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

Stay visible on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is more than just a place for company updates. It’s a powerful credibility tool for your professional brand. Engage with industry content, share your insights and ensure your profile clearly showcases your skills and experience.

Show Your Worth

Even if you’re brilliant at what you do,it’s still your job to show it. No one will connect the dots for you. In a crowded market, clarity, consistency and confidence are your competitive advantage.

You haven’t lost your edge. The rules have simply changed. Now, it’s all about how effectively you can communicate your value to potential employers.

Erika Gaizauskaite is a dedicated recruitment specialist at EMBS, focusing on blue-collar engineering roles across the East Midlands. Passionate about connecting skilled candidates with their perfect positions, she thrives on making a positive impact on people’s careers.