Key Takeaways

• The recruitment market has started steadier and slower than last year, with more cautious and deliberate hiring decisions.

• Being one of the first applicants doesn’t mean you’re the strongest—great candidates continue to apply well after roles go live.

• Ghosting happens on all sides of recruitment, not just to candidates.

• Salary isn’t always the main driver for job changes—culture, flexibility, and leadership matter more than ever.

• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements are now essential, often outweighing salary in decision-making.

• Follow-up emails after interviews can leave a positive impression, but they won’t usually change a hiring decision.

• More interviews don’t always mean better outcomes—efficient, well-structured processes work best.

• Candidates form lasting opinions about organisations based on their recruitment experience, even if they aren’t hired.

• Networking—especially face-to-face networking—remains one of the most effective ways to access opportunities.

• Clear communication, tailored CVs, and reading job ads properly are still critical in a competitive market.

If you have a burning topic you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@montagu.com.au.

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If you’ve worked in recruitment, tech, digital, consulting, or frankly any industry this year, you’ve probably felt it — the sudden highs, the unexpected dips, and the moments where you found yourself thinking, wait… what now?

As we look back, one thing is unmistakably clear: 2025 was a rollercoaster. The year delivered sharp turns, surprising momentum, and plenty of opportunities to practise resilience and adaptability. However, it also reinforced something deeply grounding for us at Montagu Group:

Relationships — steady, real, and human — carried us through the turbulence.

The IT recruitment market in 2025 reshaped itself more times than we can count. Therefore, we wanted to reflect on the challenges, the wins, and the lessons that will continue to influence candidates, clients and the industry as we step into 2026.

A Market That Moved in Every Direction (Sometimes All at Once)

The IT recruitment market in 2025 defied prediction. At times, it felt unusually quiet. At other times, it surged with surprising intensity. Then, without warning, it swung somewhere in between.

January set the initial tone. We returned from Christmas to five new contract roles in the first week alone. For a moment, it appeared that the year would be a sprint. However, the momentum soon shifted as organisations paused hiring, delayed approvals, or restructured altogether.

In addition, some months brought a sudden resurgence of demand. Other periods left both candidates and hiring managers unsure about what direction the market was heading.

Despite this, one truth held steady: good candidates still found great jobs.
It often took longer than usual, yet those who stayed visible, open to conversation, and willing to adapt ultimately succeeded.

This unpredictability highlighted something important about the Australian tech ecosystem:

Talent will always win — even when timing doesn’t.

The Emotional Weight of 2025: Tired, Unsure, and Still Showing Up

If we had to choose one word to describe the emotional experience of 2025, it would be exhausting — not because people weren’t capable, but because the landscape kept shifting.

Redundancies, organisational restructures and market uncertainty took a toll. Meanwhile, candidates shared daily stories of feeling unsettled, overwhelmed or unsure about their next steps.

However, people also showed remarkable resilience. They sought clarity. They asked for direction. They invested in upskilling. As a result, our conversations became deeper and more strategic.

Small Conversations That Made a Big Difference

Again and again, candidates reached out simply needing a sounding board. For example, some needed help comparing two job offers. Others needed reassurance that the market wasn’t failing them — it was just in transition.

We saw:

• Professionals questioning stability versus growth

• Contractors seeking guidance on renewals or new projects

• Teams trying to forecast budgets without clear organisational direction

• Individuals wanting someone who understood the market beyond headlines

Ultimately, this year reminded us that recruitment has never been just about matching skills to roles. It’s about supporting people in moments of uncertainty — a responsibility we take seriously.

Relationships: The Anchor in a Chaotic Year

If there is one theme that defines our year at Montagu Group, it is thankfulness.

The Power of Steady Support in a Shifting Market

We were deeply humbled by the trust and connection shown by our clients, candidates and community. Importantly, these relationships provided stability in a year where very little felt stable.

1. Long-Term Partnerships That Held Strong

Several long-standing clients remained transparent, collaborative and supportive even while navigating their own uncertainties. Their commitment strengthened our partnership.

2. New Relationships That Energised Us

We had the privilege of partnering with organisations who understood our values and chose to collaborate with us during both busy and quieter seasons.

3. Candidate Connections That Became Lifelong

Some of our most meaningful interactions this year involved contractors who no longer worked with us yet stayed in touch because the relationship mattered. These connections reinforced the heart of our business.

Giving Back: The Most Important Work We Did All Year

One of our proudest achievements wasn’t measured in placements or metrics — it was the support we provided behind the scenes.

Throughout the year, we met with countless people navigating redundancy, insecurity or simply a difficult decision. Therefore, we spent more time than ever:

• Reviewing résumés

• Refining LinkedIn profiles

• Talking through opportunities

• Offering industry insights

• Helping candidates find clarity and confidence

• Guiding people through calculated risks

Behind-the-Scenes Support That Mattered

Much of this work was not transactional. It was human. Moreover, it reinforced our belief that recruitment is at its best when it serves people, not processes.

Risk, Opportunity and the Courage to Jump

A consistent message we shared this year was:
Take the risk — if it’s calculated.

Throughout 2025, many opportunities appeared unexpectedly. Importantly, candidates who leaned towards them, even with uncertainty, often discovered roles that significantly elevated their careers.

Furthermore, taking a risk didn’t mean being reckless. It meant asking questions such as:

• Is this aligned with my long-term direction?

• What is the realistic worst-case scenario?

• Can I grow here?

• What could this opportunity become?

As a result, several individuals found themselves thriving in ways they didn’t anticipate.

Peeking Into 2026: What Comes Next?

Nobody can perfectly predict the 2026 IT recruitment market, but we can look at trends developing late this year.

Cautious Optimism Will Shape the Start of 2026

• Early 2026 may start quieter, similar to late 2025

• Hiring will likely be strategic and intentional

• Contracting demand should remain steady

• Good candidates will still find strong opportunities

• Networking and visibility will be essential

• Organisations are beginning to transition beyond “post-COVID mode”

Furthermore, we’re observing a slow but noticeable shift as companies redefine what hybrid, onsite, and flexible work will look like in a more stable environment.

Ultimately, 2026 carries a sense of hope — not naive optimism, but grounded confidence that the market is ready to settle and rebuild momentum.

What We’re Most Grateful For

As we close out 2025, we want to acknowledge every person who allowed us to be part of their professional journey.

To Our Candidates:

Your trust, honesty and resilience made this year meaningful.

To Our Clients:

Your transparency, collaboration and openness allowed us to navigate challenges together.

To Our Community:

Your conversations, referrals and support reminded us why we love this work.

Importantly, strong relationships outlast volatile job cycles — and this year proved it.

Closing Out the Year: Rest, Celebrate and Reset

We’re taking a short break over the Christmas period to recharge. Meanwhile, we hope you can rest, reconnect and celebrate how far you’ve come.

Whether your festive drink of choice is a margarita, piña colada, champagne or iced latte, take a moment to acknowledge your resilience. You made it through a challenging year — and there is so much ahead.

Here’s to stepping into 2026 with hope, clarity, confidence, and maybe even a little delulu energy — because truly, how good could it get?

From all of us at Montagu Group,
Merry Christmas, and thank you for an unforgettable year.

Key Takeaways

1. 2025 was unpredictable — even by recruitment standards.

The year started with momentum, dipped unexpectedly, and bounced around in ways no one saw coming. The tech and digital hiring landscape was shaped by restructures, budget pauses and fluctuating demand — sometimes all within the same quarter.

2. Good candidates still found good jobs.

Even in a softer market, high-quality candidates continued to secure roles. Timing sometimes stretched out, but staying active, connected and visible always paid off.

3. People were tired — and the emotional weight was real.

Redundancies, organisational change and market uncertainty left many candidates unsure, overwhelmed or seeking reassurance. A large part of our role this year became emotional and strategic support.

4. Relationships were the anchor.

Long-term client connections held strong. New relationships flourished. Contractors stayed in touch even after finishing assignments. Trust and communication made the biggest difference this year.

5. Giving back mattered.

From résumé reviews to interview prep to talking candidates through opportunities they weren’t sure about, much of our most meaningful work in 2025 happened off the clock — in conversations that built confidence and clarity.

6. Calculated risks led to big wins.

Many candidates took a leap this year — and it paid off. In an unpredictable market, carefully considered risks often created the best outcomes.

7. 2026 will begin with cautious optimism.

We expect a similar pattern to late 2025 — measured, intentional hiring with strong activity for niche technical skills. Organisations are also beginning to shift out of the “post-COVID shadow,” which may reshape workplace expectations next year.

8. Community and support still matter more than algorithms.

AI is changing recruitment, but human connection — empathy, clarity, guidance — was the difference-maker for many people this year.

9. Montagu Group is incredibly thankful.

To the candidates who trusted us, the clients who collaborated with us, and the community who shared their challenges and wins — your support shaped our year.

If you have a burning topic you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@montagu.com.au.

Join the conversation Today!

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As we close out October and step into November, the energy across the job market feels… off. It’s not panic, not quite stagnation — just a strange in-between where uncertainty and apathy seem to hang in the air.

If you’ve been feeling like things are shifting under your feet — you’re not alone. Across industries, from IT to digital to corporate sectors, both employers and jobseekers are trying to make sense of a market that’s behaving in ways we haven’t quite seen before.

At Montagu Group, we’ve spent the last few months deep in conversation with candidates, clients, and other recruiters — and there’s a clear theme emerging: the market is weird right now.

So, let’s unpack what’s going on, what we’re seeing from both sides, and where things might be heading as we edge closer to the end of the year.

A Market Unlike Any Other

It’s not just one thing — it’s everything.

The past few months have seen another wave of redundancies hit Australian companies, many of which are tied to global buyouts and restructures. Large U.S. corporations are acquiring local businesses and, in turn, trimming teams or dissolving entire divisions.

In recruitment, we’re hearing stories daily of roles being paused, contracts pulled, or funding suddenly drying up on projects that were meant to run for years.

And while there’s still plenty of work available on paper, the sentiment in the market feels cautious — even hesitant. As one of our senior candidates put it, “Something’s happening, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

That’s the best way to describe it: apathy. Not from a lack of motivation, but from an industry trying to recalibrate after years of turbulence.

Unemployment Is Rising — But the Story’s More Complex

The numbers paint part of the picture.
In August, Australia’s unemployment rate was 4.3% — by September, it had risen to 4.5%.

At first glance, that might not seem huge, but within a single month, that shift reflects thousands of people entering unemployment. And from what we’re hearing, October hasn’t brought much relief.

But here’s the nuance: while there are more candidates in the market, that doesn’t mean it’s suddenly an employer’s market again.

Sure, we’re being flooded with applications — some roles are seeing upwards of 80 to 90 applicants — but that doesn’t mean those candidates are the right fit. In fact, more often than not, the majority of those applications are mismatched.

So while businesses may feel confident to “go it alone” because they assume there’s plenty of talent out there, what we’re actually seeing is a disconnect between volume and quality.

The Myth of the Employer’s Market

There’s been a lot of talk about the market swinging back to favour employers — but from our experience, that’s not entirely accurate.

Yes, there’s an influx of jobseekers right now. But the best candidates? They’re still working.

They’re either secure in strong roles or — if between jobs — they’re not in a rush. They can afford to be selective, to take a break, to spend time with family, or to wait for the right opportunity rather than the first one that comes along.

We recently spoke to a senior digital manager who summed it up perfectly:

“I’m not actively looking. I’m just taking some time off with my kids. If something great comes up, I’ll take a look — but I’m not applying for the sake of it.”

This kind of mindset is becoming more common, particularly among experienced professionals who’ve built a buffer and can afford to be patient.

So while the market might appear saturated, it’s not necessarily full of the right people — which means companies still need to headhunt, network, and engage strategically to secure top talent.

In short: it’s not an employer’s market; it’s a confusing one.

Recruiters Are Feeling the Pinch Too

It’s not just candidates and clients feeling the squeeze — recruiters are too.

We’ve noticed a growing trend of agency recruiters moving into internal roles, often as a sign of the broader market cooling off. When experienced consultants pivot to corporate positions, it’s usually because the external recruitment landscape has tightened.

That movement tells us that the slowdown is real — not catastrophic, but enough to create a ripple effect across the industry.

And that’s the thing: this isn’t just an IT or digital problem. We’re hearing the same stories from finance, healthcare, education, and beyond. It’s cross-industry, cross-discipline, and global.

Recruitment is cyclical, but this feels different. There’s momentum one week, silence the next, and a general sense that everyone’s holding their breath — waiting for clarity that hasn’t quite arrived.

Seasonal Slowdown — But Earlier Than Usual

Traditionally, things start to quiet down around Melbourne Cup week. Not because of the race itself, but because it marks the unofficial start of that “pre-Christmas slowdown”.

Usually, November is when clients start pausing hiring plans, teams shift focus to end-of-year targets, and candidates hold off on making big career moves until January.

But this year, that pattern started a month early. By early October, we were already feeling the lull that normally comes in late November.

So, does that mean January 2026 will be especially busy? Maybe — but that depends on how long this period of uncertainty lasts.

One thing’s for sure: the usual rhythm of the market has been disrupted, and everyone — from HR to hiring managers to jobseekers — is trying to find their new footing.

What Clients Need to Know Right Now

If you’re an employer or hiring manager, here’s the honest truth:

• Yes, there are more candidates available, but not necessarily more good ones.

• Relying solely on inbound applications may leave you sifting through dozens of unsuitable CVs.

• Headhunting and networking are still crucial — the best candidates often need to be approached directly.

• Recruitment agencies are still valuable, even in a “candidate-rich” market. Why? Because we filter, engage, and connect with talent that doesn’t apply through traditional channels.

The best recruitment strategies right now combine both reach and relevance — tapping into the volume that’s out there but still focusing on the human connection that makes hiring successful.

And in markets like this, speed matters. The few great candidates that are available move quickly. If you’re dragging your feet on interviews or decision-making, you’ll lose them.

What Candidates Should Keep in Mind

If you’re job hunting right now, you’re probably feeling the squeeze too. You might be sending out applications without hearing much back, or finding that roles get cancelled or delayed mid-process.

Our advice? Don’t lose hope — and don’t rush into something that doesn’t fit.

Here’s what we’re telling candidates:

• Stay visible. Update your LinkedIn, keep your network warm, and let recruiters know you’re open to opportunities.

• Be strategic. Don’t apply for everything — focus on roles that truly align with your experience and goals.

• Keep learning. Use this downtime to upskill, build certifications, or strengthen your digital presence.

• Communicate openly. If you’re represented by a recruiter, keep the dialogue honest. We’re your advocates, but we can only help if we understand your priorities.

It’s easy to get discouraged, but remember — markets move in cycles. The same slowdown that’s happening now will eventually make way for a surge in opportunity.

Looking Ahead to 2026

So, where are we headed?

The reality is, no one knows for sure. But if history’s any indication, periods of contraction are often followed by renewal.

As companies finalise budgets, stabilise after redundancies, and reframe their growth plans, we’re expecting a rebound in Q1 2026.

In the meantime, we’ll continue to see smaller, more cautious hiring decisions — roles that are business-critical rather than nice-to-have, with more emphasis on fit, culture, and impact than ever before.

The organisations that continue to invest in people — even during quieter times — will come out ahead when the market shifts again. Those that cut too deeply or pull back entirely may find themselves scrambling to rebuild later.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that the past few months have been challenging. Recruitment right now feels like a rollercoaster — one where we’re all strapped in together, riding through the dips, bumps, and unexpected turns.

But amid the uncertainty, there’s also opportunity. For employers, it’s a chance to rethink hiring strategies, nurture internal talent, and partner more strategically with agencies. For candidates, it’s a time to reflect, reset, and prepare for the next upswing.

We might not know exactly what’s coming — but we do know this: the market always finds its balance.

And as always, we’ll be here to navigate it with you.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian job market is experiencing unusual volatility across multiple sectors.
• Redundancies and funding pauses are contributing to a sense of instability.
• Despite higher unemployment, it’s not truly an employer’s market — top candidates remain employed or selective.
• Recruitment remains essential to bridge the gap between quantity and quality in applications.
• The seasonal slowdown has come earlier than usual, but a rebound in early 2026 is possible.
• Both employers and candidates should stay proactive and strategic through this period of uncertainty.

If you have a burning topic you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@montagu.com.au.

Join the conversation Today!

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