Is Tech Hiring Terrible Now? What Exactly Happened?

The tech industry is finally cooling down. It might pick up again, but don’t count on it — AI might just replace you before it does. And if that wasn’t bad enough, companies are offshoring operations again while reporting record profits.

Better upskill — that’s always a better option… right? Not quite, unless you agree with the idea that employers are just pushing the costs of training and time onto you while expecting you to meet their ever-increasing list of qualifications.

It’s a collective race to the bottom — and unless you started at the top, you’ll always be at risk of being laid off again during the next cycle.

The Nature of Corporate Tech

It’s a sad state of affairs for white-collar workers. Trends in hiring are pointing to an increased use of AI in job postings and the hiring process. Recruiters tend to ghost for no reason at all, and now “ghost jobs,” openings that aren’t really openings, make up almost 50% of all online postings.

We are becoming an increasingly digital society, with much of our activity consisting of engaging with each other via the internet. That doesn’t mean that businesses will simply sit out and not notice this trend — they wanted a piece of the pie, and they got in on the action, too.

The reality is that we simply haven’t seen this much online engagement in human history. The other side of this is that we are not prepared for what is coming — an increased need for direct social engagement in the midst of an artificial demand for digital engagement.

The Hiring Process Is Broken

The reliance on AI-driven recruitment tools has depersonalized the hiring process. Companies are using automated systems to scan resumes for keywords, often filtering out highly qualified candidates simply because their applications don’t match a rigid algorithm.

This has led to talented professionals struggling to even get their foot in the door, despite having the necessary skills and experience.

At the same time, employers seem to be raising the bar for entry-level jobs, demanding experience levels that were once considered mid-senior roles. A job posting for a junior software engineer might now require five years of experience, proficiency in ten different programming languages, and experience with frameworks that have only existed for a couple of years.

The result? A workforce that is left scrambling to meet impossible standards while companies continue to complain about a so-called “talent shortage.”

The Offshoring Dilemma

Many tech companies are offshoring operations to cut costs while continuing to report record profits. This isn’t new, but the trend is intensifying as companies prioritize shareholders over employees. With a global talent pool at their disposal, businesses are less inclined to invest in local talent. Instead, they opt for cheaper labor markets, leaving skilled workers in high-cost regions struggling to find stable employment.

The AI Factor: Job Creator or Job Killer?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the workplace, but at what cost? While AI has the potential to create new job categories, it is also making many traditional tech jobs obsolete.

Software that once required a team of developers can now be generated by AI in minutes. As companies adopt AI-powered tools, the need for human workers diminishes, putting even seasoned professionals at risk.

The irony is that many of these AI systems are being developed by the very people they are replacing. Engineers and data scientists are training AI to become more efficient, potentially engineering themselves out of their own jobs.

The long-term implications of this shift remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the tech industry as we knew it is changing rapidly, and not necessarily for the better.

So, What Can You Do?

The traditional advice has always been to “upskill,” but that alone may not be enough in today’s climate. Here are some strategies to navigate the current tech hiring crisis:

• Diversify Your Skill Set — While technical skills are important, soft skills like communication, adaptability, and leadership are becoming increasingly valuable.
• Build a Personal Brand — Having a strong online presence, showcasing projects, and networking strategically can set you apart.
• Consider Freelancing or Entrepreneurship — The gig economy and independent consulting can provide opportunities beyond traditional employment.
• Stay Ahead of AI Trends — Understanding how AI is reshaping industries can help you position yourself in a role that complements automation rather than competes with it.

The Future of Tech Hiring

The current state of tech hiring is a reflection of broader economic and technological shifts. While there is no easy fix, staying informed, adaptable, and proactive can help you navigate these turbulent times.

The industry may eventually stabilize, but until then, professionals must be prepared for a landscape that values flexibility and innovation over traditional career paths.