Mid-Year Reality Check: What’s Tracking (and What’s Not) in Tech Recruitment
We’re almost halfway through 2025, and for the tech and Salesforce job market, it’s already been a much busier and more positive year than many expected. After a slow and cautious 2024, this year kicked off with strong hiring intent.
Back in January, we made five predictions about what would shape the market this year. So how are those tracking? And what’s really happening on the ground right now? Here’s our mid-year read.
Prediction 1: AI will be everywhere. Talent needs to catch up
✅ On track
The AI wave continues to roll. Salesforce Einstein, predictive analytics tools, and AI-powered workflows are all driving change but the talent side of the equation hasn’t caught up just yet.
While we’re seeing more briefs that mention AI, most roles still prioritise:
- Core platform expertise (Salesforce, HubSpot, MuleSoft)
- Strong fundamentals
- The ability to translate business needs into scalable solutions
Those with a bit of AI-savviness baked in, especially around automation, analytics, or prompt-based logic, are definitely standing out.
There’s still time for candidates to upskill (and Trailhead’s AI certs are free).
Prediction 2: The Salesforce talent crunch will push salaries up
✅ Mixed but shifting
It hasn’t been a uniform salary surge, but we are seeing early signs of pressure building, especially for:
- Contractors
- Public sector projects
- In-demand roles like Developers and Functional Consultants
Compared to earlier this year, there’s a clearer appetite for capability investment. Salaries haven’t bounced back to pandemic highs, but they are creeping upward, especially where niche skills or quick starts are needed.
Employers are still value-conscious but they’re moving faster to secure the right people.
Prediction 3: The push and pull continues with Remote vs. In-Office
✅ Still true
This one hasn’t changed much since January. Most candidates want flexibility. Most businesses are offering hybrid.
Remote-only roles do still exist, but they’re less common and more competitive. For senior roles in particular, businesses are leaning back into a few in-office days a week.
Hybrid remains the safest bet for attracting and retaining top talent.
Prediction 4: The Salesforce ecosystem will keep expanding
✅ Definitely happening
Salesforce continues to grow its product suite, with AI Cloud, Industry Clouds and tighter integrations coming into play. That’s creating demand for professionals who can work across platforms and understand how the different pieces connect.
Right now, we’re seeing more briefs that call for:
- Multi-product experience (e.g. Industry Clouds and Data Clouds)
- Strong integration capability
- Sector-specific configuration skills
Certifications are coming back into focus. Those who’ve kept their skills up to date are in a strong position.
Prediction 5: The rise of the fractional Salesforce professional
✅ Confirmed
Contract work is back in demand. We’re seeing strong uptake of short-term and fractional roles across project delivery, platform upgrades, and systems integration.
For employers, it’s a smart way to bring in capability without committing to long-term headcount. For candidates, it’s a great time to explore consulting, freelancing or contract work, demand is increasing and rates are healthy.
The overall mood: much better than expected
✅ The biggest shift so far this year? Confidence.
There’s more business activity, more project landing, and more clarity around planning. It’s not a hiring frenzy, but momentum seems to be trending in the right direction, and good candidates are getting snapped up fast.
Looking ahead
The second half of the year is shaping up to be even busier. If you’re hiring, now’s the time to act before the end-of-year rush hits. If you’re job hunting, keep your skills sharp and stay visible. The market is moving again, and the opportunities are there for those ready to step up.
Need help with hiring or curious what the market looks like in your space? Let’s chat.
– Garth
