The tech job industry is shifting fast. Between new EU laws, smarter hiring tools, and a growing need to constantly learn and adapt, professionals are facing a whole new game. But here’s the good news: with change comes opportunity. In this article, we break down three major trends shaping your career and how you can turn them to your advantage.
Pay transparency: what professionals need to know
A new EU directive on pay transparency is coming into effect in June 2026, and it’s set to shift the balance of power between talent and employers. For professionals, this means more visibility, more fairness, and more data to back your career decisions.
Key changes you should know
- Job ads must include clear, upfront salary ranges.
- Employers can’t ask about or base your salary on previous earnings.
- You have the right to request written information on the salaries of colleagues in similar roles, including gender-based comparisons.
- Salary confidentiality clauses are no longer allowed. You’re free to talk about what you earn.
- Companies with 100+ employees will be required to publish their gender pay gap and take action if it exceeds 5%.
What does this mean for you?
More transparency means more power in your hands. You’ll be able to benchmark, negotiate and grow with context and not guesswork. Expect clearer expectations, more confidence in your worth, and a stronger push toward equity.
AI in recruitment: your secret weapon?
AI is now in your job search toolkit. From optimising your CV to preparing for interviews or filtering job offers, AI tools are becoming part of the standard workflow.
The AI-assisted job hunt
- Many professionals already use AI to tailor CVs and cover letters for specific job ads.
- Some rely on AI tools to prepare for technical or psychometric assessments.
- Platforms like Jobscan, ResyMatch, Google Interview Warmup, or Interviewing.io help simulate interviews and analyse job descriptions.
- Job boards like Landing.Jobs can easily centralize all your career information in one single platform to apply to hundreds of jobs applications with customisation, and still with a specialist recruiter reviewing your processes and rooting for your success.
What does this mean for you?
Mastering AI tools can give you a serious edge, making your applications smarter, faster, and more targeted. But with more candidates using the same tech, standing out means adding the human touch: clear storytelling, authentic motivation, and soft skills that no bot can fake.
Upskilling: learn fast or get left behind
In tech, staying still is falling behind. Whether you’re in a permanent role or doing freelance gigs, continuous learning is now core to job security, salary growth and career momentum.
Why IT professionals are levelling up
- To access better job opportunities
- To increase their earning potential
- To keep up with evolving technologies
- To feel connected to the tech community
- Because curiosity is part of the job
How to learn without burning out
- Microlearning: short, on-demand videos and tutorials focused on real problems
- Bootcamps and certifications: fast-tracked technical skills with industry recognition
- Podcasts and book clubs: learning through community and conversation
- Live soft skills training: because communication is just as key as code
For freelancers and contractors
With more companies hiring for specific projects, your growth can depend on you. Choose projects that challenge you, expand your stack, or let you collaborate across teams.
To go even deeper on these subjects, the most awaited Tech Talent Trends Report by Landing.Jobs offers a detailed snapshot of the current state of tech careers in Portugal. From salary benchmarks to remote policies trends and shifting priorities among tech professionals, it’s a powerful tool to help you understand where you stand, and where the market is going. Whether you’re planning your next move or just want to stay ahead, this data-backed report is your career compass in a changing landscape.
The future of tech work is about clarity, adaptability, and knowing how to use both tools and people skills to your advantage. Whether you’re navigating salary talks, automating job applications with AI, or levelling up your skills between gigs, one thing’s for sure: the power is shifting. And if you know where to look, you’re already ahead.
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