At EC1 Partners, we understand that facing an unexpected gap between jobs can be unsettling, particularly for those affected by the recent wave of redundancies in technology roles. Data from January 2025 shows that the unemployment rate in the UK for individuals aged 16 and over was 4.4%, while in the US, it stood at 4.1% as of December 2024. The tech industry has seen a significant increase in layoffs, with Crunchbase reporting more redundancies as companies reassess their workforce in response to changing market conditions. While going through redundancy can be challenging, it also provides an opportunity to refine your skills, expand your network, and position yourself for long-term success.
No matter the reason for your employment gap—be it redundancy, a career change, or personal issues—it doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to enhance your skills, broaden your network, and set yourself up for long-term success if you maintain the right mindset.
If you are currently between roles, our consultants have provided their best tips in this article, offering valuable insights on how to maximise this time and remain competitive in your job search.
1. Assess Your Skills Against Market Demand
Job boards and AI-driven search tools can help filter job opportunities, but they often fail to acknowledge your full potential. Instead of depending solely on automated suggestions, take the time to analyse your skills against the qualifications that fintech employers and recruitment agencies are currently looking for.
Morgan Davidofsky, from our US Tech team, suggests benchmarking your qualifications for targeted roles: “Engaging in online assessments or obtaining relevant certifications effectively showcases your expertise, ensuring your skills align with potential employers’ expectations.” This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to professional growth but also enhances your profile in a competitive job market.
2. Find Your Ideal Role
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the number of available roles. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay focused on the career path you want and to avoid applying for jobs that do not align.
As you browse job descriptions in your target field, look for patterns and adjust your profile to better match the market requirements. This approach will help you identify the opportunities available to you.
Alternatively, use this time to consider a career change. You might be seeking a new role that presents opportunities for learning, growth, and skill development in a field you haven’t explored before.
3. Identify Gaps in Your Expertise
Identify the areas where you can improve to become a more attractive candidate. If you notice a significant skills gap related to the roles you are interested in, consider pursuing training and development opportunities or taking on temporary roles to bridge that gap. However, if you feel stretched and unable to commit to training, it might be better to focus on positions that align more closely with your current experience.
4. Seek Feedback from Recruiters or Mentors
While your colleagues and work connections can offer constructive feedback, sometimes it’s beneficial to seek a second opinion. This can help you position yourself more effectively by removing personal biases that might obscure areas for improvement.
A recruiter can provide insights from a different perspective and help you understand how your skills and experience compare to other candidates in the market. They can also assist you in identifying any gaps you may need to address to succeed in your next role.
5. Leverage Your Professional Network
The best job opportunities often come from people you know, not just applications. A recent study shows that 39% of job seekers found their next role through networking. That’s why it’s important to keep connections strong. Reach out to old colleagues, attend fintech events, and join online groups where the industry gathers. Remember, networking isn’t one-sided—offer value by sharing insights or connecting people.
Take this time to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones:
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- Reconnect with former colleagues, clients, and managers to share your career goals and seek their guidance.
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- Request testimonials on LinkedIn to improve your profile while looking for new opportunities.
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- Participate in industry discussions on LinkedIn, attend fintech events, and join professional communities to keep yourself immersed in the market.
- Instead of only asking for help, offer value as well. Share insights, introduce contacts, or discuss trends to ensure that relationships remain mutually beneficial.
6. Explore Temporary or Contract Work
Many candidates overlook short-term positions, but these opportunities can be transformative in the tech industry. Contract work allows you to stay engaged in the field, build credibility, and often leads to full-time job offers.
Short-term fintech roles can introduce you to new technologies, innovative business models, and regulatory challenges, making you a more valuable candidate in the long run. Companies frequently use contract positions as a “test run” for potential permanent hires.
Freelance consulting or project-based work can also help you keep your skills sharp while providing a source of income.
7. Invest in Learning and Development
If you’ve been thinking about upskilling but haven’t found the time, now is the perfect opportunity. The fintech industry evolves rapidly, making it essential to stay current. Consider enrolling in fintech-specific certifications, coding boot camps, or financial analysis courses that align with your career objectives.
Stay informed about market trends by following industry leaders, listening to fintech podcasts, and subscribing to relevant newsletters.
Additionally, take advantage of free or subsidised courses offered by professional organisations and universities.
8. Work with a Fintech Recruitment Expert
Job searching can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A specialist recruiter can assist you in finding the right opportunities in the market, refining your pitch, and connecting you with established businesses.
At EC1 Partners, we focus on fintech recruitment and offer valuable insights into hiring trends and salary benchmarks. We can help you effectively position yourself, prepare for interviews, and access roles that may not be publicly advertised. Our expert consultants work closely with candidates to ensure they are well-prepared to land their next big opportunity.
9. Research the Company and Its Leadership
When preparing for your interview, it’s crucial to do thorough research. Find out who will interview you and learn about the company’s values and leadership team. This information gives you an advantage. Be selective and invest time in preparing for each opportunity. Tailor your approach by gaining a deep understanding of the business culture and leadership team. This will make you more confident through the interview process. Highlighting your enthusiasm for the role and potential contribution to the company’s vision. By practising thoughtful preparation you will be at an advantage as a highly motivated candidate who has been selective during their job search.
Words of Advice from the EC1 Team
Remember, an employment gap isn’t a setback; it’s an opportunity to reposition yourself. Forbes has also shared that while redundancy often triggers anxiety, it can be a time to recalibrate your career, upskill for emerging roles, and reframe challenges as opportunities. With market conditions shifting, now is the perfect time to focus on your next big step!
For more tips to support you through your job search explore our previous article ‘Strategies to Boost Your Fintech Job Search‘ , explore our latest jobs, or reach out to our team directly here.
Sources:
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- Crunchbase – Tech Layoffs Tracker – here
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- Forbes – 3 Ways to Turn Redundancy Anxiety Into Your Next Career Opportunity – here
