Budgets are being finalised, new funding is being secured, and hiring plans are starting to take shape. For hiring managers and recruiters, this marks a golden window of opportunity — a time that savvy prospectors can take full advantage of.

There’s no denying the current candidate market feels complex. Many professionals are treading cautiously. Economic uncertainty, coupled with the natural inertia that comes with the first half of the year, means that whilst there are some who are actively applying for roles there are many that are being much more cautious. However, many of those more cautious prospects are “open to a conversation”. They’re curious, quietly evaluating what’s out there, and willing to listen if the right opportunity presents itself.

Why This Moment Matters for Employers

This is exactly why now is a perfect time for companies to go on the front foot.

Rather than waiting for a flood of applications, forward-thinking employers should focus on targeted outreach—connecting with potential candidates before they start actively looking. When done right, this approach not only gets you ahead of the competition but can also attract individuals who might not respond to job ads later down the line.

In times like these, the noise is lower, and that means your message—your employer brand, your opportunity—can stand out more clearly. Candidates want to see a clear career path, room to grow, meaningful challenges to sink their teeth into, and a company culture that genuinely supports development and balance. They also are absolutely aware of their market value so be prepared to pay and reward them in line with or ahead of the market. In this climate money matters!

Without a compelling, holistic offer, your recruitment efforts risk becoming more drawn out and less effective—costing you not just time, but potentially great hires.

For Candidates: Stay Curious and Open

On the flip side, if you’re a candidate—even one not actively job hunting—this is a great time to keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground.

You don’t need to be scrolling job boards every day to make a strategic move. In fact, the best opportunities often come through conversations. When you’re open to hearing about what’s out there, especially now, you’ll find there’s often less competition for roles compared to peak hiring periods.

Those employers that are actively searching for talent, may come directly to you. Being receptive and ready to explore the right opportunity—without necessarily being “on the market”—can give you a strong advantage. Remember, some of the most rewarding career moves start with a quiet message or a casual conversation.

A Market Full of Movement

While many candidates are keeping things close to the chest, there’s also a lot of movement happening behind the scenes. Plenty of professionals are weighing their options—not because they’re unemployed, but because they’re seeking something more.

This creates a unique dynamic: employers may see a healthy number of applications for roles, but not necessarily from the people they need most. That’s why a proactive approach is so essential—engaging directly with the right individuals, not just waiting for the perfect CV to land in your inbox.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a company looking to make strategic hires, or a professional quietly evaluating your next step, now is a smart time to start conversations.

Openness, curiosity, and thoughtful outreach can uncover opportunities that aren’t yet visible on the surface. So keep talking, keep listening, and keep your radar on.

This is the season for prospectors. Don’t let it pass you by.

Enigma People Solutions is an award-winning technology recruitment consultancy. We find technical leaders for the emerging and enabling technology industries. Visit our services page for more information. Visit our job search page for the latest vacancies in photonics, electronics, semiconductor, software and IoT in Scotland and the UK. Check out our blog page for the latest in the technology industry. You can get in touch with us hello@enigmapeople.com or call us on + 44 131 510 8150