Meetup Recap: Current Trends in the Swiss IT Job Market
At the end of January, Rockstar Recruiting and SwissDevJobs co-hosted a community meetup in Zurich focused on one central question: What is really happening in the Swiss IT job market right now?
The event brought together candidates, hiring managers, founders, and industry experts for an honest, data-driven look at hiring trends, AI’s impact on tech roles, and what the market looks like heading into 2026.
From Coding to Building: How Tech Roles Are Evolving
SwissDevJobs opened the evening with insights from its market data, highlighting a clear shift in expectations for software professionals.
Software engineering hasn’t disappeared - it has evolved. AI is no longer just a productivity tool, but a collaborator. As a result, demand is moving away from surface-level coding toward engineers who can build, own, and understand systems end to end.
The data confirms what many are experiencing firsthand:
- Senior profiles and domain experts remain in strong demand
- Junior roles face a tougher and more competitive entry point
- AI-assisted development is becoming a baseline skill, not a differentiator
The Hidden Job Market Is Growing
Rockstar Recruiting followed with insights from the hidden job market - the part of hiring that never shows up on public job boards.
With AI enabling candidates to apply to hundreds of roles instantly, companies are responding by publishing fewer positions and relying more on:
- Referrals and trusted networks
- Direct searches and proactive outreach
- Specialized recruiting partners
The result: jobs still exist, but they are less visible. Relationships, reputation, and human connection are becoming decisive factors for both candidates and companies.
Outlook for 2026: Selective, but Optimistic
Looking ahead, the overall outlook for the Swiss tech market remains cautiously optimistic.
Switzerland continues to strengthen its position as a deep-tech hub, with momentum in:
- AI, cloud, and data-driven engineering
- Robotics and physical / embodied AI
- Funded startups returning to growth mode
Hiring has become more selective - but innovation, funding, and demand for specialized talent are very much alive.
Discussion, Networking & Human Connection
The evening closed with a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and networking over apéro.
One message resonated throughout the room: in a market shaped by automation and AI, being human is becoming a competitive advantage.
Presentation
Stay Connected
To stay up to date with future events, insights, and opportunities:
- Follow Rockstar Recruiting on LinkedIn and join our Meetup group to access events and insights from the hidden job market
- Follow SwissDevJobs on LinkedIn for data-driven insights and transparency into the Swiss IT job market
Thank you to everyone who joined - we’re looking forward to continuing the conversation.
