The global talent solutions firm Robert Walters , with headquarters in Avenida da Liberdade 190, is celebrating 40 years in the market and has taken this milestone as an opportunity to analyze data and perspectives from companies, candidates, and consultants to share how talent demand has evolved in Portugal.

Jane Bamford, Managing Director of Robert Walters in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, examines data on the evolution of the recruitment market in Portugal over the last 40 years and anticipates what it might look like in the future.

Evolution of the recruitment market over recent decades

In the 1980s, the Portuguese labor market was characterized by high demand for profiles linked to the industrial and construction sectors. This growth was driven by economic development and the arrival of large companies in the country. Job opportunities were primarily concentrated in stable, long-term positions with a strong focus on specific technical skills.

During this period, professional mobility was limited, as workers often spent most of their careers within the same company or even within the same department. Job security and economic stability were fundamental values for professionals, and career development was seen as an internal process within organizations.

In the 1990s, the market began to transform due to globalization and the rise of emerging technologies. The international expansion of companies created a growing need for professionals with language skills and the ability to work in multicultural environments.

In the 2000s, the technological revolution solidified areas such as software development, e-commerce, and digital services, increasing demand for highly qualified IT professionals. This growth marked a golden era for the tech sector, which not only dominated this decade but also continued to expand up to today.

On another note, 2008 stands out due to the global economic crisis, which led to high unemployment rates in Portugal. Many professionals were forced to reinvent themselves or acquire new skills to adapt to an increasingly competitive and constantly changing environment.

Current labor market situation

Today, globalization, digitalization, and technological advancements driven by AI have completely transformed the labor landscape as we once knew it.

One of today’s main challenges is the skills gap, which reflects a mismatch between the capabilities required by companies and those possessed by professionals available in the market. This discrepancy makes it difficult to fill certain key roles in strategic sectors for Portugal’s economy. In fact, according to Robert Walters’ Top Talent Trends report, 39% of key skills required in today’s labor market will change by 2030.

To address this talent shortage, it is essential for companies to promote initiatives aimed at facilitating young graduates’ integration into the workforce. Only through specific training programs and real practical work opportunities can young people gain experience and develop the skills needed to tackle future challenges while contributing to business growth.

Regarding sought-after professional profiles, STEM professionals are among the most valued—not only for their technical expertise but also for their ability to quickly adapt to changing and uncertain contexts.

What will recruitment look like in Portugal’s future?

The next decade will be shaped by four trends that will define employment dynamics in Portugal:

AI Everywhere: AI literacy is rapidly becoming an essential skill for any type of qualified profile across all sectors. Currently, 60% of jobs in advanced economies are exposed to AI.

Skills-Based Recruitment: Companies will prioritize verified technical skills and soft skills over traditional titles or academic degrees.

Flexible and Borderless Work: With 67% of professionals working from home one or two days per week (Robert Walters), hybrid and remote teams with global competencies are here to stay.

Purpose and Inclusion: Generation Z is shaping workplace expectations with well-being, sustainability, and diversity as key priorities.

In summary, Portugal’s recruitment landscape over the next decade will be defined by AI integration, a focus on skills-based hiring practices, and workplaces that prioritize people. Naturally, companies that adapt now will gain a competitive edge in attracting future talent.