If you’ve been on the hunt for your next Workday role recently, you’ll know the market isn’t as easy to navigate as it used to be — especially if you're looking at senior-level positions. The job boards might still be full, but the right opportunities? A little more elusive.
Whether you’re actively job seeking or just starting to dip your toe in, it’s crucial to approach the market smartly. That’s where we come in.
Focus on WD is 100% dedicated to Workday recruitment globally. We’ve placed hundreds of professionals, worked with some of the top names in the ecosystem, and surveyed Workday specialists across the globe.
Here are the 5 most important things you need to keep in mind when navigating the market in 2025:
1. Choose a Recruiter who knows the ecosystem
If you’re serious about landing your next role, it’s not enough to blast out your CV to anyone and everyone. You need a Recruitment Specialist who lives and breathes Workday — someone who understands the ecosystem inside-out, has relationships with hiring managers, and can get your profile in front of decision-makers before a job is even posted.
A strong recruiter will give you insight into salaries, contract vs perm viability, and market movement – and they’ll be there to help you play the long game, not just land the next role.
2. Be flexible with permanent vs contract work
In 2025, permanent roles are still available, but contract opportunities are definitely a feasible option if you're struggling to secure that full-time gig. In fact, as clients tighten their budgets or push through key implementations, we’re seeing more requests for experienced contractors who can parachute in and deliver.
If you’ve always been perm, contracting might open doors that aren’t available in the permanent market. And if you’re contracting and facing gaps between roles, considering a perm position might offer stability while keeping your Workday experience fresh - there are lots of options if your current set-up isn't working for you.
3. Manage your salary expectations
You’ve got Workday on your CV, so yes, you’re in demand. But that doesn’t mean every opportunity is going to hit the six-figure mark.
We’re still seeing most permanent roles fall between £40-90k, with salaries over £90k becoming more competitive — especially for those wanting remote-only or limited travel. On the contract side, rates remain healthy, but with more scrutiny around budgets and day-rate justification, you’ll need to be realistic if you want to secure the right role.
Top tip: consider the full package. Remote work, 4-day weeks, and benefits like stock options or bonus schemes could make a lower base salary a better deal long term.
4. Don’t make remote working your hill to die on
The last five years have been geared up towards remote working, but the number of fully-remote roles is dropping — particularly on high-visibility transformation projects where stakeholder engagement is key.
Flexibility is still a two-way street. If you can offer occasional travel or a few days a month onsite, you’ll massively increase your options. We’ll always push for remote where we can — but be open to hybrid if the project (and the pay) is worth it.
5. Find other ways to stand out
Having a great CV might not be enough to cut it anymore - you have to stand out from the crowd, and go the extra mile to make connections.
If you're not networking and speaking to the right people, you'll miss out on opportunities. Think about what you need, and who can help you, then take the leap and reach out. Be open and honest about why you're contacting them. The more connections you make within the Workday ecosystem, the more likely you are to find a new role, and the more you'll learn about the Workday community along the way.
You can also consider positioning yourself as a thought leader on platforms like LinkedIn - if you've got the know-how, show it. Hiring Managers WILL look at your LinkedIn profile before they consider offering you an interview, so if you're active on the platform and showing off your expertise, you'll give yourself a head start over other candidates.
Your 2025 Workday Job Hunt Playbook
✅ Get a good recruiter
✅ Stay open to perm or contract
✅ Be salary savvy
✅ Loosen up on location
✅ Find ways to stand out
If you're serious about securing your next Workday role in 2025, get in touch with one of our Workday Recruitment Specialists today. You’ve got the skills – we’ve got the network to make it happen.
