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Navigating the UK job market in 2025 requires a clear understanding of which skills employers value most. From emerging technical abilities to evergreen soft skills, staying ahead means not just having the right skills but knowing how to present them effectively on your CV. Whether you're starting out, changing careers, or refining your professional path, this guide will help UK jobseekers identify the top skills in demand and show you how to enhance your CV to stand out.
By the end of this article, you'll know the most in-demand skills, practical ways to acquire and demonstrate them, and how UK-specific factors like migration, artificial intelligence, and an increasing skill shortage are shaping skill demand.
Whether you're a student, seeking a career change, or a seasoned professional, this article discusses the most sought-after skills in the job market. We explore soft and hard skills and show how to strategically navigate applicant tracking systems (ATS) to navigate the competitive job market.
Why do employers care about skills?
Employers hire based on talent and expertise that align with their business needs. However, a skill gap among UK job candidates persists – about two-thirds (66%) of big UK companies are having trouble finding employees with the right expertise. Addressing this gap begins with you. A strong understanding of what hiring managers want, paired with a commitment to skill-building, can place you ahead of the competition.
How do you choose the right skills?
First, take the time to identify the skills most relevant to your career goals. Consider the industry you're in or aspiring to enter, the specific job roles you're interested in, and the skills currently in high demand. Even listing basic computer skills on a CV can help you stand out.
How to begin:
Assess your industry: Look at trends shaping your profession. Tech? Marketing? Health? Understand where the biggest skill demands lie.
Evaluate job descriptions: Extract recurring skills from roles you’re applying for.
Check market insights: Use resources like LinkedIn or government reports to see top UK skill needs.
Your foundational step is aligning your career goals with what hiring managers in your field are looking for while differentiating yourself with unique proficiencies.
Once you've pinpointed these skills, the next step is to invest in your personal and professional development. For example, you could enrol in training programs, take online courses, or attain certifications aligning with your chosen job target. Continuous learning is essential and an investment that can pay off in the long run.
Refer to the courses and certificates in a CV article for more inspiration.
What are the most in-demand soft skills?
Employers value soft skills and interpersonal skills as they drive collaboration, communication, and adaptability in professional settings. Here are the ones commanding attention in every sector:
Communication: Convey ideas clearly and effectively, whether verbally or in writing.
Critical thinking: Analyse problems and find practical solutions.
Teamwork: Thrive in collaborative environments by working well with others.
Leadership: Take initiative and inspire peers to achieve goals.
Adaptability: Handle workplace challenges and changes with resilience.
Project management: Organise and complete tasks on time and within scope.
Learn more about how to showcase skills like communication on a CV.
What are the most in-demand hard skills?
Hard or professional skills are specific knowledge needed for nearly any job. Don't mix them up with IT skills, which are about software and tools needed for the specific job. As businesses adopt new technologies and strategies, skilled professionals drive progress, thus requiring more talent to achieve their business goals. These types of skills are highly specific and play a direct role in modern workplace success
Data analysis: Leverage information to drive decisions.
Digital marketing: From SEO to social media, market effectively in a digital world.
Artificial intelligence (AI): Develop or apply intelligent systems in product creation or operations.
Cybersecurity: Protect organisations from increasing cyber threats.
Programming: Create and improve software solutions in various languages (Python, Java).
Cloud computing: Master new IT systems like AWS, optimising operations.
These staples are critical for professionals in tech, business, and creative industries alike. Check out what IT skills you need for a strong CV.
Top AI (artificial intelligent) skills
Artificial intelligence (AI): Learn to develop AI models and algorithms to solve complex problems.
Machine learning: Build predictive systems using data to improve business decision-making.
Natural language processing (NLP): Explore techniques that allow computers to understand and generate human language.
AI tools and frameworks: Gain proficiency in tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch to create AI-driven solutions.
Prompt engineering: Designing effective prompts for tools like GPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.
Learn more about how to effectively showcase AI skills on a CV.
Top 10 management skills
Effective managers or supervisors play a pivotal role in an organisation’s success. Choosing the best leadership skills is more crucial than ever, as companies regularly face challenges.
Leadership
Communication
Decision-Making
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Team Building
Time Management
Conflict Resolution
Strategic Thinking
Delegation.
Top skills examples per job
Business Analyst top skills
| Soft skills | Hard skills |
|---|---|
| Communication | Data Analysis |
| Analytical Thinking | Business Process Modelling |
| Problem-solving | Wireframing & Prototyping |
| Negotiation | SQL |
| Collaboration | Data Visualisation |
Refer to the business analyst CV article for more information.
Footballer top skills
| Soft skills | Hard skills |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | Precise Dribbling |
| Communication | Accurate Passing |
| Fast learner | High Shooting Accuracy |
| Leadership | Ball Control |
| Adaptability | Tactical Awareness |
If you need additional information, see the footballer CV article.
Project Manager top skills
| Soft skills | Hard skills |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Agile Methodologies |
| Conflict Management | Budgeting and Financial Analysis |
| Problem-solving | Risk Management |
| Time Management | Strategic Stakeholder Management |
| Negotiation | Project Documentation |
Explore the project manager CV article for more insights.
Key takeaways
Displaying the in-demand skills can set you apart and help you secure that all-important job interview. Moreover, hard skills tied to data, technology, and project management remain in high demand as businesses adapt to digital transformations.
To advance your career, improve soft and hard skills, stay updated on industry trends, and commit to lifelong learning. Discover the skills that align with your career aspirations. Obtain training, online courses, and certifications to enhance your chances of securing your dream job.
Pro tips for mastering in-demand skills
Dos
Identify your career goals
Invest in professional development
Tailor CV and cover letter to specific roles
Don'ts
Rush skill development
Rely on formal education
Overlook industry-related events
Next steps?
Our team can help you create a CV and cover letter for a specific job through our professional CV Writing Service if you have the skills but don't know where to start. To get help, check out our cover letter templates or follow our step-by-step guide on writing a good CV.
FAQ
How do you change top skills on LinkedIn?
Updating your top skills on LinkedIn is a straightforward process:
Access your LinkedIn profile.
Navigate to the "Skills & Endorsements" section.
Select the "Add a new skill" option.
Type in the skill you wish to add and choose it from the provided dropdown menu.
To arrange your top skills in the desired order, drag and drop them to your preferred positions.
Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your skills to impress employers and connections. Follow these steps for a strong impact.
What are the top skills to learn in 2025?
The choice depends on your industry and career goals. However, universally valuable skills include data analysis, digital marketing, project management, and communication.
Refer to the article on how to write a CV with no experience for more tips.
Should skills be at the top of a CV?
Yes, place them at the top of your CV next under core sections such as work experience or education. You can do it in three ways: separate languages section, personal profile, or the skills section. The key is to grab the recruiter’s attention while taking into consideration all the requirements of a job description.
What are the top high-income skills for 2025?
The most in-demand skills for higher income include data science, software development, digital marketing, cybersecurity, medical, and project management. Honing these skills can be used across many sectors, leading to well-paying job opportunities.
What are my top 3 skills?
Identifying your top skills depends on your unique strengths and experiences. We encourage you to focus on skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, as employers universally value them. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to help you pinpoint your top three skills. Additionally, self-assessment and reflection can provide insights into your key competencies.
What are the top 10 employability skills?
Employers across various industries value these skills as they contribute to workplace success and productivity. Additionally, ensure the use of transferable skills beyond technical proficiencies and qualifications.
Communication
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Creativity and Innovation
Leadership
Collaboration
Creativity.
