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Your knowledge of the in-demand skills in your role and sector could make the difference between a successful job application or a pay rise this year. According to our research, employers are introducing more opportunities for learning and development, putting you one strategic choice away from increased professional value. Already have some of the skills listed? A CV update could be all it takes to get ahead this year. Keep reading to learn more about the most in-demand skills for the future of 2025, according to our recruitment experts.  

Inside the current UK hiring landscape

The 2025 UK hiring landscape is a tale of two halves. On the one hand, business leaders expect a return to growth, with nearly two in five business leaders planning to expand their permanent headcount this year. On the other hand, the systemic skills shortage is making top talent hard to find. Professionals with in-demand skills and experience could have their pick of desirable roles. This is especially true for those experienced with AI, automation, and machine learning — according to the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 to match the pace of technology adoption. Skilled employees have the upper hand in remuneration and salary negotiations, too. Research for the 2025 Salary Guide shows that 46% of businesses are increasing salaries to remain competitive and retain/attract top talent. Read more: 2025 hiring trends – what to expect for the year ahead

2025 skills in demand for the UK hiring market

Finance and accounting skills 1. Financial reporting 2. Data analytics and experience with business intelligence tools 3. Technical accounting 4. Automation The finance skills​ taking top priority in 2025 are a balanced blend of traditional and digital skills. As the finance function begins to enhance productivity through automation, machine learning, and AI, employers are searching for professionals who can seamlessly adopt new tech for better, faster business outcomes. Other high-value skills needed for finance roles over the next 12 months include big data analysis and industry knowledge. Read more: Highest paying finance jobs in the UK for 2025   Technology skills 1. Data and analytics 2. Automation and machine learning 3. Cloud experience 4. Software and application development 5. Project and programme management Unsurprisingly, 2025's most in-demand tech skills​ include automation, AI, and cloud. Not only are these some of the most challenging skills to hire for, but they're also essential in digital transformation and productivity initiatives. Employers are also looking for IT skills that include immersive technology, showing a distinct shift into more exploratory tech — those with ambition, imagination, and technical experience could see themselves in high demand.   Marketing and creative skills 1. AI tools 2. Data analysis 3. Project management 4. Customer relationship management (CRM) The most in-demand marketing skills for 2025 show that employers are still looking for creatives and marketers who can deploy data-led strategy and creativity in tandem — a trend we've seen growing over the last few years. In-demand professionals should be able to use data insights to identify opportunities, use tools like AI to act on them quickly, and leverage analytics to report on the efficacy of the outcome. Read more: 4 key trends shaping the future of marketing   Legal skills 1. Contracts: review and negotiation 2. Contract lifecycle management 3. Data protection knowledge 4. Experience with legal research tools Hiring in the legal sector is picking up in 2025, with employers hungry for talent with legal skills covering contract management's nuances. Those with experience using legal research tools like Bloomberg Law and LexisNexis are also in high demand. Recent reforms in UK data protection law have triggered an uptick in employers looking for talent with skills and experience in this particular area.   Administrative, HR, and office support skills 1. Data analytics 2. Expense processing 3. Project and programme management 4. Excel/PowerPoint Hiring is on the rise for admin and office support roles in 2025, with project management and data analytics proving the most alluring admin skills to potential employers. In a sector where nearly half of professionals have minimal or no experience with generative AI tools, those with proven expertise could easily secure a competitive advantage where salaries or roles are concerned.   Read more: 7 must-have receptionist skills that all top employers want   Financial services skills 1. Risk analysis 2. ESG 3. Statutory reporting and financial control 4. KYC due diligence Hiring in financial services is slower than in other professional sectors, making skills development and experience essential for professionals looking to advance this year. Outside of the more traditional financial services skills, ESG continues to rise in demand in the wake of 2024's mandated reporting standards.   If you want to hear more about the most in-demand skills for 2025, you can check out these videos featuring our recruitment experts here: Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide - YouTube

For more information on skills for 2025 and hiring trend predictions across all sectors, read the Robert Half Salary Guide. Upload your CV or browse jobs now to find your next career opportunity.