The UK job market is highly influenced by global trends, economic factors, technological advancements, and industry-specific needs. If you want to blend into the UK workforce, you’ll need to acquire certain in-demand skills.
Today, I’m going to go over the top 20 high demand skills in UK. This way, it will be easier to find work in the “Land of The Rose”. So are you ready to unlock new job opportunities? Let’s go!
The 20 Best In-Demand Skills for Jobs in the UK
Here is a rundown of the 20 high demand skills in UK for foreigners and locals:
- Digital marketing
- Data analysis
- Coding and programming
- Project management
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Content creation and copywriting
- Leadership and management
- Communication and interpersonal
- Sales and negotiation
- Customer service
- Time management
- Collaboration
- Language
- Persuasion
- Social media management
- Creativity
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Public speaking and presentation
1. Digital marketing
In this modern world, more and more industries are relying on online platforms. And if you can boast digital marketing skills, you’re sure to be a valuable candidate for many businesses.
Some highlighted digital marketing skills you can work on are Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email campaigns, Google Ads, video editing and production, and lots more.
Read More: What is Digital Communication and Why Is It Important?
2. Data analysis
This is another highly sought-after skill demand in the UK. Recruiters in different industries love job seekers who know how to take raw data and extract and analyze meaningful insights, draw conclusions, and support decision-making. This is especially true in the business, healthcare, finance, and science sectors.
You can learn data analysis skills through theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and continuous learning.
3. Coding and programming
Programmers are wanted by lots of UK businesses and companies. In fact, the demand for programmers increased by 105%. To be sure, you’ll be a top candidate if you possess coding and programming skills.
However, this isn’t an easy skill to learn. You may have to study a course, join a boot camp, or read books on it.
4. Project management
Some of the highest paying jobs in the UK have to do with management roles. Sure, you might not be able to reach the top when you first get hired. However, improving your project management skills is a good strategy to make your way up.
These skills will include responsibility and decision-making, experience and expertise in the specific industry, and strategic vision, as well as knowing how to deal with stress and pressure.
5. Cybersecurity
Did you know?: There is a 0% unemployment rate found for cybersecurity in the UK. What’s more, skilled workers earn an impressive salary. This is a great opportunity that you don’t want to miss out on.
To gain cybersecurity skills, you must take the time to study all about it. You can get online courses, certifications, hands-on lab experience, internships, and mentors, to name a few things.
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Sue Daley, a director at TechUK, says this, “The UK AI sector is thriving, with a combination of global players and UK firms. We are third in the world behind the US and China and that is something to celebrate.” Because of that, many in-demand jobs in the UK are looking to hire people (foreigners or local) who have great knowledge about AI.
It might be early days, but learning all you can about AI ahead of the pack will make you highly valuable in the UK job market.
7. Content creation and copywriting
As I already mentioned, lots of UK businesses and companies utilize online platforms. Websites, blogs, emails, and social media are top marketing strategies.
Employers are always on the lookout for great writers who can improve their online presence. This is an especially great skill to learn if you’re a foreigner who wants to work for a UK company but doesn’t want to go through all the stress of transferring, getting a visa, and all that.
8. Leadership
There are many job sectors in the UK that require leadership skills. Plus, if you can be a leader, your earnings will only go up and up. That said, it takes time to reach leadership roles.
While you’re still gaining experience, do as much as you can to improve your leadership skills. This can include being more self-aware, improving your communication skills, developing emotional intelligence, improving decision-making skills, enhancing strategic thinking, etc…
Read More: 10 Leadership Fundamentals Every Leader Should Know.
9. Communication and interpersonal
Leadership role or not, having good communication skills is a top in-demand skill that every workplace needs. If you know how to communicate well with executives, employers, coworkers, and recruiters, you’ll be a top employer.
But it’s not just about talking. Interpersonal skills, such as teamwork, nonverbal communication, active listening, empathy, and respect can land you jobs (as well as promotions).
10. Sales and negotiation
BIG companies in the UK are always looking to fill up more sales roles. The more salesmen (and women) they have, the more sales they get. As simple as that.
If this is the career path you are interested in, then start working on your sales skills. This means working on your communication, time management, presentation skills, confidence, persistence (though not too persistent as it gets annoying), and customer service.
11. Customer service
Of course, customer service isn’t only necessary for sales work. You’ll need good customer service skills for many types of jobs, including hospitality, retail, real estate, insurance, etc.
Some ways you can improve your customer service skills are to understand your customers, be an active listener, show empathy, communicate clearly, handle stress effectively, admit mistakes, and learn from feedback.
12. Time management
Being able to manage your time is a great skill for any job, no matter what it is. This is a soft skill everyone should work to improve. If you’re able to convince a recruiter that you have exceptional time management skills, then you’ll more likely be a shortlisted candidate for an interview.
13. Collaboration
Employers want workers who can collaborate effectively and efficiently with each other. If you know how to collaborate with others, then you’ll be able to get so much more done. And this is what makes you excel in the UK workplace.
14. Language
High demand skills in UK include translation skills. According to the Office of National Statistics, 13% of UK companies employ overseas workers. As more foreigners are flocking in, the need for language translators is becoming more important.
On the other side, UK companies are also working with foreign customers and clients. To be able to reach out to them, they look for job seekers who can speak several languages.
15. Persuasion
If you’re great at persuading others, then you can land professional and leadership roles. A company values a persuasive person as they can easily bring more revenue and/or improve the team’s productivity.
Now, you can have a natural ability to persuade people OR you can take lessons or training in this to help your future career.
Read More: Hone Your Persuasive Speaking Techniques With These Simple Tips That Actually Work.
16. Social media management
Social media management is now a prominent role that UK companies want to fill as soon as possible. Again, what did I say about the world going online? Because of that, many companies want to make sure that they regularly post on their socials to update about certain things.
Since regular posts, getting followers, and all that need special skills, they will look for someone who knows how to manage social media platforms.
17. Creativity
Being creative is a skill that will help you excel in the workplace. Even if you aren’t in the arts sector, creativity can produce efficient processes, unique solutions, and campaigns that work. You can work on your creativity by getting a creative hobby, such as painting or writing.
18. Problem-solving and critical thinking
Having problem-solving and critical-thinking skills will help you stand out. You can find jobs anywhere from store manager, operations manager, software developer, nursing jobs, and the list goes on and on. If you know how to solve a problem and have the right skills, you’ll be able to land a job a lot quicker.
Read More: What Is The Role Of Communication In Critical Thinking?
19. Adaptability
If you know how to adapt to obstacles that get in your way, then you’ll be highly valued in the UK job market. No matter the industry, recruiters are in demand for professionals who know how to achieve success through adaptability.
20. Public speaking and presentation
Public speaking is a great fear that many people in the UK experience. This is why public speaking is a skill that’s preferred in many roles and sectors. To make it even better, adding in presentation skills will make you a dream job applicant.
Read More: The 6 Most Common Public Speaking Strengths And Weaknesses.
Final Words
There are many high demand skills in UK to learn that will make your job search much easier. Pick one (or many) of the skills we mentioned here and work your way to improving it. Rest assured, if you have at least 3 to 5 of these skills, you’ll be a valuable asset to a UK company.
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