The 25 skills that will get you hired in the UK right now, according to LinkedIn
The UK job market is undergoing one of the fastest skills transformations in recent memory, driven by explosive AI adoption, surging data volumes, tightening regulations, and the shift to hybrid work. Professionals who want to stand out to recruiters or secure their next role need to prioritise the capabilities employers are prioritising most.
This is according to LinkedIn’s annual Skills on the Rise report, which identifies the fastest-growing skills based on year-over-year data. The analysis draws from two key metrics: how quickly professionals are adding skills to their profiles, and which skills are most common among those recently hired.
Rather than a straight 1–25 ranking of individual skills, LinkedIn groups the top 25 into five high-growth categories that reflect where demand is surging. These span cutting-edge tech to timeless human abilities, showing that success in 2026 requires both technical fluency and strong interpersonal/strategic skills.
Notably, the report excludes overly broad or basic skills (like general digital literacy) and focuses on those with strong representation and hiring momentum.
Here are the five essential groupings and the specific fast-rising skills within each:
AI, Machine Learning & Generative Technologies
These top the list as AI moves from buzzword to core business tool. Employers want people who can implement and operationalize AI, not just understand it conceptually.
- Prompt Engineering
- Chatbot Development
- Large Language Models (LLM)
- Regression Analysis
- Machine Learning Operations (MLOps)/Machine Learning
Why they’re rising: “As AI adoption accelerates across the UK economy, employers are increasingly hiring for skills that help turn new technologies into real, usable tools,” the report notes. With government plans to upskill 10 million workers in AI by 2030 and potential £140 billion in annual economic value from AI, these competencies are unlocking new roles and elevating old ones.
Data & Analytics
I and digital tools are generating unprecedented data—creating urgent demand for professionals who can interpret it and drive action.
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Data Storytelling
- Business Process Automation
- Process Optimisation
- Workflow Management
Why they’re rising: The labour market “needs professionals who can make sense of it,” LinkedIn explains, as data overload becomes the norm across industries.
Risk & Compliance
Digital complexity, cyber threats, regulatory changes, and global uncertainty are forcing companies to strengthen resilience and oversight.
- Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC)
- Cyber Risk Management
- Ethical Decision Making
- Statutory Reporting
- Operational Excellence (OpEx)
Why they’re rising: Organisations are moving “beyond traditional risk management” to include cyber and ethical dimensions, especially amid evolving regulations.
Leadership, Culture & Communication
Hybrid work, rapid tech change, and diverse teams make these “evergreen” skills more critical than ever.
- Leadership
- Project Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
- Cross-cultural Communication
Why they’re rising: As work models evolve, the ability to lead, collaborate, and foster inclusive environments directly impacts team performance and retention.
Strategy & Business Development
Companies need sharp planning and relationship-building to capitalize on tech shifts and market changes.
- Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Technology Roadmapping
- Sales Negotiation
- Revenue Growth Strategy
- Relationship Management
Why they’re rising: To “make the most of new technologies and shifting market opportunities,” firms seek leaders who can chart paths forward and close deals.
