The economic climate has resulted in many companies decelerating their hiring during 2024, as the boom in opportunities that we experienced in the wake of the pandemic came to a close. There’s no denying that we’ve witnessed fewer openings than compared to previous years.
Looking to the year ahead, the workplace trends indicate that people seeking permanent positions will have to evaluate a number of factors. Technology skills will once again be in demand across the board, while green skills are increasingly sought after.
With that in mind, it’s helpful to know where opportunities lie when making the next step in your career. We’ve taken a look at the biggest industries where we expect movement in 2025 and what you need to find a job there.
Top industries hiring in 2025
Technology
People seeking jobs in the tech industry will find exciting roles, but upskilling is the name of the game in order to futureproof your career.
While artificial intelligence hasn’t yet transformed the industry in the ways that some suggested or even predicted, professionals across all disciplines will benefit from an understanding of AI tools. The most in-demand roles in this space are Project Managers, followed by Business and Data Analysts. Being able to use AI to assist in taking notes, creating schedules or assessing data will give you a huge advantage in these jobs.
For those looking to get involved in 2025, taking time to develop soft skills is also likely to pay off. Business-facing roles, such as the ones mentioned above, will require the ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders. As AI’s influence grows, having the problem-solving skills to augment the tech will put you in good stead.
Banking, Financial Services and Insurance
As covered in our recent BFSI report in partnership with Everest, organisations are struggling with skills shortages, so the right candidates will be in plenty of demand. Here are some of the areas that employers are on the lookout for:
- Technology skills: As mentioned in the introduction, proficiency with tech tools and platforms are becoming a necessity in most industries. Of course, this is important for people working in data analytics, as AI and cyber security skills will help in collecting, analysing and protecting important information.
Energy
Another of the major industries hiring in 2025, this is an area undergoing rapid transformation as countries continue to switch to clean energy. The new UK government has pledged to decarbonise the power sector by 2030, while offering a ‘skills passport’ for professionals making the transition into working with renewable sources. We’ve also seen greater investment in China, too, while Germany has recently committed to spending €19bn on a pipe network to transport hydrogen.
For enthusiastic skilled professionals, the good news is that it’s a sector open to a wide range of expertise. For example, organisations want specialists to oversee renewable energy systems and consultants to offer advice on transformation
Again, there is wide acknowledgment that greater technology adoption is required to facilitate the transition. As outlined by the World Economic Forum, cyber security professionals are in demand. Meanwhile, our recent report on the energy industry highlighted how Data Analysts will be heavily involved in optimising various stages of the energy lifecycle.
Engineering
A beneficiary of the focus on sustainability and clean energy are engineers. As discussed during a recent Hays LinkedIn event on finding jobs in sustainability, engineers have a big part to play in the green revolution. For example, civil engineers with expertise in sustainable urban development and resilient infrastructure can expect to find roles.
That’s not to say that opportunities are limited to this space, though, as the job market in the engineering industry remains resilient outside of this. It’s also very broad, with a vast number of areas you could work in. The latest figures from Hays Salary Guides in the UK, as well as Australia and New Zealand, offer further insights into jobs and remuneration.
Looking for a new job in 2025?
Even though you know the industries hiring in 2025, it’s worth thinking about your priorities in a new role before embarking on your job search. Is it a higher salary? Greater flexibility in how your work? Access to learning opportunities and resources?
Download our free CV and interview guides today to help you in your search and check your local Hays website here to find vacancies near you.
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