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Since our last edition of this article, published in 2024, the labour market has continued to evolve, making life a little more challenging for both candidates and employers.

Vacancies have been gradually declining for many months. To give one indicative metric, vacancies in the UK dropped to 781,000 in Jan-March 2025, the first time since the early pandemic that they were below the pre-COVID-19 level.

Looking at consulting in particular, after a period of strong hiring (post-pandemic), many consulting firms cut headcount through late 2024 and 2025. However, firms are looking to expand regionally within the UK, increasing their presence outside London with access to a wider talent pool.

The skills demanded are shifting: with a strong emphasis on technology, AI, cloud, cyber, and specialist domain expertise, rather than generalist consulting.

Alongside this, the “entry-level to senior ladder” may look different, with fewer generalist roles, more specialist work, and more stringent performance management.

Determining the root of this change is complex. From disruptive technologies and inflationary pressures to shifting sector success and new employer priorities, it is proving to be a tricky time for those on the job hunt.

It remains vitalthat candidates focus on the right skills to stand out from the crowd. Jobseekers and employees must consider not only what makes them valuable workers and attractive candidates now, but also what will cement their success in the future. 

We unpick some of the ways the skills market is changing and explore employers’ shifting priorities as we head into 2026. 

Most Desirable Skills for Employers in 2026

1. AI and digital fluency  

Unfortunately, for non-believers, business traditionalists, and technophobes, AI is here to stay. But it might not be in the form we anticipate.

The most recent Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum states,

“While AI and big data ranks only 15th as a core skill for mass employment today, it is the number three priority in company training strategies from now until 2027.”

Of course, some roles are more prone to these changes than others. For instance, financial analysts, administrative assistants, and similar roles that require a high level of manual data input may be more affected.

So, training in AI and big data offers high-demand skills, unlocking diverse career opportunities with competitive salaries. Proficiency in these areas could provide a competitive edge by helping you foster innovation and future-proof your career. 

Effective, trusted leaders are the key drivers of organisational success, and leadership style can ultimately make or break a team. 

Leadership is vital for providing guidance, motivation, and direction. Great leaders inspire teams, make crucial decisions, and excel at long-term planning. They communicate clearly, resolve conflicts constructively, build cohesive teams, and hold members accountable.

2. Leadership and collaboration

Effective, trusted leaders are the key drivers of organisational success, and leadership style can ultimately make or break a team. 

Leadership is vital for providing guidance, motivation, and direction. Great leaders inspire teams, make crucial decisions, and excel at long-term planning. They communicate clearly, resolve conflicts constructively, build cohesive teams, and hold members accountable.

Impactful leaders can cultivate a positive work culture, using their social influence to encourage creativity and enhance employee engagement. This is particularly valued through hybrid/remote working environments. Through this empowerment, individuals can reach their true potential. Ultimately, leadership is integral to achieving business goals, driving growth, and ensuring the success and sustainability of organisations.

The ability to design for an optimal user experience (UX) is a crucial skill for the future. 

3. Design and user experience

The ability to design for an optimal user experience (UX) is a crucial skill for the future. 

Design and user experience skills ensure that products and services meet user needs, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Well-designed experiences provide a competitive edge, driving positive brand perception and differentiation. As technology evolves, designers must adapt, integrating new platforms and devices seamlessly. Designers are problem solvers, innovators, and advocates for inclusivity, shaping the way people interact with technology and products. 

Data-driven design informs decisions, improving usability and effectiveness. In a rapidly changing landscape, the demand for skilled designers and UX professionals will continue to grow, driving innovation and business success.

4. Creativity and innovation

As many routine tasks are automated, the human edge shifts toward generating new ideas, creative responses, and strategic thinking.

Creativity is indispensable for the future. Powering problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability, creative thinking is a key skill for any employee or candidate.

Creative thinkers devise novel solutions to complex problems, driving progress and resilience in rapidly evolving businesses. In entrepreneurship, creativity sparks innovation, leading to unique ventures and market differentiation. Collaboration benefits from creativity, promoting diverse perspectives, and effective teamwork. As automation advances, creativity distinguishes human contributions, shaping new possibilities and avenues. On a personal level, creativity also enriches self-expression and fulfilment. 

It influences social and cultural evolution, challenging norms and fostering positive change. In a dynamic world, creativity emerges as a fundamental skill, driving innovation, adaptation, and individual and collective advancement.

5. Emotional intelligence (EQ) & self-awareness

The importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence at work cannot be overstated. 

A study by Harvard Business Review revealed that,

“Even though most people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% of people studied actually fit the criteria.”

The ability to recognise strengths and weaknesses, evaluate performance objectively, and pinpoint ways to improve and advance professionally all boil down to enhanced self-awareness. Yet clearly these skills are in short supply. When employees work on this skill to better understand themselves and what makes them tick, it is more likely that they will better understand their colleagues. 

Not only does improved self-awareness open the door to improved collaboration and teamwork, but it also leads to greater productivity and opportunities for progression.

6. Analytical thinking and data literacy

Candidates who can effectively analyse complex situations and find suitable solutions quickly are in high demand.

Especially in the wake of the last few years, rapid data analysis and problem-solving have become key elements in all job roles and sectors. The pandemic highlighted the true value of analytical thinking to employers, and also highlighted the employability of those who possess this skill.

The Future of Jobs Report states that,

“Analytical thinking is considered a core skill by more companies than any other skill.”

Powering enhanced decision-making and boosting efficiency across all operations, candidates who boast analytical thinking skills are vital to a company’s success. Whether that be through spotting areas that require improvement that others might miss, or by translating data-driven insights into actionable business goals, analytical thinkers can prove indispensable in the modern workplace.

7. Technology literacy 

In today’s world of work, the complexity of the tech stack and expectations surrounding the knowledge and application of systems are ever-increasing.

With millennials and Gen Z now accounting for a large portion of the talent pool, technology literacy has quickly become an expectation and not just a nice-to-have. 

In fact, the Future of Jobs Report reports that,

“Technology literacy is the third-fastest growing core skill.”

When candidates can use digital tools to their advantage, they reduce time spent on manual, repetitive tasks and boost their productivity. As the workplace becomes more data-driven and digital, candidates with technology literacy can focus on value-add tasks that increase innovation and revenue.

It is not just a question of productivity. Being technologically literate also opens the door to better communication and collaboration, using digital tools to work seamlessly and remotely - essential in a hybrid working world.

8. Continuous learning mindset

The half-life of skills is shrinking; people who show they can learn and adapt new skills will be more valued.

Workers who are naturally curious and seek out new skills are the ones who will drive businesses forward and close the skills gap. Through upskilling, candidates show that they want to improve their career, and in turn, improve their performance for their employer. A win-win to improve employability.

As for those on the hunt for a new role, continuous learners truly stand out from the crowd for their dynamism and determination.

After all, Henry Ford states,

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

9. Resilience, flexibility, and adaptability 

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s how to navigate the toughest and most unexpected challenges.

Resilience, flexibility, and agility have become essential skills in the post-pandemic world. As work crept into our homes, so did the fast-paced culture and always-on mentality of office environments, putting our resilience to the test.

Employers are looking for candidates with emotional resilience: those who can deal with stress effectively, remain flexible, and work in an agile way. Ultimately, greater skillsin these areas mean happier and more satisfied employees, whilst also improving organisational culture at all levels.

Working with Freshminds

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For more information about how we work, and to join our network to be considered for upcoming projects, find out more about how we recruit candidates. 

About the author

This piece was originally co-authored by Georgia Smith and Caragh Cheesman, and was updated by Julia Gosling in November 2025.