UK and Global Employers Highlight Diverse Skill Priorities for 2025 Hiring Trends
The skills landscape for hiring in 2025 is shifting, with distinct differences between global and UK employer priorities. This change is highlighted by a recent report from TestGorilla, based on data from 3.9 million skills tests conducted globally. The findings show a rising demand for both technical and cognitive skills as companies respond to evolving workplace demands.
Global Technical Skills Demand
According to TestGorilla, there is a significant global increase in technical skill requirements. The fastest-growing skill is artificial intelligence, which saw a remarkable increase of 166% over the past year. Other technical skills trending globally include:
- Coding Debugging: +133%
- Computer Literacy: +77%
- Data Structures – Arrays: +73%
- Financial Modelling in Excel: +69%
These trends indicate a shift towards creating teams skilled in AI and coding as businesses adapt to new technological advancements.
UK Skill Priorities
In the UK, the focus on skills diverges from global trends. The most notable increases in skills testing include:
- Market Analysis Tests: +198%
- Technical Support Help Desk Representative Skills: +188%
- Typing Speed (Lowercase Only): +164%
- WordPress Administration: +118%
- Project Management: +85%
This growth highlights the UK’s objective of enhancing data-driven decision-making and digital capabilities within organizations.
The Importance of Soft Skills
Despite the swift rise in technical skills testing, soft skills continue to be highly valued. In the UK, the most frequently assessed soft skills are:
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Big 5 (OCEAN) Personality Assessment
Globally, the emphasis on soft skills remains consistent, signifying that employers seek individuals who can collaborate effectively with both technology and their teams.
Revamping Assessment Methods
Employers are reconsidering traditional hiring practices. A minority currently evaluates AI skills during interviews, despite a growing demand for such competencies. As the 2025 skills landscape evolves, 71% of employers believe that skills testing offers greater predictive value for success in the workplace than resumes. This trend indicates a growing reliance on objective assessments to determine candidates’ true capabilities.
Embracing an AI-First Approach
Another notable trend is the shift to hiring for “AI-first” capabilities. Companies are increasingly focused on building teams equipped to thrive in an AI-driven environment. Recruiters are recognizing the necessity of objective skill assessment tools to evaluate both technical abilities and critical thinking skills effectively.
With the demand for precise tools to measure proficiency on the rise, the landscape of hiring is undoubtedly transforming. Companies must adapt to these changes to remain competitive in the modern workforce.
