INFOGRAPHIC: The UK’s most sought-after job industries

Analysis of UK job application data by jobs board CV-Library shows administration, construction and engineering sectors at the top of the pile in terms of vacancy demand.

In addition, the research also looked at the industries that have become increasingly applied for in the first six months of 2017, across 17 UK cities, comparing application data from the same period in 2016.

CV-Library sifted through 8.2 million job applications made between January to June 2017 as part of the exercise.

Further analysis with average salary data from June 2017 suggests that higher wages have not influenced those sectors with increased job applications. In fact, the majority of popular industries boast similar wages to that of the UK average salary (£27,271), as reported by the ONS. 

The sectors with increased job applications in London include: 

1. Charity sector: Applications up 25% with an average salary of £26,913 
2. Management sector: Applications up 25% with an average salary of £39,970 
3. Telecoms sector: Applications up 23% with an average salary of £35,461 

The sectors with increased job applications in Manchester include: 

1. Distribution sector: Applications up 52% with an average salary of £28,186 
2. Consulting sector: Applications up 29% with an average salary of £39,514 
3. Manufacturing/Surveying sector: Applications up 25% with an average salary of £29,315 

The sectors with increased job applications in Edinburgh include: 

1. Customer Service sector: Applications up 66% with an average salary of £21,825 
2. Manufacturing/Surveying sector: Applications up 25% with an average salary of £29,315 
3. Personnel/Recruitment sector: Applications up 37% with an average salary of £28,252 

The sectors with increased job applications in Leeds include: 

1. Management sector: Applications up 73% with an average salary of £39,970 
2. Social Care sector: Applications up 18% with an average salary of £27,438 
3. Manufacturing/Surveying sector: Applications up 13% with an average salary of £29,315 

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “Competition for jobs is definitely heating up and it’s clear that certain sectors are thriving in key cities across the UK. So, if you’re looking for a new role in any of these industries, it might be worth considering what you can do to stand out from the crowd and ensure your CV and cover letter really hit the mark when applying for roles.”  

Here’s a handy infographic breakdown of the research findings: