UK tech professionals are prioritising career advancement and skill development over salary when considering new roles, according to a new report.
The findings, by recruitment firm Lorien, suggest that tech professionals are seeking long-term career prospects, learning opportunities and exposure to emerging technologies.
The report found that learning new skills (24%) and career progression (16%) are now the primary job-switching motivators, ranking above salary (9%). More than a third (35%) of respondents cited career advancement as their top priority, compared to 18 percent who prioritise salary. In addition, 23 percent of candidates said they would reject a job offer due to limited career growth opportunities.
Darren Topping, director of Enterprise Solutions Insights & Partnerships at Lorien, said that this was part of a shift in mentality.
“Tech professionals are signalling a clear shift in mentality; they seek careers, not just a job,” Topping said. “Top employers should respond with structured career pathways, investment in skills development and exposure to emerging technologies. Those that don’t risk losing out on the future skills they may need.”
Hiring Speed and Candidate Expectations
The report notes a growing frustration among tech professionals over slow hiring processes. Over 90 percent expect hiring to be completed within four weeks, yet average hiring timelines have increased by 10 days in the past year. This delay has led to 35 percent of candidates dropping out of the recruitment process before receiving an offer.
Topping said, “The demand for tech talent may have diminished from its height a couple of years ago, however this has not dampened candidates’ expectations for fast, engaging hiring experiences. Employers with less than streamlined recruitment processes are losing skilled professionals before they reach the offer stage.”
Despite ongoing return-to-office policies, flexible working remains the preferred choice for most UK tech professionals. The report found that 55 percent of respondents favour hybrid work, while 23 percent prefer fully remote roles. Another 23 percent are on-site full-time.
On-site work has increased slightly compared to the previous year, but the data suggests most professionals are standing firm on their preference for flexibility.
Changing Job Search Trends
The way tech professionals search for jobs is also changing. Job board usage has dropped from 62 percent in 2024 to 48 percent, while social media recruitment has increased to 27 percent, up from 24 percent. Direct applications via company websites have nearly halved, falling from 24 percent in 2024 to 12 percent.
Topping said, “A strong employer brand, showcased on the right digital platforms, is essential for attracting top talent, as long as you are giving candidates the information they need to make a decision to apply.”
With demand for cybersecurity and AI talent growing by 20 percent year-on-year, competition for skilled professionals remains strong.
