Most utilized for jobs in Britain… and 10 high CV tricks to get forward of the competitors

Jobs in IT are attracting the highest number of applicants per vacancy, new research shows.

Software engineer roles are leading the popularity pack, with average advertised salaries coming in above the £61,000 mark. 

As a sector, IT appeals to many job-hunters due to higher than average pay, opportunities for promotion and ‘future-proof skills’ amid the growing tidal wave of artificial intelligence. 

While jobs in IT, and specifically software engineering jobs, are most in demand among applicants, roles in administration are the second most sought after posts, CV-Library’s latest analysis showed. 

While rarely glamourous, jobs in administration are proving ‘dependable and versatile’, CV-Library said. 

Within the administrative field, receptionist jobs have attracted the highest number of applicants per vacancy, the findings added. Average salaries in the sector are around £30,805 a year. 

‘With opportunities available across almost every industry, these roles offer a low barrier to entry, stability and use of transferrable skills – qualities that make them highly “likeable” in today’s jobs market’, CV-Library said. 

Jobs in distribution, encompassing delivery driver work, came in as the third most popular, even though the average annual salary is lower at £27,847. 

Dealing with irate or frustrated customers or clients is challenging, yet customer service roles have retained their popularity among job applicants in 2026. 

The customer services sector has had the fourth highest number of applicants per vacancy, with average annual salaries reaching £27,980. 

Jobs is marketing and the media also remained a popular choice, with roles for marketing executives proving particularly popular among applicants. 

The manufacturing sector came in sixth place, with surveying production operative jobs in demand among applicants, attracting an annual gross salary of around £26,819, CV-Library said. 

Hospitality and hotel roles continued to rack up applications despite typically lower than average pay of about £25,365 a year. Cleaner roles have proved the most popular within the hospitality sector. 

‘This suggests jobseekers are prioritising flexible hours, social working environments and people-focused roles over salary alone’, CV-Library said. 

Arts and graphic design jobs remain popular among applicants, coming in ninth place in CV-Library’s rankings. 

According to the analysis, jobs in the arts and graphic design sector typically come with an annual salary of about £30,000. Graphic design jobs are the most sought-after by job-seekers in this sector. 

Recruitment jobs came in tenth place, with pay in this sector hovering at around the £35,204 mark, according to the findings.   

Katie Emerton, a recruitment expert at CV-Library said: ‘These roles attract such high application numbers because they tick a lot of boxes for today’s jobseekers: flexibility, stability and clear progression. 

‘Roles such as software engineer, marketing executive and graphic Designer offer future-proof skills and long-term career potential, while others like receptionists and cleaners appeal because they’re widely available, flexible and don’t require lengthy entry routes. 

‘Together, these jobs feel secure but also rewarding – key to attracting UK candidates to apply.’

CV-Library analysed job sectors with the highest number of applications per vacancy in the final quarter of last year, flagging the most advertised job title in each sector and the average applicable salary. 

Handling your job hunt when there’s lots of competition

If you are applying for a job in one of these ‘high-interest areas’, you will be, in all likelihood, competing with many other people for the same role.

The jobs market is tough and many talented people have been left without work, through no fault of their own, for months or years in Britain’s torrid jobs market. 

Increasing automated and even AI sifting means that many applications may never even be properly assessed by human eyes. 

There is no need to avoid applying for the job you want, but it is important to tailor your CV carefully and ensure your application stands out for the right reasons.   

Emerton told This is Money: ‘Software engineering roles are in high demand, but employers want proof of what candidates can actually do. 

‘A degree isn’t the be-all and end-all anymore – creating your own apps, websites or coding projects that you can show to employers will really help you stand out.

‘The industry moves quickly, especially with the rise of AI, so candidates need to show they can keep learning and adapt to new technologies. 

‘Those who have strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills will have a clear edge when applying.’

Top 10 CV tips for job hunters

Totaljobs and This is Money have 10 tips to help you perfect your CV and ensure you stand out to hiring managers for the right reasons. 

1. Be succinct 

A CV should normally be no longer than two pages of A4. According to Totaljobs, employers spend an average of eight seconds looking at a CV. Be truthful and to the point. Flowery language isn’t necessary.  

2. Tailor your CV for each and every job application

It is essential to take the time to tailor your CV for each job applications. 

A Totaljobs career expert, said: ‘To do this, research the company and use the job advert to work out exactly what skills you should point out to them.’

3. Write an eye-catching CV personal statement

Do not assume an employer will see how your experience relates to their job. Instead, use a short personal statement to explain why you are the best person for the job. 

Totaljobs added: ‘This should be reflected in your cover letter as well, so do check out our tips for the perfect cover letter.’

4. Include gaps 

Employment gaps are likely to crop up in an interview, so be honest from the outset in your CV if there are any large gaps and be prepared to talk about them. 

You may have needed time off work to care for a relative or taken a bit of a break to travel the world. 

Totaljobs said: ‘Knowing how to write a perfect CV is about knowing how to put a positive spin on your experiences – and this goes for any employment gaps too. What did you do during your time off from work? 

If you did a course, or any volunteering work, or worked on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork or project management, include this!’

5. Keep your CV up-to-date 

Irrespective of whether you are on the hunt for a new job or not, you should keep your CV up-to-date. 

Totaljobs suggests: ‘Every time something significant occurs in your career, record it somewhere so you don’t later forget something that could be important.

‘When it comes time to apply for a new role, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to craft a successful CV.’

6. Avoid rushing and check for errors

CVs are often submitted online, making it tempting to rush applications and get your CV sent off. 

Always check your CV carefully for typing errors and spelling mistakes. 

Totaljobs said: ‘Employers do look for mistakes on CVs and if they find them, it can give a bad impression, and put all that work crafting the perfect CV at risk.’

Use a spellchecker or ask someone else to double-check what you have written.

And don’t ignore the most common CV mistakes to avoid!

7. Be honest on your CV

Lies on your CV could come back to bite you when an employer checks your references. Always be honest on your CV and avoid the temptation to bend the truth about your experience or qualifications.   

Totaljobs said: ‘The last thing you want is to start work and then lose your new job for lying. You also may get caught out at the interview stage when you suddenly can’t answer questions on what you claim to know. And that can be very awkward.’

8. Use metrics on your CV

Back up your achievements with figures and quantifiable metrics whenever possible. This makes selling yourself a little bit easier.  

Totaljobs said: ‘Recruiters are on the lookout for evidence of tangible results. It is all very well describing with words how you boosted sales, but cold hard numbers are so much more persuasive.’

9. Ensure your CV is easy to read

Use a sensible and easy to read font for your CV. Bold text can help where it is needed, as can snappy bullet points.  

‘An example of an excellent CV is one that is easy on the eye, allowing the recruiter to spot the relevant information in seconds’, Totaljobs said. 

10. Ensure your CV is keyword optimised for online

If you have uploaded your CV to a job site so recruiters can find you, making your CV keyword optimised is crucial. 

Totaljobs said: ‘Think about crafting a CV for specific industries. A marketing candidate might mention “SEO”, “direct marketing” and “digital marketing” among their experience and skills, for example. 

‘If you’re not sure, have a search online and see what words are commonly mentioned when you input your job title. And again – the clues for the relevant keywords will be on the job advertisement for the roles you’re going for.’