The UK’s Dream Job Landscape Revealed: Top Industries, Cities, And Tips To Succeed

• Currently, 36% of Brits are in their dream role, however 28% would leave the current position they are in within the next 12 months if a new opportunity arose
• 59% of Information Technology workers are in their dream role, the highest percentage out of all industries
• Manchester officially has the happiest workers in the UK with 46% claiming they are in their dream role.

From tech to construction, Brits across the UK are chasing the ultimate career goal – landing their dream job. And for over a third (36%), that dream has already come true. However, 28% say they’d leave their current role in the next 12 months if a better opportunity came along.

With the UK workforce standing at over 34 million people¹, Adobe Express set out to discover how Brits are landing their dream roles, what industries are making it happen, and how the rest can follow in their footsteps.

What industry is living the dream?

The research² reveals that certain industries are more likely to help people secure their dream job than others. If you work in Information Technology, you’re in luck 59% of people in this industry say they’ve already landed their dream role, the highest of any sector.

Other standout sectors include:

• Business, Consulting and Management – 54% say they’re in their dream job
• Engineering and Manufacturing – 54%
• Property and Construction – 54%

In contrast, people working in Media and Internet (60%), Recruitment and HR (50%) and Public Services and Administration (38%) are the most likely to still be searching for that perfect position.

Dream jobs by age

While half (50%) of 18–24-year-olds say they’ve already landed their dream job, that figure drops sharply as age increases:

• 11% of 45–54-year-olds are in their dream role
• Just 7% of 55–64-year-olds say the same

However, 35–44-year-olds are the most fulfilled overall, with nearly 1 in 5 (19%) saying they’re extremely fulfilled at work – a sign that this age group may be hitting their career stride, even if it’s not the “dream” just yet.

Where in the UK are people landing dream roles?

Manchester comes out on top as the UK’s dream job capital – 46% of workers there say they’ve found their perfect role. Other standout stats include:

• Belfast – 40% feel supported by AI and innovative workplace tools
• Glasgow – 43% are extremely fulfilled at work
• London – 13% are still figuring out what their dream role actually looks like
• Edinburgh – 29% say they don’t have the resources to even search for it

Meanwhile, 80% of workers in Belfast would leave their job for a significant salary boost, while 60% want a more meaningful career that makes a difference.

What’s helping people land dream jobs?

When it comes to finding the dream role, company support plays a major role:

• 34% of Brits say work perks and benefits help keep them motivated
• 28% value flexible working as a key to work-life balance
• 21% feel supported by new tools like AI, which make their jobs more innovative and efficient

Workers in Marketing, Advertising and PR are especially keen to move, with 29% considering a switch in the next 12 months. But they’re also among the best supported – 43% say their workplace helps them through access to cutting-edge tech.

Tips for landing your dream job

To help more people unlock their dream career, Adobe Express shares five key steps:

1. Define your goals
   Identify what makes you feel fulfilled. What values, skills and activities matter most to you?
2. Refresh your CV
   Update your experience and highlight what sets you apart. A standout CV is crucial, especially if you’re changing industries.
3. Tailor your applications
   Customise every cover letter and application. Show employers why this job, and you, are the perfect match.
4. Get interview-ready
   Research the company’s mission, understand the role inside out, and prepare examples that align with the job spec.
5. Stay persistent
   Dream jobs don’t always come quickly. Be patient, keep learning, and adapt your approach with every new opportunity.

For further inspiration on how to make a dream role a reality, head to Adobe Express’ blog page The Happiest Industries in the UK | Adobe Express where there are resources on CVs, cover letters, digital portfolios and more.