Why less than half of UK workers are in their dream job: Experts reveal how to get there 

New research from Europe’s leading HR software provider, Personio, reveals that just 44% of UK workers are currently in what they consider their “dream job”. For the majority, there’s still a gap between where they are and where they want to be. 

The 2025 Workforce Pulse Report shows that the definition of a “dream job” is evolving. Traditionally, a dream job often followed a predictable path: study hard, earn a degree, and step into a role aligned with your qualifications. As AI reshapes industries and automates tasks once reserved for highly educated professionals, degrees alone are no longer a guaranteed ticket to success.

The report reveals that only 36% say their employer provides adequate AI training, and those who don’t receive it are 35% more likely to look elsewhere.

Five steps to help you get your dream job

Kurt Bannister, Head of Talent Acquisition at Personio shares five practical steps to help you stand out in a rapidly changing landscape:

1. Rewrite your CV to reflect the job you want, not just the one you have, and highlight any AI-related skills or tools you’ve learned.
2. Switch on LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ feature to signal your ambitions, and make sure your profile showcases your ability to work with emerging technologies
3. Reach out to someone in your dream role—especially if they’re in a tech-forward position. Ask how AI is shaping their work and what skills they recommend learning
4. Create a dream job tracker to stay focused and hold yourself accountable
5. Prepare a 60-second elevator pitch that not only sharpens your confidence and clarity but also demonstrates your readiness for the future of work

Kurt comments “This research is a wake-up call. The dream job isn’t dead—it’s just evolving. Degrees matter, but they’re no longer enough on their own. Skills, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace technology, such as AI, will set people apart. Employers can help by creating clear career pathways and investing in training, but individuals also need to take ownership of their growth.”

Read the full Workforce Pulse Report 2025 findings here.

Methodology
The data is drawn from Personio’s Workforce Pulse survey, conducted in 2025 by Censuswide between June and July. It covered a sample of 6,001 employees and 3,003 HR Decision Makers at companies with 10-2,000 workers across the UK, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Respondents were asked about job satisfaction, career progression, and alignment with personal values.

Image: Unsplash

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