Recently, LinkedIn released its 2026 “Skills on the Rise” report, aimed at helping job seekers navigate a challenging employment landscape that increasingly prioritizes skills over traditional experience.
Close to 50% of recruiters utilizing LinkedIn have reported they specifically seek skills data to assist in filling job vacancies.
“Recruiters are no longer fixated solely on job titles,” explained Andrew Seaman, editor at large for jobs and career development at LinkedIn News.
Although hiring figures last month exceeded expectations, the previous year recorded the lowest rate of job creation since the pandemic began. Consequently, LinkedIn advises job seekers to emphasize high-demand skills, enabling them to differentiate themselves from their peers.
As the preeminent professional network globally, LinkedIn notes that businesses are increasingly favoring adaptable skills over conventional resumes or standard degrees. This year’s list showcases a diverse range of skills, encompassing both technical and soft skills.
In contrast to last year’s singular list of the 15 fastest-growing skills in the U.S., this year, Seaman noted that they organized the skills into specific groups related to different job functions.
LinkedIn additionally produced separate lists of top skills tailored to various industries, such as sales, finance, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, it provided links to relevant educational courses, allowing members to upgrade their skills at no cost for a limited period.
Seaman pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of discussions about workplace skills. Some organizations are progressing beyond fundamental AI capabilities, actively seeking individuals with advanced technical AI skills. However, he highlighted that many positions still require only basic AI competencies.
“For individuals, the best approach is to be willing to experiment and deepen their understanding, while also being able to apply these skills in their current or desired roles,” he remarked.
Conversely, Seaman stressed that companies recognize the limitations of AI and are still seeking skills that are inherently human, including cross-team collaboration, client management, and leadership development.
“There are nuances involved that AI simply cannot replicate,” he added.
Additionally, he noted that companies are in search of candidates with a solid grounding in business fundamentals, individuals capable of generating new revenue streams and improving operational efficiencies.
The advantage for companies pursuing a skills-focused recruitment strategy is an expanded pool of potential candidates, while job seekers benefit from discovering opportunities they might not have otherwise considered.
Seaman advised job seekers to begin with a comprehensive skills inventory, highlighting these attributes on their resumes and professional profiles. The “Skills on the Rise” report can serve as a valuable tool for identifying areas where job seekers may need improvement, aligning their skills with what recruiters desire.
He emphasized that recruiters are not merely interested in candidates who can fulfill job requirements; they are searching for those who can excel in their roles. Thus, job seekers should focus on how their skills can or have positively impacted previous employers.
Explore the “Skills on the Rise” report across 12 different job functions, including sales, business development, engineering, education, healthcare, information technology, arts and design, finance, media and communications, human resources, program and project management, and marketing.
