Rapid advances in technology are reshaping hiring priorities, leaving many professionals unsure about what to learn next. According to LinkedIn’s latest Skills on the Rise 2026 report, 38% of Indian jobseekers say they feel unprepared for how quickly technology is changing skill requirements.
At the same time, hiring is becoming more skills-focused. LinkedIn data shows 46% of recruiters globally now rely on skills data to fill roles. In India, 74% of recruiters report that finding qualified talent is harder than ever.
The gap suggests a growing mismatch between what employers need and what candidates are building.
To address that disconnect, LinkedIn has identified five fast-growing “skill stacks” shaping employability in 2026: AI and automation, data and analytics, IT and cybersecurity, business and growth, and people and leadership.
AI capability is no longer confined to engineering teams. Skills such as prompt engineering, workflow automation, large language model operations and API integration are increasingly visible across HR, marketing, sales and consulting. LinkedIn’s data indicates that AI fluency is moving into mainstream business roles.
Data skills are also expanding beyond technical functions. While querying and database optimisation remain core to engineering, employers are placing greater value on professionals who can translate analysis into action. Data storytelling and data-driven decision-making are now in demand across sales, HR, consulting and marketing functions.
As digital operations scale, IT resilience is becoming critical. Skills in cloud infrastructure, IT automation, real-time monitoring and threat detection are gaining traction, reflecting heightened attention to system stability and cybersecurity.
However, technical skills alone are not sufficient. Collaboration, stakeholder management and project leadership are emerging as decisive differentiators, particularly as teams become more cross-functional and AI-enabled.
Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn career expert and India senior managing editor, said the labour market is shifting away from narrow specialisation. “The candidates getting noticed today aren’t just specialists, they’re skill stackers,” she said. “They know how to work with AI, make sense of data, improve how work gets done and collaborate across teams. That combination signals adaptability.”
LinkedIn’s findings suggest employers are rewarding professionals who combine technical capability with business acumen. Skills such as relationship management, negotiation, process optimisation and visual communication are gaining traction in revenue-facing and operational roles.
To support upskilling, LinkedIn has made select LinkedIn Learning courses available free until 31 March 2026, including modules on AI tools, data analytics and stakeholder management.
The report’s methodology tracks year-on-year growth in skills added to member profiles and those associated with successful hires, comparing data from December 2024 to November 2025 against the previous year.
The broader message is clear: as roles evolve, employability will depend less on job titles and more on adaptable skill combinations. In a labour market shaped by AI and digital transformation, professionals who build complementary technical and people skills are likely to hold a competitive advantage.