Summary of this article
Nearly 80 per cent feel unprepared for job search
Two thirds of recruiters struggle to find quality talent
AI use rises across hiring and job applications
A new study, titled the LinkedIn Talent Research 2026, released by LinkedIn, has indicated a widening gap between job seekers and employers in the global job market. The study has found that almost 80 per cent of jobseekers feel unprepared to search for a job in 2026, despite the fact that organisations say it's more difficult to find the right candidate.
The study is based on the responses of professionals and recruiters in multiple markets. It captures how the process of hiring and job search is changing in the face of higher competition, shifting skill requirements, and the increased use of artificial intelligence.
High Intent to Change Job, Low Preparedness
According to the study, 56 per cent of working professionals are planning to search for a new job this year. Despite this, preparedness remains low, with nearly four in five respondents saying they do not feel ready for the job search process.
Around 45 per cent of the jobseekers have indicated that they don't know how they can stand out against a rising number of candidates, and 41 per cent say that they don't know whether they have the right skills to meet the needs of the current job market. The study also reveals that 38 per cent have difficulties when it comes to determining the skills that are the most important when choosing the skills that employers appreciate.
The study identifies that there is a steep increase in the number of applicants to each job vacancy. Applications per role in a number of large markets have risen over 100 per cent since 2022. This increment has increased the competition in job hiring and decreased the visibility of individual applications, which has led to less confidence among job seekers.
Recruiters Having Trouble Finding Quality Talent
While the job seekers struggle with preparedness, the recruiters struggle with a different challenge. 67 per cent of recruiters report that it is more difficult to source quality candidates than it was a year ago. Around 60 per cent state that they get a higher number of applications per position, but only a small percentage qualify based on job requirements.
Almost half (48 per cent) of recruiters indicate they now have more pressure to fill openings faster despite the increasing complexity, and almost half (52 per cent) state that screening applications is more time-consuming than it used to be. About 44 per cent claim that traditional credentials can no longer be trusted as a successful guiding factor in candidate preparedness.
Artificial Intelligence and Job Search
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become prominent in the research findings. Most recruiters intend to use more AI tools during the year. These tools are generally used for resume screening, candidate matches, and handling large volumes of applications.
Recruiters find that AI is helpful for cutting down on mundane tasks and bringing up candidates who might be missed. This frees up time for hiring teams to put more effort into the individual interviews and engagement with the candidate.
The use of AI by job seekers is also a practice. It indicates that 81 per cent of professionals have or intend to use AI in the job search. Only about 47 per cent report that AI has assisted them in enhancing resumes, but 44 per cent use it in interview preparation and role discovery.
Skill Mismatch is a Key Issue
The LinkedIn study shows an evident gap between candidate self-perception and recruiter expectations. While 62 per cent of professionals think they fit job requirements, only 34 per cent of recruiters claim that they often get candidates with the right combination of skills.
Transferable skills, like communication and problem solving, are highly sought after by most recruiters (69 per cent); adaptability and readiness to learn appeal to almost 65 per cent of the recruiters. Meanwhile, 58 per cent of respondents respond that candidates themselves tend to underrate such skills.
This shift has made it more important to develop skills continuously and communicate capabilities clearly in order to be hired.
