LinkedIn Data Shows AI Literacy, Soft Skills Leading 2026 Hiring Trends
SAN FRANCISCO — LinkedIn's 2026 "Skills on the Rise" report, based on data from one billion member profiles, finds this year's most in-demand skills range from AI literacy at the top of the technical list to conflict mitigation and public speaking leading the human-skills side. Soft skills account for seven of the top ten spots overall.
Separately, the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook 2026 survey found 70% of employers now use skills-based hiring, up from 65% a year earlier, evaluating what candidates can do rather than their degree or job title.
The data points to a consistent trend across reports: AI-tool fluency is increasingly expected, but employers are pairing it with strong demand for communication, adaptability, and critical thinking.
