New Delhi, January, 2026.
In India, 84%1
of professionals feel unprepared to find a new job, although 72%2
saythey’re
actively seeking a new role in 2026. This comes amid the rise of AI in the
hiring process, rapidly shifting skill requirements for today’s jobs, and an
increasingly competitive, but selective, job market.
New research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest
professional network, shows many professionals feel lost in an AI-driven hiring
process. While 87% are comfortable3 using AI at work, many feel
uncertain about how it’s being used in hiring, with 77%4 saying
there are too many stages in the process and 66% finding it increasingly
impersonal4. Recruiter response time and lack of feedback makes the
wait even more overwhelming, leaving professionals across all generations with
the same struggle: how to make their application stand out (48% agree).
The research also shows
that AI has moved from a productivity aid to a confidence-builder for Indian
job seekers, with 94%5 planning to use it in their job search and
66% saying it boosts their interview confidence4. Around 76% of job
seekers say finding a new role has become tougher over the last year. LinkedIn
data shows that applicants per open role in India have more than doubled since
early 2022, intensifying competition and leaving many feeling unprepared. And
it’s not just job seekers feeling the pressure. Nearly 74% of Indian recruiters
say it’s become harder over the last year to find qualified talent6.
This challenge is reshaping
career paths. Almost a third (32%) of Gen X job seekers are considering new
functions or roles, while 32% of Gen Zers are looking for roles outside their
current industry. At the same time, more people are stepping outside of
traditional roles and into entrepreneurship, with ‘founder’ rapidly growing on
LinkedIn.
Nirajita
Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Sr. Managing Editor, LinkedIn India News, said"AI is now a foundational part of how careers are built
and how talent is evaluated across India’s job market. What
professionals need most is a clear understanding of how their skills translate
into opportunity and how hiring decisions are actually made. When used with
purpose, AI tools can bridge that gap by helping people identify the roles
they’re right for, prepare with intent, and focus their learning where it
matters most. That’s where LinkedIn helps job seekers and hirers meet the
moment.”
As competition intensifies,
LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise shows which roles are growing now
To help job seekers feel
better prepared for 2026, LinkedIn’s India Jobs on
the Rise report highlights the fastest-growing roles over the past 3 years.
This year’s list is led by Prompt Engineer (#1), AI Engineer (#2), and Software
Engineer (#3), showing sustained demand for AI and tech talent. Beyond pure
tech, the rankings show healthy demand across sales and brand strategy,
cybersecurity, and advisory functions. At the same time, roles such as
Veterinarian, Solar Consultant and Behavioural Therapist are also on the rise.
How LinkedIn’s AI tools are
improving job search and role matching
LinkedIn also offers a wide
range of AI tools, including AI-powered job search, which lets members
search for jobs in their own words and discover roles they might never have
thought to look for. The tool is now rolling out globally in English, French,
German, Spanish and Portuguese. Over 1.3M members² globally already use it
every day, and over 25M weekly searches are powered by the new job search
experience. Once you discover relevant roles, you can use LinkedIn’s job
match feature to see which roles align with your skills and qualifications,
so you can focus on applying to opportunities where you’re a fit and more
likely to be considered for the role.
LinkedIn Career Expert tips
to help people in their job search
● Take steps to navigate your
job search with confidence: Go to linkedin.com/jobsearchguide for actionable advice,
tips for using our tools, access to free courses and more.
●
Meet the moment: The job market is shifting quickly, so
it’s important to get prepared and take action. Start by looking at trends in
your industry and thinking about what you want in your next role. Identify the
skills that will help you get there and take a few concrete steps today to
build momentum and confidence.
●
Get comfortable with AI in your job search: AI is shaping almost every
part of the job search, from finding roles to being pre-screened by recruiters
and preparing for interviews. The key is to start small. Why not try exploring
LinkedIn’s job match tool to help speed up your search for the right
role?
●
Keep your Profile fresh: Your Profile is often the
first place employers look. Make sure your skills and experience are up to date
and clearly highlighted, and verify information such as workplace and identity
to help build trust - this will be key in separating yourself from the
competition.
●
Mark your Top Choice job: If you’re a Premium
subscriber, mark a job as a top choice when applying through Easy Apply to
signal to recruiters you have strong interest in a job they’ve posted.
Selecting Top Choice increases your likelihood of receiving a recruiter message
by 43%.
●
Lean on your network: Your network is a powerful resource.
Engaging with posts, commenting, or reaching out directly can provide support,
spark opportunities, and open doors you might not expect. Try LinkedIn’s new AI-powered
people search – by searching for people in plain language – to unlock the
potential of your network.
● Discover new opportunities: Explore the
fastest-growing roles in LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise, with actionable
insights to help professionals land their next role, including key skills,
hiring hotspots, learning resources, links to open roles, and more.
Appendix: LinkedIn’s India
Jobs OnThe Rise 2026:
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