Employers see growing skills gap despite proliferation of resources

With the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI)—and the opportunities for learning it brings—it’s reasonable for employers to assume that finding talent with on-point skills is easy. But recent research points to a different reality. A report from LinkedIn in January says two-thirds of recruiters surveyed say it’s harder to find qualified talent now than it was a year ago. Why is that, and what can be done about it?

What the research says

The skills gap is easily defined. It’s the difference between the skills needed for a job and the skills workers actually possess. But there’s more to know.

Research from LinkedIn shows most recruiters are finding it hard to find qualified talent as they face growing pressure to fill roles faster and uncover “hidden gem” candidates.

LinkedIn’s research found a whopping 93% of the recruiters surveyed said they plan to increase their use of AI this year, and 59% said AI is already helping them find candidates with skills they wouldn’t have found before.

What are recruiters’ plans for AI? The LinkedIn survey found 66% of respondents plan to increase their use of AI for pre-screening interviews. And it’s not just employers using the technology. Jobseekers also are putting AI to use. LinkedIn reported that 81% of respondents said they have used or plan to use AI in their job search, with 48% saying AI tools boost their interview confidence.

Identifying causes of gaps