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By 2030, a staggering 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change, with AI emerging as a primary catalyst for this transformation, according to LinkedIn’s Work Change report. This rapid evolution is reshaping skills that are in demand across industries. Additionally, professionals entering the workforce today are on pace to hold twice as many jobs over their careers compared to workers just 15 years ago. This shift underscores the importance of identifying and developing in-demand skills through adaptability and continuous learning.
LinkedIn’s newly released “Skills on the Rise” ranking provides a crucial roadmap for professionals looking to future-proof their careers. The data highlights the fastest-growing in-demand skills that companies are hiring for and that savvy professionals are adding to their profiles.
15 In-Demand Skills Defining the Future of Work
LinkedIn’s analysis has identified these in-demand skills gaining momentum in the job market:
- AI Literacy
- Conflict Mitigation
- Adaptability
- Process Optimization
- Innovative Thinking
- Public Speaking
- Solution-Based Selling
- Customer Engagement & Support
- Stakeholder Management
- Large Language Model (LLM) Development & Application
- Budget & Resource Management
- Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy
- Regulatory Compliance
- Growth Strategy
- Risk Assessment
This list is especially valuable because it blends technical capabilities with distinctly human skills. This combination reflects a fundamental truth about the evolving workplace. While AI and technical skills matter, your human capabilities are still irreplaceable.
Why In-Demand AI Skills Are Non-Negotiable
AI skills are now essential across almost every industry and are among the most sought-after abilities in today’s job market. According to LinkedIn data, the number of members adding AI skills to their profiles has skyrocketed, increasing 20-fold globally since 2016. In the U.S., the financial services industry has experienced the most significant growth, with a 40-fold increase in AI-skilled members since 2016. Even in education, which has been the slowest to adopt AI, there’s been a 14-fold rise in AI-skilled professionals. AI literacy is becoming crucial, no matter your job role. As companies prioritize these in-demand skills, professionals developing AI expertise are setting themselves up for significant career advancement opportunities.
The Business Case for In-Demand Skills Development
For organizations, the benefits of embracing these in-demand skills extend beyond individual career advancement. According to LinkedInâs research, 51% of businesses that adopted generative AI reported a revenue increase of 10% or more over the past two years. The labor market remains competitive, with 50% of hirers on LinkedIn explicitly using skills data to fill their roles. Yet thereâs a significant gapâ62% of hiring managers in the U.S. say there’s a mismatch between the skills professionals have and the skills companies need. This skills gap creates both a challenge and an opportunity. While 20% of professionals express concern about not having the skills needed for the future, 23% plan to learn new skills this year, and 55% say they’re open to a role in a new industry or area.
Moving Beyond Traditional Hiring Models
The traditional hiring modelâfocused primarily on degrees and years of experienceâis rapidly becoming obsolete. According to research from the Brookings Institution, the real challenge in modern hiring lies in adopting new technology and rethinking how talent is recognized and matched. Skills-based hiring represents a fundamental shift toward evaluating candidates based on what they can do rather than where they went to school. This approach is particularly valuable in a rapidly changing job market where, as the World Economic Forum notes, workers can expect two-fifths (39%) of their existing skill sets to be transformed or become outdated by 2030.
How to Develop the In-Demand Skills That Matter
As the demand for these skills grows, developing them becomes essential for career advancement. Here’s how to approach your skills development effectively:
Focus on AI literacy first
Even if you’re not in a technical role, understanding how AI tools work and how they can enhance your productivity is essential. LinkedIn’s data shows that AI literacy is appearing in job descriptions six times more frequently than just a year ago.
Don’t neglect human skills
Soft skills like communication, conflict mitigation, and adaptability remain crucial differentiators in the workplace. These in-demand skills are what make you uniquely valuable in an AI-driven environment.
Broaden your skill set
LinkedIn’s analysis shows that professionals in 2024 added a 40% broader skill set to their profiles than they did in 2018. Since late 2022, the pace at which members add new types of skills has increased by 140%.
Leverage AI to learn about AI
LinkedIn’s latest AI-powered coaching feature offers a dynamic way to hone your interpersonal skills. Through interactive scenarios, it provides actionable feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. In today’s competitive job market, mastering these skills and effectively showcasing them to potential employers is essential.
Document your skills development
With 29% of professionals uncertain about how to showcase their skills during the job search process, keeping your profile up-to-date with in-demand skills and specific examples of how you’ve used them is crucial. Regularly updating and highlighting your abilities will boost your employability and equip you to succeed.
The Future Belongs to Those with In-Demand Skills
As Karin Kimbrough, Chief Economist at LinkedIn, notes, “To successfully navigate the ongoing shifts at work, especially those brought on by AI, organizations, leaders and individuals must adopt a mindset that embraces change and prioritizes continuous learning, skill development, and human-centric approaches.” By focusing on developing these in-demand skills, you position yourself for the jobs that exist today and those that will emerge tomorrow. In a world where change is the only constant, your ability to adapt and grow your skills may be your most valuable asset.