Amid the growing use of artificial intelligence in hiring, rapidly changing skill requirements, and an increasingly competitive yet selective job market, a large number of professionals feel ill-prepared
to secure new roles. In India, 84 per cent of professionals say they feel unprepared to find a new job, even though 72 per cent are actively looking for opportunities in 2026, according to LinkedIn research.
About 76 per cent of job seekers said finding a new role has become more difficult over the past year. LinkedIn data shows that the number of applicants per open role in India has more than doubled since early 2022, intensifying competition and adding to the sense of unpreparedness. Recruiters are also under pressure, with nearly 74 per cent saying it has become harder to find qualified talent over the last year.
LinkedIn noted that many professionals feel lost in an AI-driven hiring environment. While 87 per cent are comfortable using AI at work, 77 per cent feel there are too many stages in the hiring process, and 66 per cent find it increasingly impersonal. Slow recruiter response times and lack of feedback have further added to the stress, with 48 per cent of respondents agreeing that standing out in applications is their biggest challenge.
The study also found that AI has evolved from being just a productivity tool to a confidence booster for Indian job seekers. As many as 94 per cent plan to use AI in their job search, while 66 per cent say it improves their interview confidence.
Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn career expert and Senior 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 clarity on how their skills translate into opportunities and how hiring decisions are made. When used purposefully, AI tools can help people identify suitable roles, prepare effectively, and focus their learning where it matters most.”
Career paths are also shifting. Around 32 per cent of Gen X job seekers are considering moving into new functions or roles, while an equal proportion of Gen Z candidates are exploring opportunities outside their current industries. At the same time, entrepreneurship is gaining traction, with ‘founder’ emerging as one of the fastest-growing job titles on LinkedIn.
To help professionals prepare for 2026, LinkedIn’s India Jobs on the Rise report highlights the fastest-growing roles over the past three years. The list is topped by Prompt Engineer, AI Engineer and Software Engineer, reflecting sustained demand for AI and technology talent. The rankings also point to strong hiring momentum in sales, brand strategy, cybersecurity and advisory roles. Interestingly, professions such as veterinarian, solar consultant and behavioural therapist are also seeing rising demand.
LinkedIn’s India Jobs on the Rise 2026: Top 10 roles
- Prompt engineer
- AI engineer
- Software engineer
- Manager of Artificial Intelligence
- Strategic advisor
- Media buyer
- Sales specialist
- Behavioural therapist
- Veterinarian
- Solar consultant
