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72% of Indian professionals are looking for a new role in 2026, but 76% say job search has become tougher, citing competition, uncertainty about role fit and skills gaps.
All generations, from Boomers to Gen Z, share the same struggle: unsure how to stand out in new AI-driven hiring processes - yet the majority plan to use AI tools in their job search.
LinkedIn is helping professionals navigate the 2026 job market with a list of Jobs on the rise, real-time insights, AI-powered tools and a trusted network
In India, 84%1 of professionals feel unprepared to find a new job, although 72%2 say they’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.
All generations, from Boomers to Gen Z, share the same struggle: unsure how to stand out in new AI-driven hiring processes - yet the majority plan to use AI tools in their job search.
LinkedIn is helping professionals navigate the 2026 job market with a list of Jobs on the rise, real-time insights, AI-powered tools and a trusted network
In India, 84%1 of professionals feel unprepared to find a new job, although 72%2 say they’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.
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