Shifts in the way people hire, and the way people work, are creating a mix of uncertainty and opportunity, according to a recent report from LinkedIn.
The venerable professional social networking platform argues that technologies such as AI are spurring the emergence of “new-collar roles” that purport to prioritize “hybrid, adaptable skills” over “linear resumes or traditional degrees.”
And employers are allegedly following suit, increasingly evaluating candidates based on proven capabilities over conventional accolades.
LinkedIn released its annual “Skills on the Rise” list, which surfaces the fastest-growing skills that professionals should invest in for tomorrow.
“This list highlights the areas that professionals are increasingly prioritizing and employers are actively hiring for,” reads a statement from LinkedIn.
Top tech-related skills include AI Engineering.
“As AI adoption accelerates, so does the need for professionals with the technical expertise required to build, integrate and operationalize AI models and applications,” explains LinkedIn.
Another top skill orients around data and AI strategy.
“Maximizing resources to drive overall productivity, profits, and quality is a key differentiator as organizations face pressure to do more with less,” says LinkedIn.
“As organizations expand their use of data and AI across teams and functions, they need professionals who can guide adoption strategies, aligning initiatives with core business goals and ensuring the right data and infrastructure foundations are in place to support them,” states LinkedIn’s report.
Cybersecurity remains another in-demand skill.
“With regulations, technology and security rapidly changing, companies need professionals who can manage risk effectively,” posits LinkedIn, “from compliance with regulatory and safety standards to monitoring and addressing potential cybersecurity threats.”
In 2026, navigating Canada’s job market “requires adapting faster than ever,” according to the company.
AI “is reshaping every stage of the employment journey,” a recent memo from LinkedIn suggests, “and many workers are trying to figure out how to stay ahead.”
LinkedIn’s recent Jobs on the Rise list, which tracks the fastest-growing roles of the past three years, was also dominated by AI.
Other resources form LinkedIn include its annual list of Top Startups, revealing noteworthy emerging Canadian companies, as well as a list of the top 25 workplaces across the country that are hiring and investing in employees.
