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Global Tech Hiring Trends: Emphasis on AI Skills

In an evolving technological landscape, companies are adjusting their hiring strategies as the demand for tech talent experiences a subtle decline. Recent findings from the Experis Tech Talent Outlook, conducted with over 4,000 employers in 42 countries, reveal insights regarding the requisites of tech hiring as we move into the third quarter of 2026.

A Cooling Job Market

After a robust second quarter, global tech hiring is expected to ease, showcasing a seven-point drop in the Net Employment Outlook (NEO) from the previous quarter. Despite this moderation in hiring plans, which reflects a more cautious approach from employers, the emphasis remains strongly on skills critical for the tech industry. For Q3 2026, a NEO of 35% indicates that while 50% of respondents aim to hire, 33% will maintain employee levels, suggesting a deliberate approach instead of a halt in hiring.

Companies from Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the United Kingdom indicate the highest optimism with NEOs of 68%, 53%, and 51% respectively. Notably, the United States stands proud at a NEO of 47%, indicating continued confidence amongst employers to invest in tech talent despite the global trend of moderation.

Crucial Skills in Demand

As tech hiring strategies pivot, the focus sharply highlights AI literacy and human skills. According to the report, the top technical skills being sought include:

• - AI Modeling and App Development (34%)
• - AI Literacy (30%)
• - Traditional IT Data Management (29%)

Alongside these technical requirements, human factors are gaining precedence. Critical interpersonal skills required are:

• - Teamwork and Communication (41%)
• - Professionalism and Work Ethic (37%)
• - Adaptability and Willingness to Learn (34%)

Clearly, the organizations that are well-positioned in this ever-evolving AI era are those prioritizing skill development over mere technological investment. Employers acknowledge that the challenge lies more in adapting people and processes alongside technological advancements than in the adoption of the technology itself.

Strategies to Address Talent Scarcity

A staggering 95% of surveyed employers are adopting diverse strategies to tackle ongoing talent shortages, employing a mix of tactics to remain competitive. Key strategies include:

• - Upskilling and Reskilling (30%)
• - Flexibility in Work Location (24%)
• - Increasing Wages (22%)

These initiatives not only show empathy towards workers but serve as an effective means to maintain relevancy and competitiveness in the market.

Regional Highlights

The tech hiring landscape presents varied expectations across different regions:

• - Americas: Puerto Rico leads with a remarkable 68% NEO, closely followed by Brazil and the U.S. at 53% and 47%, indicating a strong tech hiring forecast.
• - Asia Pacific: Vietnam (50%) and India (47%) also display robust demand for tech talent, while Australia (33%) and China (39%) present relatively moderate outlooks.
• - Europe and the Middle East: The U.K. leads Europe at 51% NEO, whereas countries like Romania and Slovakia reflect the lowest expectations, highlighting central and eastern Europe’s ongoing economic caution.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of the technology sector, skill alignment is essential for organizational success. The insights from the Experis Tech Talent Outlook depict a labor market poised for cautious growth, with employers prioritizing skills and human capabilities as they transition into a new era of AI innovation. Organizations that recognize and react to these trends will not only retain their competitive edge but also foster environments conducive to growth and development.

For more in-depth insights and data, the full report can be found on the Experis website. The upcoming report set to release in September 2026 will further illuminate hiring expectations for Q4 2026.