IBM and LinkedIn emphasize AI-powered hiring and upskilling as the way forward
India’s business landscape is evolving rapidly, with AI adoption taking center stage. According to LinkedIn’s latest report, 98% of Indian business leaders have made AI adoption a strategic priority for 2025. However, talent acquisition remains a key challenge, as nearly 3 in 5 recruiters struggle to find the right combination of AI and human skills.
Highlighting the potential of AI-powered hiring tools, Sachin Borde, Global Talent Attraction Leader at IBM, stated: “I find the speed and delivery of candidates good and believe LinkedIn’s Hiring Assistant will continue to improve the team’s productivity.”
“AI is reshaping how we hire and develop talent, but the real unlock isn’t just adopting AI—it’s making it work for the business.”
Ruchee Anand, India Country Head, Talent & Learning Solutions, LinkedIn.
With 54% of recruiters reporting that only half or fewer job applications meet required qualifications, companies are becoming more selective, hiring only candidates who meet at least 80% of job criteria. The most in-demand skills include AI expertise (34%), software development, engineering (44%), and soft skills like communication and problem-solving (33%).
Ruchee Anand further emphasized the importance of a skills-first approach: “Businesses need to approach hiring with a skills-first mindset to truly stay ahead of change.”
To address hiring challenges, LinkedIn is introducing AI-powered solutions, including a new Hiring Assistant to automate recruitment tasks and an AI-powered coaching feature to help employees develop essential soft skills.
With 84% of Indian HR leaders prioritizing upskilling in AI and soft skills, 2025 will be a year of strategic workforce transformation to harness AI’s full potential.