2 in 3 Leaders Would Not Hire Someone Without AI Skills

 A 2024 Microsoft and LinkedIn Work Trend Index report, surveying 31,000 knowledge workers (defined as primarily desk-based employees) across 31 markets, revealed a strong emphasis on AI skills in hiring.

Key findings include:

• Hiring Preference for AI Skills: Two-thirds of leaders globally stated they would not hire someone lacking AI proficiency. This sentiment was strongest in Asia-Pacific (70%), followed by Europe (65%), Latin America (60%), and North America (57%). Nationally, China led with 79%, followed by Vietnam (76%) and India (75%).
• Prioritizing AI over Experience: 71% of global leaders preferred hiring a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced candidate without them. Again, Asia-Pacific led at 76%, with Thailand at a high of 90%, followed by Taiwan (84%) and China (82%). Japan showed the lowest agreement at 51%.
• Widespread AI Usage: The report also found that 75% of workers are already using AI at work, and 78% of AI users are utilizing their own AI tools, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses.