LinkedIn reveals rising hunger for AI literacy among employees
AI knowledge might be desirable but LinkedIn says nothing will ever replace soft skills.
LinkedIn has revealed its 2025 Skills on the Rise list, with AI literacy taking the top spot among the fastest-growing skills professionals need to stay competitive.
The report highlights how artificial intelligence is not just creating new jobs but transforming existing ones, with Australian companies increasingly prioritising AI expertise in hiring decisions.
According to LinkedIn, demand for AI skills has skyrocketed in Australia, with AI-related hires surging by more than 240% over the past eight years.
The number of professionals adding AI skills to their LinkedIn profiles has also jumped 29-fold since 2016 - far outpacing the global average increase of 20-fold.
As AI adoption accelerates, Australian jobs are expected to change by 66% by 2030 compared to 2016, underscoring the urgency for workers to upskill.
Soft skills still indispensable
While AI is revolutionising industries, it is also elevating the importance of human-centric abilities.
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Soft skills like communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability feature prominently in LinkedIn's top five Skills on the Rise, reinforcing the value of emotional intelligence and problem-solving in an automated workforce.
LinkedIn career expert, Cayla Dengate, emphasised the growing role of interpersonal skills: "AI is transforming every job, team, and business. Your job is changing, even if you’re not changing jobs. However, AI is also elevating the value of human-centric abilities. Soft skills enable professionals to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, making them indispensable in today’s job market."
The shift is evident in LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise list, which includes roles like English teacher, fundraising manager, and employee relations specialist - careers that rely heavily on communication, empathy, and agility.
Even frontline hospitality roles highlight the increasing need for people skills to navigate an AI-driven economy.
LinkedIn rolls out AI-powered career tools
To support professionals in developing these in-demand skills, LinkedIn Learning offers courses covering topics like AI fundamentals, innovative thinking, and communication strategies.
The platform has also introduced an AI-powered coaching tool designed to help users sharpen interpersonal skills, such as public speaking, through interactive exercises and personalised feedback.
Additionally, LinkedIn’s new job match feature will allow job seekers to instantly assess how their skills align with job listings, providing real-time insights into qualifications and career fit.
