Top Skills Employers Look For in 2026 Job Market

Hello friends! The job market in 2026 is changing faster than ever before. With artificial intelligence becoming a normal part of everyday work, you might wonder what skills you need to stay competitive. The good news is that the answer is clearer than ever: employers want a balance of human skills and technical abilities.

According to new data from Degreed, seven out of the ten most sought-after skills for 2026 are human- or business-centric . Leadership and communication rank first and second, showing that while technology changes, the need for people who can lead and connect with others only grows stronger.

This guide will show you the top skills employers are looking for right now, based on research from LinkedIn, Coursera, the World Economic Forum, and other trusted sources. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to level up, these skills will help you succeed in 2026 and beyond.

Quick Highlights:

• Leadership and communication are the #1 and #2 most wanted skills for 2026 
• Critical thinking enrollments have grown by over 168% across all learning cohorts 
• AI skills have grown by 109% on average year-over-year in employer demand 
• 84% of employers plan to put more emphasis on human skills in 2026 
• 77% of business leaders say AI is increasing their need for workers with specialized skills, not replacing them

The Big Picture: Skills First, Degrees Second

Before we dive into specific skills, it is important to understand a major shift happening in the job market. Employers are moving toward “skills-first” hiring. This means they care more about what you can actually do than what degree you have on your wall.

According to Dexian’s 2026 Work Futures study, 56% of employers said they will focus on skills and potential over traditional credentials when making hiring decisions . Nearly half of employees believe this approach would help solve hiring challenges.

This is great news for job seekers. It means you can build skills through online courses, certifications, and hands-on projects—and employers will value that just as much as a formal degree. The World Economic Forum has launched initiatives to support this shift, bringing together universities, employers, and governments to create new models that link skills directly to employment .

Top Human Skills Employers Want in 2026

Human skills—sometimes called soft skills—are becoming more valuable, not less, as AI spreads through the workplace. Degreed’s analysis of learning activity found that seven of the top ten skills professionals want to learn are human- or business-centric . Here are the most important ones.

1. Leadership

Leadership tops the list as the most sought-after skill for 2026 . This might surprise you if you think leadership is only for managers. But in today’s workplace, leadership means taking initiative, guiding teams through uncertainty, and helping others succeed.

• Why it matters: According to the ACCA, leadership is about influence, not titles—and you can demonstrate this skill at any stage of your career . A significant proportion of CEOs started their careers as accountants, showing that those who perfect leadership can reach the highest levels of business.
• How to build it: Look for opportunities to lead projects, mentor new team members, or coordinate group efforts. Even small leadership experiences count.

2. Communication

Communication ranks second on Degreed’s list, and for good reason . As AI handles more routine tasks, the ability to communicate clearly and build trust becomes even more valuable.

• Why it matters: “Finance isn’t just about numbers; it is about breaking down financial analysis and forecasting into business-critical ideas that all organisational departments understand,” explains Dominic Horne from Robert Walters London . Professionals who communicate clearly and collaborate effectively will get ahead.
• How to build it: Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. Work on your writing and public speaking. In interviews, highlight examples where your communication skills made a difference.

3. Adaptability

The pace of change in 2026 means adaptability is no longer just nice to have—it is essential. Degreed’s data shows adaptability in the top ten skills professionals want to learn .

• Why it matters: Finance trends, tax laws, and tech tools change fast, and those who adapt thrive . Adaptability isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that keeps you moving forward.
• How to build it: Seek out new challenges, volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone, and show willingness to learn new tools and approaches. When things change, be the person who says “let’s figure this out” instead of “this is how we’ve always done it.”

4. Problem Solving

Problem solving ranks near the top of Degreed’s list, and employers consistently rate it as one of the most valuable skills .

• Why it matters: According to Upwork’s research, 47% of business executives would pay a premium to work with someone who is innovative, and 45% would pay extra to work with a creative person . Problem solvers who can tackle challenges creatively are in high demand.
• How to build it: Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller pieces. Look for root causes, not just symptoms. Document your problem-solving process so you can explain it to employers.

5. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking has exploded in importance. Coursera reports that critical thinking enrollments have grown by over 168% for Data learners, 101% for Software & Product learners, 91% for IT learners, and 185% for GenAI learners .

• Why it matters: As workers increasingly offload entire tasks to AI agents rather than just iterating with them, the human role is shifting from collaborator to expert validator of the final output . Employers need people who can check AI’s work and make good judgments.
• How to build it: Question assumptions. Ask “why” multiple times. Verify information before acting on it. When using AI tools, always review and validate the output.

6. Emotional Intelligence

While not always listed separately in rankings, emotional intelligence (EQ) is embedded in many of the top skills. The ACCA notes that “soft skills and human-centred attributes such as emotional intelligence (EQ), adaptability and strong communication remain essential” .

• Why it matters: EQ helps you navigate workplace relationships, understand others’ perspectives, and manage your own emotions. These are things AI cannot do.
• How to build it: Practice active listening. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Ask colleagues how they’re doing and mean it. Reflect on your emotional responses and learn from them.

7. Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder management appears in Degreed’s top ten, reflecting the growing need to work effectively with people across an organization .

• Why it matters: Projects succeed when you can manage expectations, communicate progress, and build buy-in from everyone involved. This skill is especially valuable in project management and leadership roles.
• How to build it: Practice identifying all the people affected by your work. Learn to see things from their perspective. Communicate regularly and proactively.

8. Customer Service

Customer service ranks in Degreed’s top five, showing that even in a tech-driven world, serving customers well remains fundamental .

• Why it matters: Good customer service builds loyalty and trust. In any role, you have customers—whether they’re external clients or internal colleagues.
• How to build it: Focus on understanding needs before offering solutions. Follow up to ensure satisfaction. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to build relationship.

Top Technical Skills Employers Want in 2026

While human skills are increasingly important, technical skills remain essential. The difference is that technical skills now often need to be combined with AI literacy.

9. AI Literacy and Application

AI is the single fastest-growing area of demand from employers. Upwork’s In-Demand Skills Report found that AI skills have grown by 109% on average year-over-year, far outpacing the 23% growth of other in-demand skills like accounting and graphic design .

• Why it matters: LinkedIn’s research shows that eight in ten global leaders report being more likely to hire candidates more comfortable with AI tools compared to more experienced candidates less familiar with the technology . AI literacy is becoming a critical leadership skill—LinkedIn observed a rising number of C-suite executives with AI-related skills on their profiles, growing 4.7 times in two years .
• How to build it: Start by understanding the basics of how AI works. Then focus on specific applications in your field. Coursera notes that learners are prioritizing skills in foundational technologies like SQL and JSON while actively layering on new AI competencies like Unsupervised Learning and Multimodal Prompts .

10. Specific AI Application Skills

Upwork identified several fast-growing AI skills with explosive growth :

These skills are in high demand because companies are weaving AI into everyday work rather than replacing roles outright .

11. Data Analytics and Data Skills

Data analytics appears in Degreed’s top ten, and for good reason . Companies are prioritizing data-driven decision-making across every industry.

• Why it matters: In finance, companies report that strong analytical skills improve forecasting accuracy by up to 30%, making this skill a top priority . Across all sectors, professionals who can interpret complex data and turn insights into action are indispensable.
• How to build it: Learn tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization platforms. Practice finding stories in data. Coursera notes specific growth in Data Quality (+108%) and Data Cleansing (+103%), showing that employers value people who can ensure data is reliable .

12. Python Programming

Python ranks in Degreed’s top ten skills professionals want to learn . It remains the most versatile and in-demand programming language.

• Why it matters: Python is essential for data science, AI development, and automation. It’s also relatively easy to learn, making it a great entry point for technical skills.
• How to build it: Start with online tutorials and small projects. Build a portfolio of code on GitHub. Focus on practical applications relevant to your field.

13. Cybersecurity and Digital Trust

Security is no longer a standalone function. It is increasingly embedded into nearly every IT role .

• Why it matters: Research from ISC2 shows that cybersecurity talent shortages continue to be a major concern for employers, with workforce gaps increasing organizational risk . For job seekers, demonstrating security awareness alongside core technical skills signals that you can be trusted to operate in modern, high-risk environments.
• How to build it: Learn concepts like least privilege, secrets management, multi-factor authentication, and zero trust. If you’re early in your career, pursue a foundational security credential and pair it with a practical project .

14. Cloud Computing and Optimization

By 2026, many organizations have completed their initial cloud migrations. The focus has shifted to cloud optimization—measuring success by reliability, cost control, and governance .

• Why it matters: Teams need engineers who understand not just how to build in the cloud, but how to run it responsibly. This includes cost allocation, tagging strategies, rightsizing, and reliability practices.
• How to build it: Learn the language of cloud value. Understand concepts like reserved instances, data egress awareness, and service level objectives. Platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer certification paths.

15. Microsoft Excel

Yes, good old Excel still matters. It ranks in Degreed’s top ten skills for 2026 .

• Why it matters: Despite all the new tools, Excel remains the universal language of business analysis. Almost every organization uses it, and proficiency opens doors.
• How to build it: Go beyond basics. Learn pivot tables, advanced formulas, and data visualization. Practice using Excel to solve real business problems.

16. Project Management

Project management appears in Degreed’s top three, reflecting its importance across industries .

• Why it matters: Organizations need people who can plan work, coordinate teams, and deliver results on time and budget. This skill transfers across roles and industries.
• How to build it: Learn methodologies like Agile or Scrum. Get certified if relevant to your field. Practice breaking projects into manageable pieces and tracking progress.

Skills by Industry: What Different Sectors Need

Different industries emphasize different skills. Understanding your target industry helps you focus your learning.

Financial Services

Professionals in financial services prioritize customer-centric communication and stakeholder management. This pattern links to regulated environments where scrutiny and compliance shape decision-making .

Healthcare

Healthcare workers show interest in inclusivity, resilience, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making. As digital systems expand, it becomes harder to separate technical change from daily operations and workforce wellbeing .

Manufacturing and Resources

These industries emphasize leadership, project execution, problem solving, and change management. AI and automation are becoming more visible in industrial settings, with companies exploring predictive maintenance and process optimization .

Professional Services and IT

This sector combines leadership, project management, and problem solving with elevated interest in data analytics, programming languages, AI, and software development. Technology teams are expected to engage more directly with business outcomes .

The Rise of Skills-First Hiring

One of the biggest trends in 2026 is the move toward skills-first hiring. According to Dexian’s research, 56% of employers said they will focus on skills and potential over traditional credentials . Additionally, 47% of employers said they will prioritize hiring skills over geographic location.

This shift is supported by the growth of verified credentials. Coursera reports that enrollments in Professional Certificates have increased by an average of 91% across all career areas . Employers and job seekers are increasingly turning to verified credentials to make skills visible, credible, and trusted.

The World Economic Forum’s Reskilling Revolution Initiative has mobilized commitments to reach 1 billion people globally by 2030 with access to better education, skills, and economic opportunity. More than 25 leading tech companies announced a pledge to support 120 million workers’ reskilling by 2030, focusing on digital technologies and clear pathways to future jobs .

How Employers Evaluate Skills in 2026

Understanding how employers think about skills helps you position yourself better.

They Value Practical Application

The differentiator is not “I’ve used ChatGPT”—it’s how you apply AI responsibly to improve delivery . Create tangible proof points: a small GitHub project, a brief case study, or a one-page “before and after” summary showing impact on speed, quality, or reliability.

They Look for Intersection Roles

One of the most consistent hiring patterns is demand for professionals who can operate across domains—at the intersection of cloud and security, data and operations, or AI and product delivery . These roles may not have flashy titles, but organizations rely on them most when scaling technology safely.

They Care About Outcomes

Hiring managers want to understand what problems you solve, how you approach your work, and how you know your efforts made an impact . Tailor each application to a specific outcome: a migration completed, costs reduced, or delivery cycle time shortened.

They Value Trust and Responsibility

Only 21% of workers say they completely trust their employer to handle AI and automation fairly . Professionals who demonstrate responsible use of technology—including data handling, access controls, and awareness of when AI should not be used—stand out.

How to Build These Skills

You don’t need to go back to school for four years to build these skills. Here are practical steps you can take right now.

1. Take Online Courses

Platforms like Coursera, Degreed, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in every skill mentioned here. Coursera’s data shows that learners are actively building skills in areas like Critical Thinking (+168%), Data Quality (+108%), and Data Cleansing (+103%) .

2. Earn Verified Credentials

Employers value micro-credentials that provide verifiable proof of skills mastery. Professional Certificate enrollments have grown by an average of 91% . Look for credentials relevant to your target field.

3. Build a Portfolio

Create tangible proof of your skills. For technical roles, build projects and put them on GitHub. For creative roles, create samples of your work. For business roles, document examples of problems you’ve solved.

4. Practice at Work

Look for opportunities to use new skills in your current job. Volunteer for projects that stretch your abilities. Ask for feedback and keep improving.

5. Stay Current

The skills landscape is changing fast. Follow industry news, take advantage of employer-provided training, and make learning a regular habit. Remember that 72% of workers are confident that improving their skills will lead to better pay, advancement, or more interesting work .

What Employers Say About the Future

The World Economic Forum’s research points to four possible scenarios for the future of jobs, but one thing is consistent across all scenarios: the promise of AI can only be realized if people have the right skills .

Teng Liu, economist at Upwork, explains: “AI isn’t replacing people; it’s sharpening where human expertise matters most, with businesses continuing to invest in creativity, judgment and problem-solving alongside AI” .

David Blake, CEO of Degreed, adds: “The future of work isn’t about choosing between AI and human capability, but finding ways of bringing them together. Organisations that invest in these capabilities alongside AI fluency will be best positioned to adapt, innovate, and lead” .

Final Thoughts

Friends, the skills employers want in 2026 are clearer than ever. They want people who combine strong human skills—leadership, communication, adaptability, problem solving—with technical abilities in AI, data, and digital tools.

The good news is that these skills are learnable. You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to start building them. You can begin today with online courses, small projects, and deliberate practice.

Remember what LinkedIn career expert Brendan Wong advises: “Whether you’re in tech, business or creative industries, building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career” .

The most successful professionals combine technical skills with adaptability and willingness to learn. They understand that skills are the new currency of the job market. And they keep building new ones throughout their careers.

Your future is waiting. Pick a skill from this list and start building it today.