AI, Machine Learning, Analytics Continue To Dominate Job Market: Indeed-Nasscom Report

Increasing integration of technology into workstreams is reshaping traditional job roles. With rising adoption of artificial intelligence, AI/machine learning and analytics continue to dominate the job market, while cybersecurity has overtaken cloud to become the second-most sought-after domain, according to a recent report by Indeed and Nasscom.

As per the report, the top five in-demand job roles include data scientist/analyst, AI/ML expert, cybersecurity specialist, cloud architect/engineer, and DevOps engineer. In response, HR leaders emphasise core technical skills, a strong learning mindset, and analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities as the primary selection criteria. 

A large portion of the workforce now leverages gen AI for applications, such as coding, programming, and content creation. The future workforce (students) is particularly using gen AI for learning and development, enhancing general knowledge, improving communication skills, seeking mentorship and advice, and exploring AI's capabilities, the report showed. 

Notably, 70% of respondents from the current workforce express confidence in their readiness for the evolving job roles of the future. This optimism is fuelled by skilling and upskilling initiatives, driven by organisational programmes and self-learning efforts. 

Companies are also leveraging AI in various aspects of the recruitment and hiring process, such as automating CV screening to identify top candidates, generating gender-neutral job descriptions, enhancing knowledge sharing and learning initiatives, and streamlining candidate evaluation. 

While future work remains predominantly hybrid, the average time spent in the office has increased by 1.2 times. Key drivers of this shift include the need for improved cultural connections, collaboration, employee engagement, leadership interactions, role-specific or customer-driven requirements, and learning experience. 

There has been an increase in willingness among current and future workforce to embrace the gig model. Around 35% of each group are open to gig opportunities, a rise from 23% and 28% for the current and future workforce in the previous year. Key skills driving demand for gig roles in technology include generative AI and automation, information and cybersecurity, digital transformation, solution architecture, and data engineering. 

Gen Z and millennials continue to represent the majority of the tech workforce. Across generations, factors such as brand value and opportunities for learning and growth remain key considerations when selecting an employer. Job satisfaction, job security, work-life balance, and career growth consistently rank among the top priorities for both generations when deciding to stay with an organisation.