A recent report from General Assembly’s State of Tech Talent 2025 reveals that companies are hiring AI talent too rapidly, often without sustainable talent pipelines. With AI roles becoming harder to fill and salaries rising, the need for upskilling and reskilling has never been more critical.
Findings from the Report
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Rapid AI Hiring Without Long-Term Planning
- 75% of tech hiring leaders say they are hiring AI talent too quickly without building a sustainable talent pipeline.
- Many firms are competing for a shrinking pool of skilled AI candidates instead of investing in internal talent development.
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Growing Hiring Challenges & Rising Salaries
- 63% of recruiting leaders find AI talent harder to hire than non-AI tech roles.
- 68% of companies are offering higher salaries to AI-skilled candidates, up from 64% in 2024.
- Only 27% of companies invest in upskilling employees for tech roles, unchanged since 2023.
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Skills Gap in the AI Workforce
- 95% of HR professionals report it’s harder to find candidates with both technical and soft skills.
- Hard-to-find soft skills vary by region:
- US: Communication (39%), problem-solving (37%), teamwork.
- UK: Time management (40%), problem-solving (39%), flexibility (38%).
- Singapore: Openness to learning (43%), time management (40%), flexibility (39%).
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Concerns
- 85% of HR leaders fear a widening talent gap could increase turnover, lower engagement, and harm morale.
- 76% worry about negative impacts on employer branding and rising hiring costs.
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Shift in Hiring Criteria
- 61% of AI-using companies recognize the need for inclusive hiring practices.
- While 53% still prioritize college degrees, alternative education and certifications (18%) are gaining importance—tripling since 2022.
- 52% of hiring leaders now rank alternative education in their top three hiring considerations.
As AI adoption accelerates, companies must rethink their hiring strategies. Investing in workforce upskilling and broadening talent pipelines can help address skill shortages, reduce hiring costs, and improve long-term retention. A sustainable talent strategy is essential to building a competitive and inclusive AI workforce.
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