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The 11 Hardest IT Roles to Fill in 2026 — and What’s Changed

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The hardest IT roles to fill in 2026 remain AI/machine learning and cybersecurity, with a growing emphasis on hybrid professionals skilled in AI deployment, governance, and risk management rather than just model building. The evolving demand favors upskilling current employees in these hybrid and agentic AI roles, as well as in automation and risk management, while cloud-related positions have become easier to fill due to market maturity. This shift reflects the need for IT talent who combine technical expertise with business understanding to navigate rapid AI advancements and increasing security challenges.

https://www.cio.com/article/4184685/the-11-hardest-it-roles-to-fill-in-2026-and-whats-changed.html

Tech Jobs Grew in May Despite AI Layoffs

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Despite significant AI-driven layoffs by major tech companies like Meta and Cisco, technology job openings in the U.S. increased by 69,000 in May, marking continued growth in sectors such as cloud infrastructure and IT services. This reflects a shifting tech labor market where companies are simultaneously reducing roles impacted by AI while investing in new positions to support AI deployment, data, and cybersecurity, resulting in a complex, uneven hiring landscape focused on skills tied to immediate operational impact.

https://www.ciodive.com/news/technology-hiring-may-AI-layoffs/822163/

How the EU AI Act Impacts Global Standards for AI in Hiring: Expert Insights

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The EU Artificial Intelligence Act introduces regulations for AI systems used in hiring, requiring transparency and meaningful human oversight to ensure accountability and reduce legal risks, especially for companies operating within the EU or employing EU-based candidates. Dimitri Boylan, CEO of Avature, emphasizes that while existing laws address many concerns, the Act clarifies governance responsibilities and promotes evidence-based management of AI hiring tools, helping large enterprises mitigate regulatory and social risks.

https://hrexecutive.com/how-the-eu-ai-act-impacts-global-standards-for-ai-in-hiring-expert-insights/

AI Adoption and Firms’ Job-Posting Behavior

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The study investigates the relationship between AI adoption and firms’ job-posting behavior using data from Lightcast and the Census Bureau’s Business Trends and Outlook Survey. The findings suggest that, thus far, there is no evidence of a reduction in job postings for industries or firms with higher levels of AI adoption. While the overall slowdown in national job postings post-pandemic is not driven by AI, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of potential labor market impacts.

https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/ai-adoption-and-firms-job-posting-behavior-20260327.html

The Great Turnover: 9 in 10 Companies Plan To Hire in 2026, Yet 6 in 10 Will Have Layoffs

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A Resume.org survey of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers reveals that while 92% of companies plan to hire in 2026, 55% also anticipate layoffs. Layoffs are driven by AI, reorganization, and budget constraints, with companies often citing AI to explain workforce reductions. The top skills companies seek in candidates are problem-solving, adaptability, and communication, highlighting the importance of practical, day-to-day performance skills.

https://www.resume.org/the-great-turnover-9-in-10-companies-plan-to-hire-in-2026-yet-6-in-10-will-have-layoffs-2/

McKinsey Starts Testing Job Candidates With AI Assistant

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McKinsey is testing a new hiring method where candidates use the firm’s AI assistant, Lilli, during interviews. This pilot program evaluates candidates on their ability to engage with the AI while analyzing cases, aiming to reflect future consulting practices. If successful, this approach may standardize AI use in recruitment.

https://www.cio.com/article/4117688/mckinsey-begins-testing-candidates-with-an-ai-assistant.html

The Hiring Blind Spot: From Gut Instinct to Evidence in Skills-led Hiring

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Shift hiring from resumes and gut instincts to evidence-based strategies using AI insights for real skills and potential. Traditional frameworks fail as they prioritize past experience over adaptability; a new mindset focused on measurable skills is essential. Align hiring practices with actual business needs, ensure fair AI assessments, and foster diversity by evaluating values and motivations. CHROs must adopt this dynamic approach to close skill gaps and meet future talent demands.

https://sea.peoplemattersglobal.com/article/ai-and-emerging-tech/the-hiring-blind-spot-from-gut-instinct-to-evidence-in-skills-led-hiring-47984

The 2026 Talent Reckoning: Beyond Degrees and Certifications

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By 2026, CIOs will prioritize skills over degrees in hiring, favoring adaptability and learning agility. Traditional degree requirements are declining as employers seek candidates with practical skills and microcredentials that demonstrate ongoing learning. Hiring assessments will shift focus to real-world experience and emotional intelligence, with strategies like skills assessments and job simulations gaining prominence. This transition aims to expand talent pools and tackle retention challenges in a tech-driven environment, emphasizing the need for continuous workforce development and a hybrid culture that values employee engagement amidst AI integration.

https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/feature/The-talent-reckoning-Beyond-degrees-and-certifications

I’m a Former CTO. Here Is the 15 Sec Coding Test I Used to Instantly Filter Out 50% of Unqualified Applicants.

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Former CTO Jose Zarazua shares a simple coding test to filter out unqualified applicants in recruitment. The test involves a code snippet that many will answer incorrectly if they copy-paste rather than think through, allowing a quick assessment of programming skills. This method helped identify 50% of candidates using AI/Interpreter answers and revealed that only 3% answered incorrectly, effectively streamlining the hiring process.

https://josezarazua.com/im-a-former-cto-here-is-the-15-sec-coding-test-i-used-to-instantly-filter-out-50-of-unqualified-applicants/

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