The labor market in 2025 is many things—tight, fast-moving, and, let’s be honest, a little wonky. But the one common factor in nearly every conversation I’m having with clients and candidates right now, it’s this: AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s part of the new baseline.
Whether you’re hiring or job hunting, AI skills are quickly becoming a differentiator. And for many roles, they’re moving into the “must-have” column. Here’s why.
Employers: Stop Treating AI Like a Future Trend
You don’t have to be building robots or chatbots to need AI on your team. Here’s what we’re seeing in the market:
Every function is touching AI. Marketing teams are learning prompt engineering for content tools. Finance pros are using predictive analytics. Recruiters (like us!) are adopting AI sourcing and screening tools.
Job seekers are looking for signals. Including AI-related skills in your job postings attracts candidates who are already upskilling—and filters in those ready to operate in a tech-enhanced workplace.
Future-proof your workforce. Roles that don’t include AI today may need it tomorrow. By signaling now, you’re setting expectations for a team that can adapt.
Pro tip: Don’t just list “AI experience.” Be specific about the tools or capabilities relevant to the role—think ChatGPT, Power BI, Salesforce Einstein, etc.
Candidates: Make AI a Feature of Your Story
If you’ve used AI at work—even in small ways—it’s worth putting on your resume. Here’s why:
It shows agility. Employers want people who can adapt to evolving tech. Even noting “used ChatGPT to draft client proposals” or “leveraged AI analytics for reporting” shows you’re staying current.
It closes the gap. With so many entry-level roles disappearing thanks to automation, candidates who demonstrate AI fluency stand out.
It invites conversation. Recruiters (like my team) notice resumes that show relevant tech—and we ask about it in interviews. That’s your chance to shine.
What This Means for the Market
The truth is AI is quietly redrawing job descriptions and candidate profiles. Employers who work it into postings now are more likely to attract forward-thinking talent. Candidates who showcase their AI chops are more likely to land interviews.
Neither side can afford to wait for a “perfect” use case—start small, signal curiosity, and keep iterating.
Your Turn…
Are you already seeing AI appear in job postings in your industry? As a candidate, have you added AI tools to your resume? We would love to hear your take.