AI is helping recruiters find hidden-gem talent, LinkedIn executive says

LinkedIn research finds about 80% of workers feel unprepared for the 2026 job hunt, and the company says many recruiters report AI is surfacing 'hidden gem' candidates; LinkedIn also reported 93% of recruiters plan to increase AI use in 2026.

LinkedIn says artificial intelligence will be a critical part of hiring in 2026, speeding up processes and helping recruiters handle high volumes of applications, according to Janine Chamberlin, LinkedIn's U.K. country manager. New LinkedIn research finds around 80% of workers feel unprepared for the 2026 job hunt. The report and comments come as the U.S. labor market experienced more than 1 million job cuts in 2025 and applications per role have risen sharply since 2022. Chamberlin described a cycle in which large volumes of applications make it harder for recruiters to respond quickly and leave job seekers waiting. Key findings: - LinkedIn research finds about 80% of workers feel unprepared for the 2026 job hunt. - Janine Chamberlin said AI can speed up manual tasks and help surface candidates with the right skills. - LinkedIn reported that 60% of recruiters say AI is helping them find what they called "hidden gem" talent. - The company reported that 93% of recruiters plan to increase their use of AI in 2026. - Data cited in the reporting show more than 1 million U.S. job cuts in 2025 and that U.S. applicants per open role have doubled since spring 2022. Summary: The reporting indicates AI tools are being adopted to help recruiters sift through larger applicant pools and identify candidates they might otherwise miss. LinkedIn and its executive comments point to broader AI use in hiring during 2026 as a likely next stage in how companies manage applications and match skills to roles.