As 2026 approaches, the job market is showing clear signs of shift, largely influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence. LinkedIn’s annual Jobs on the Rise report highlights which roles are growing fastest across the United States. This year, A.I.-related positions dominate the list, with A.I. engineer taking the top spot and A.I. consultant or strategist coming in second.
A recent LinkedIn survey reveals that 56% of Americans are planning to look for a new job in 2026, mirroring last year’s numbers. Yet, the environment has changed. Opportunities exist, but they are concentrated in specific industries, making the search more selective and strategic.
Dan Roth, LinkedIn’s editor-in-chief and vice president, discussed this during the 3rd hour of TODAY on January 7. He emphasized that the job market is tighter than before.
“There are jobs out there — they’re harder to find,” Roth explained. “They’re concentrated in particular industries. It’s uneven. So if you’re looking for a new job, it is important to really be armed with information about where there is growth, and then really be prepared to pivot if necessary.”
The Importance of Pivoting Careers
For job seekers, being willing to pivot careers has become a vital strategy. Roth encourages focusing on skills rather than past roles. “The key is rethinking what you’re doing not as a job, but as a set of skills,” he said.
Understanding what skills are transferable can open doors to industries or positions that may not have been considered before.
Once the skillset is identified, the next step is to examine the Jobs on the Rise list. Demand varies greatly across fields, so it’s important to target areas where growth is significant.
Roth explains, “What are the skills that are required to be a construction planning coordinator or an independent analyst? What are the skills that I have that will get me there?”
Positioning Yourself for New Opportunities
With a target role in mind, storytelling becomes a key element. Job seekers must clearly connect their existing skills to the requirements of the position they are pursuing.
“How do my skills relate to the skills that are required to do this job?” Roth asks. Presenting these skills in a resume, cover letter, or professional profile can make the difference between being overlooked and landing an interview.
The approach shifts the focus from titles or past experience to the value that skills bring to a new role. Even if a candidate has never held the exact position before, the ability to demonstrate relevance through skills can convince employers of their potential impact.
Job searching in 2026 will demand preparation, adaptability, and a clear understanding of where growth is happening. By evaluating skills, identifying rising roles, and crafting a narrative that connects abilities to opportunities, candidates can navigate a competitive market more effectively.
This approach emphasizes flexibility and skill alignment rather than rigid career paths. In a market increasingly shaped by technology, those who can pivot strategically and present their skills convincingly will have a significant advantage.