In a rapidly evolving job market, job seekers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their job applications. However, a significant portion of these individuals, nearly half (49%), feel uncertain about how to effectively stand out when AI is part of the application screening process. Meanwhile, research conducted by LinkedIn highlights that 85% of recruiters find AI beneficial for accelerating the hiring process, yet 83% express a need for better resources to navigate the transformative effects of AI on their roles.
The sentiment among professionals in Saudi Arabia is shifting, with a staggering 73% of respondents indicating plans to seek new employment opportunities in 2026. This change sets the stage for heightened competition and more intricate hiring processes as the job market becomes increasingly fragmented and affected by AI technologies.
Despite the competitive landscape, positivity remains prevalent among workers: 82% report satisfaction with their current jobs. Nonetheless, 65% acknowledge that the job search has grown more daunting over the past year, attributing the difficulties to heightened competition, with 57% indicating that an abundance of candidates has contributed to their challenges.
From the recruitment perspective, talent acquisition professionals are experiencing the dual pressures of seeking qualified candidates in a high-demand market while adapting to the efficiencies that AI provides. While 44% of those surveyed in Saudi Arabia find it increasingly challenging to locate suitable talent amid rising expectations, 85% note the speed improvements AI brings to the hiring process. This dynamic creates a situation where job seekers and recruiters are both feeling the stress, albeit for different reasons.
Many job seekers are proactively harnessing AI’s potential by customizing their resumes, searching for appropriate roles, and preparing for interviews. However, they face new uncertainties as 51% feel that AI complicates their ability to gain visibility during hiring, and a considerable number (49%) lack clarity on how to present themselves effectively in an AI-driven environment. Additionally, a significant 76% report that the job application process now often involves excessive steps with minimal communication, leading to feelings of unpredictability and frustration.
Despite these challenges, job seekers are taking initiative to adapt. Approximately one-third are broadening their industry searches, acquiring in-demand skills such as AI knowledge, and regularly updating their professional profiles to become more competitive.
On the recruiter side, while AI tools offer tangible advantages, including improved insights into candidate skills and faster hiring processes, they introduce their own complexities. Recruiters acknowledge that sourcing niche skills has become tougher, compounded by the pressure of managing larger applicant pools. Furthermore, 74% express concern that AI-led interviews can appear impersonal if not designed thoughtfully, underscoring the importance of maintaining a human touch in recruitment.
As both job seekers and recruiters adjust to this AI-centric landscape, a noticeable readiness gap has emerged. While AI usage continues to rise, proficiency in leveraging this technology effectively remains a work in progress. Job seekers are eager for insights into how AI evaluates their applications, while recruiters desire effective AI frameworks that enhance rather than detract from the candidate experience.
Bridging this gap presents an opportunity for growth and insight, allowing both parties to maximize AI’s utility. LinkedIn, for instance, is committed to equipping users with useful tools and offering resources to help them succeed. This includes AI-powered job search tools that pair candidates with roles that align with their skills, as well as features that assist recruiters in improving their hiring processes.
In light of these evolving dynamics, LinkedIn is dedicated to providing the necessary insights and training to prepare job seekers for the competitive landscape of 2026 and beyond. The platform encourages users to stay adaptable, leverage their networks, and embrace AI-assisted tools to enhance their job search experiences.
As the Saudi job market continues to experience shifts driven by AI and other emerging trends, both job seekers and recruiters are poised to redefine their approaches, paving the way for an evolving and hopefully more effective hiring landscape.