In an increasingly dynamic and competitive market, new research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, shows that Brazilian recruiters are facing difficulties finding professionals with the necessary skills to fill available positions. According to the new study, 72% of HR professionals say hiring talent has become more challenging in the past year.
Among the main obstacles pointed out by experts are the shortage of candidates with the right technical (65%) and behavioral (58%) skills, and the increase in applications without adequate qualifications (55%). This reality presents a dual challenge: while recruiters need to deal with a more laborious and time-consuming process, qualified candidates often face greater competition and difficulties standing out. Given this scenario, innovative solutions such as the use of Artificial Intelligence and a skills-focused recruitment model have gained traction as alternatives to optimize hiring and reduce the talent gap in the country.
The study indicates that 89% of HR professionals believe AI helps reduce operational tasks and optimize time, allowing recruitment teams to focus on more strategic activities, such as candidate engagement and negotiations. Additionally, 89% also state that technology has accelerated talent identification, and 88% highlight that AI assists in creating more assertive job descriptions, making postings more attractive to the right candidates.
“The job market is undergoing rapid transformation, and companies that fail to adapt will be at a significant disadvantage. Finding and retaining qualified talent requires new strategies, and Artificial Intelligence has already established itself as an indispensable tool in this process. With the right technology, recruiters can reduce bottlenecks, expand access to candidates, and make more strategic decisions, ensuring hiring is faster and more accurate“, says Ana Claudia Plihal, Talent Solutions Executive at LinkedIn in Brazil.
From experience to skills: a new hiring model
The research also reveals a misalignment between companies’ requirements and the qualifications available in the market, with 69% of HR professionals in Brazil stating there is a gap between the skills candidates possess and those companies actually need.
To reduce this discrepancy, 56% of recruiters point out that access to new HR technologies, such as AI tools, would help make the process more efficient, while 44% believe prioritizing skills over degrees and past experience could be the solution to filling positions more quickly.
“We are seeing a paradigm shift in recruitment. Companies that adopt a more skills-focused approach, rather than just academic background or experience, are more successful in hiring and retaining talent. This new model opens opportunities for a larger number of candidates and allows organizations to broaden their horizons in the search for qualified professionals“, adds Ana Plihal.
In this sense, transitioning to a skills-focused hiring model, supported by recruitment technologies, emerges as a key path to reducing the job market gap, expanding access to qualified talent, and making companies more competitive and inclusive.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by Censuswide, with a sample of 500 HR professionals and talent acquisition leaders in Brazil (18+). Data was collected between November 28, 2024, and December 13, 2024. Censuswide follows and employs members of the Market Research Society, adhering to its code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Additionally, Censuswide is a member of the British Polling Council.
