The Talent Pulse — November 2025

In this edition: 

• How to make AI your career advantage—not your competition 
• The top skills employers are prioritizing heading into 2026 
• Tips to get better GenAI outputs (and stop wasting prompts) 
• What every organization needs before scaling AI adoption 
• 6 talent strategies to strengthen your data and AI readiness 

AI is reshaping hiring—here's how to use it to your advantage 

Technology and AI continue to transform the world of work, from how people find jobs to how they manage their day-to-day responsibilities. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or looking to boost productivity, here are a few ways to make AI a tool for progress—not just change.

Standout as a candidate using new AI-based hiring trends 

Hiring has changed fast, and technology advancements are at the center of it. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) streamline how employers review candidates, which means your resume needs to speak their language. AI tools can help: 

• Identify keywords in job descriptions so your resume aligns with recruiter expectations. 
• Generate personalized cover letters tailored to each role—then edit to personalize and add your own voice. 
• Highlight the specific skills you have that match the company’s priorities 

Learn more in our article, 5 ways technology has changed the job search—and how to use that to your advantage.  

Leverage the technical and human advantage 

AI fluency is quickly becoming a core qualification for all types of roles across industries—from marketing and design to product management and operations. Candidates who understand AI concepts like machine learning, natural language processing, or generative AI applications can set themselves apart. Even more in demand? Human-centered skills including: 

• Communication 
• Collaboration 
• Creativity 
• Empathy 
• Leadership and judgment 

Mitch Gardner , EVP, Vaco by Highspring , shares his perspective on the trends shaping jobs and skills heading into 2026: 

Employers are looking for candidates who can combine technical know-how with strategic and creative thinking to drive innovation. 

Stay ahead of the curve: Tips to improve GenAI outputs 

Beyond resumes and cover letters, AI can be a powerful partner in your day-to-day work. The key is learning how to collaborate with it, starting with your prompts. Try using the C.R.E.A.T.E. method to develop impactful prompts that deliver more accurate and actionable outputs. 

• Character: Define the role you want the AI to play (for example, recruiter, editor, or career coach). 
• Request: Be clear about what you need it to do and include relevant context. 
• Examples: Share samples or preferences to guide tone, structure, or format. 
• Adjustments: Specify any refinements, like style or formatting preferences. 
• Type: Clarify how you’d like the response delivered (bulleted list, paragraph, or summary). 
• Extras: Ask follow-up questions or request clarification to refine the output. 

AI works best as a collaborator, not a shortcut. Thoughtful prompts lead to better results, helping you turn technology into an advantage.  

Employer trends and insights  

Preparing your organization for AI adoption 

AI adoption is accelerating. 40% of U.S. employees now use AI tools, yet only 22% of organizations have a clear AI strategy, and just 30% have AI guidelines in place, according to Gallup . Curtis Hughes , Managing Director –Technology Transformation at Vaco by Highspring , emphasizes that success with AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about people and process. Here are key considerations for organizations adopting AI: 

• Establish strong foundations: Ensure policies, guardrails, and infrastructure are in place before scaling AI initiatives. 
• Focus on people and adoption: Invest in workforce readiness and change management. Technology alone only drives 20% of success. 
• Move thoughtfully: Sometimes slowing down to address gaps allows you to accelerate long-term adoption. 
• Pilot and iterate: Early tests may encounter friction, but learning and refining processes ensures adoption sticks. 

Check out Curtis’s full insights on LinkedIn. 

Data readiness with a talent strategy lens 

Cathy Shim , Managing Partner at Vaco by Highspring , outlines how the right talent can turn data strategy into measurable business outcomes: 

Here are six talent strategies to help you support data readiness initiatives. 

1. Develop a unified leadership vision: Align leadership across the organization to ensure clear, organization-wide goals around AI and data initiatives. This fosters motivation, trust, and collaboration across departments. 
2. Invest in external expertise while building internal capability: Leverage external partners to guide your AI and data journey while simultaneously upskilling internal teams, ensuring long-term sustainability. 
3. Balance reskilling and recruitment: Combine training programs for current employees with strategic external hires to create a sustainable talent pipeline and retain institutional knowledge. 
4. Leverage networking for learning and growth: Encourage employees to attend events, workshops, and industry networking sessions to stay informed and connected to practical insights. 
5. Create a culture of continuous learning: Implement structured learning and development plans so teams can internalize expertise and carry innovation forward beyond initial implementations. 
6. Retain top talent through innovation and culture: Build an innovation-driven culture that rewards growth, encourages collaboration, and provides clear career progression to retain top talent in a competitive market. 

What professionals are saying

We asked you how you’re approaching AI in your job search and day-to-day work—and your responses show just how quickly the landscape is shifting.

How often are you  leveraging  AI in your job search or current role?  

How do you think AI will impact your current role or the job search over the next year?

What this tells us

AI adoption is accelerating. Nearly 40% of professionals use it daily, and the majority expect it to become a powerful assistant in the year ahead—not a replacement. Even those who rarely use it today recognize the momentum building around these tools.

What this means for you

Building AI literacy is becoming a career advantage. Candidates and employees are now using AI to draft outreach, summarize research, and prep for interviews. Whether you're optimizing your job search, working more efficiently, or upskilling for your next role, even small steps can make a measurable impact.

Try this

Pick one task this week and test how much faster or easier it becomes with AI. Track the time you save. You might be surprised.

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