36% of professionals say AI skills key for new graduates
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes hiring expectations across industries, a new survey finds that 36% of experienced professionals believe AI skills are now essential for new graduates entering the workforce, signaling a major shift in what employers value in entry-level talent.
A new survey from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half suggests that AI proficiency is quickly shifting from a competitive advantage to a core requirement, reshaping early-career expectations and signaling how the future of work is evolving for entry-level professionals.
AI skills emerge as a baseline requirement in hiring
The findings reflect a broader shift in hiring expectations as employers integrate AI tools into daily workflows.
At the same time, 37% of respondents cautioned against using AI to overstate skills or experience, underscoring concerns about authenticity in job applications as generative tools become more widely accessible.
“Proficiency in AI is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation,” Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half, said in a press release.
“What will define early career success is how someone can apply judgment and accountability to their work,” Fay added.
The data highlights how the future of work is increasingly shaped by technology fluency at the entry level. Rather than reserving AI expertise for technical roles, employers are now signaling that familiarity with such tools is becoming broadly necessary across professions.
Soft skills and workplace readiness remain critical
Despite the emphasis on digital skills, experienced professionals still stress traditional workplace behaviors as key differentiators for early-career success.
Time management and punctuality were cited by 71% of respondents, followed by professional appearance at 51% and communication and responsiveness at 50%.
The survey also suggests that career strategy matters as much as technical ability. A significant 80% of respondents recommend that new graduates evaluate job opportunities based on long-term career growth potential, while 67% advise being open to in-office work to accelerate learning and relationship-building.
“Employers don’t expect first-time professionals to have everything figured out on day one,” Fay said.
“What stands out is a willingness to learn, an understanding of professional expectations and a focus on building skills and relationships that drive long-term career success,” Fay added.
As workplaces continue to evolve alongside AI adoption, the findings point to a blended skill set shaping the future workforce—where technical fluency, adaptability and interpersonal skills are all increasingly intertwined in defining early career success.
