Your next career move starts here: Tools, insights and stories to power your path

The world of work is changing fast, from AI shaping every industry to new grads navigating a job market full of possibilities. In this edition of In the Loop, we’re diving into what it takes to grow, lead, and stand out in today’s evolving landscape.

Whether you’re just starting your career, leveling up your LinkedIn presence, or leading change at the top, these stories, tools, and trends are here to help you move forward with confidence.

The labor market may be starting to shift; are you ready?

Despite steady unemployment rates and solid job reports, our latest LinkedIn data tells a more nuanced story. Confidence in the US job market continues to dip—especially among Gen Z—and signs of a broader slowdown are starting to emerge.

According to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, worker sentiment is at a low point. And based on our Economic Graph Hiring Rate, hiring is down nearly 7% year over year. The only industry seeing a lift? Financial Services. Meanwhile, Tech, Education, and Transportation are holding steady.

Watch the latest labor market update from our chief economist Karin Kimbrough to get the full picture—including what resources we’ve made available to help those looking for work.

Not sure what’s next after graduation? LinkedIn has your back

The job market today is full of roles that didn’t even exist a few years ago—so if you’re a recent grad still figuring out your next move, you’re not alone. That’s why LinkedIn created the Grad’s Guide: a data-backed resource to help you discover fast-growing industries, rising cities, and in-demand jobs tailored for new grads.

Watch the video to explore what’s possible, then dive into the guide to start shaping your path forward—with the tools and insights to get you there.

You’re more than a resume

Resumes can’t tell the whole story. They rarely capture your passions, side projects, or the values that drive you forward. That’s why we’re inviting you to join the #MoreThanMyResume campaign: a movement to show up on LinkedIn as your full, authentic self.

Share a short video or post about what makes you you, beyond the bullet points.

Then, take it a step further by watching the Level Up Your LinkedIn workshop, where LinkedIn News Editor Gianna Prudente and guest panelists Lorraine K. Lee and Esra Eisa help you build your voice and grow your confidence online.

AI adoption starts at the top 

While AI literacy has emerged as one of the most in-demand skills employers seek across all jobs on LinkedIn, one group has emerged as front runners in gaining skills like prompt engineering and Generative AI tools: C-suite leaders. In fact, 3x more C-suite executives globally on LinkedIn are adding AI skills to their profiles compared to two years ago. 

As LinkedIn’s Chief Operating Officer Dan Shapero says, “Today's leaders must role model exceptional AI usage and evolve into AI leaders who not only personally embrace AI in their own work, but who can also inspire their teams to do the same.”

So, what steps are leaders taking to gain these skills? Hear from Autodesk Chief Marketing Officer Dara Treseder, Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar, Walmart SVP, People - Global Tech and Corporate Functions Maren Waggoner, Samsung CMO for Europe, Benjamin Braun and Workato Chief Strategy Officer Markus Zirn about how they are modeling AI adoption and driving change across their organizations.  

And if you’re looking to sharpen or develop new AI skills, don’t miss out on AI learning courses that we’ve unlocked in partnership with Microsoft (free until December 30, 2025). 

Shaping the future of nonprofit talent

Nonprofit talent leaders from across the country gathered in New York City and Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Impact Summit: Nonprofit Talent Edition, designed to spark ideas and drive meaningful change in the sector.

In today’s shifting landscape—marked by limited resources, rising AI adoption, and evolving workforce needs—nonprofit organizations are facing a pivotal moment. The Summit brought together voices from the Gates Foundation, Georgetown University, Columbia University, and Per Scholas to unpack the insights from the 2025 Nonprofit Talent Report, exploring how to build strong, resilient, mission-driven teams.

Explore how nonprofit leaders are using AI in hiring, rethinking skills-based recruitment, and crafting authentic employer brands to attract and retain top talent by watching the fireside chats.

Finding the right company culture 

In the latest episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn News Editor Andrew Seaman sits down with leadership expert and Let’s Talk Culture author Shane Hatton to unpack one of the most overused (and misunderstood) pieces of job search advice: “Ask about company culture.” But what are you really trying to learn when you ask that?

According to Hatton, the real question behind culture fit is: Can I belong here? Culture isn’t about fun perks or whether people seem like you. It’s about shared values, behavioral norms, and subtle signals that help you gauge whether you’ll fit in—or feel like an outsider. In fact, feeling a bit of discomfort can be a positive sign. 

Hatton also shares advice for job seekers on how to position themselves as leaders. It’s not about using buzzwords. It’s about knowing your strengths, communicating your values, and telling a clear story about how you work best. “If people aren’t informed by you, they might be misinformed by someone else,” he says.

The takeaway? Culture isn’t about comfort, it’s about clarity. Ask better questions. Share better stories.

Listen to the full episode of Get Hired to hear more.

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