AI talent demand surges 1300% as tech hiring globalises

The demand for specialised tech talent is on the rise, and a recent report by Multiplier indicates a significant increase in cross-border recruitment to meet this need.

The report by Multiplier, which collates data from over 2,000 companies utilising the Employer of Record (EOR) solution and insights from over 5,000 job postings on Arc.dev, highlights a number of crucial trends in the tech talent market.

There has been a notable surge in demand for AI expertise in remote tech roles. The report highlights a growing preference for specialised skills, with job listings requiring AI expertise increasing by 1300% over the past two years.

"The rise of AI is reshaping the tech landscape, and leveraging global talent pools has become essential for companies to build teams with the specialised skills needed to develop and implement AI-driven solutions," stated Hiraash Thawfeek, Chief Technology Officer at Multiplier. Thawfeek emphasised that the percentage of job postings requiring AI skills has increased substantially, from 9% in 2022 to 21% by 2024.

Generative AI roles, in particular, have seen a dramatic rise, marking a 1300% increase in demand. Additionally, roles in machine learning and data science have both experienced growth, with increases of 80% and 250%, respectively. This trend highlights AI's emerging importance in the tech sector.

Apart from AI, there has been notable growth in other fields such as Blockchain and Security. Blockchain positions have risen by 500%, and Security roles by 600%, reflecting a shift towards specialised expertise to meet the evolving demands of the tech industry.

Jeff Lam, Director of Recruiting at Arc.dev, noted the shift toward skills-based hiring. "Academic institutions struggle to match practical experience in fast-evolving fields," he said. In light of this, many companies are adjusting their hiring processes to focus on practical experience rather than traditional educational qualifications.

This shift enables an expanded talent pool, including self-taught individuals who might not have formal degrees. This approach helps mitigate the shortage of tech skills exacerbated by rapid technological advances.

As companies seek specialised skills, the geographic scope of their talent searches is expanding beyond traditional tech hubs. While India continues to be a favoured market, other nations such as Pakistan and the Philippines are emerging as popular sources of tech talent within the Asia-Pacific region.

Multiplier noted that tech hires made via its platform account for 15% of all hirings over the past three years. The company's EOR services simplify global market access, handling payroll, benefits, and legal compliance, while Arc.dev facilitates fast hiring by connecting companies with skilled tech professionals within 72 hours.

The Multiplier report underscores the increasing importance of tapping into global talent pools and emerging markets to address the ongoing tech talent shortage.