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Are AI Skills Becoming a New Requirement in IT Job Postings?

2025-07-16

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an integral part of everyday work for IT professionals. Once considered a novelty or the domain of a narrow group of experts, AI is now increasingly listed as a required skill in job postings. Employers are beginning to ask candidates: “Can you work with AI?” In this article, we explore global trends—how often AI-related requirements appear in job ads for IT and adjacent roles, what types of competencies are being sought (from prompt engineering to GitHub Copilot), and how those expectations are phrased. Finally, we’ll examine the situation on the Polish IT job market: is AI proficiency already a must-have or still just a nice-to-have? And for which roles is it appearing most frequently?

Global Trends: AI in IT Job Requirements

Job market data shows that AI-related requirements are growing exponentially. After the release of ChatGPT in late 2022, the demand skyrocketed: globally, the number of job listings requiring AI skills increased by about 68%. In 2024 alone, the number of ads mentioning AI skills jumped 61% year over year, while the total number of job postings rose by just ~1.4%. This indicates that there is growing demand not only for AI experts but also for “regular” IT professionals who can apply AI tools in their daily work.

Importantly, nearly one in four new job postings in the tech sector now explicitly requires AI-related skills. It is estimated that around 19% of all IT job ads today involve AI-related roles—more than double the share in 2022. And it’s not just data scientists or machine learning engineers who are in demand—employers are increasingly looking for developers, analysts, and managers who can integrate AI into existing tasks and projects. In other words, AI is becoming part of the core skill set in IT rather than remaining a niche for specialized experts.

The share of job ads mentioning generative AI in various countries (September 2023 vs. September 2024) According to a report by Indeed Hiring Lab, the proportion of job listings that reference generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) more than tripled year over year in countries such as the U.S. (3.5x increase) and the UK (3.6x), with even higher growth in places like France (6.8x) and Singapore (4.6x). Although the absolute share of such postings remains relatively low (at most ~1%, as in Singapore), the upward trend is undeniable.

Other studies support this. According to PwC’s Global AI Jobs Barometer, after a slowdown in AI-related hiring in 2023, most countries saw a rebound in 2024. Moreover, adding AI skills to traditional roles tends to boost salaries—positions that require AI command higher pay than similar roles without such requirements. The highest wage premiums for AI are seen in non-technical professions (e.g., architects, lawyers), but even among developers, AI knowledge brings significant bonuses. This signals to candidates that investing in AI skills is worthwhile.

A widely cited 2023 study by ResumeBuilder surprised many: 91% of companies with active hiring efforts said they wanted to recruit employees proficient with ChatGPT. Employers pointed out that using this tool increases productivity, saves time, and delivers tangible business value. While such high figures may reflect peak ChatGPT enthusiasm, they clearly show a shift: knowing how to use modern AI tools is quickly moving from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have.”

AI Across IT Roles – Who Needs to Know Artificial Intelligence?

Developers are among those increasingly expected to be AI-savvy. Some job ads now explicitly require familiarity with tools like GitHub Copilot or other AI-powered coding assistants. For example, a frontend developer job at Cendyn called for “experience with GitHub Copilot or other AI-based coding assistants for code generation, refactoring, and debugging,” as well as the ability to “leverage Copilot to accelerate development work while maintaining code quality.” Similarly, a Python engineer listing from Wells Fargo included Copilot and OpenAI service experience as required skills. Even QA (testing) roles are beginning to include mentions of AI usage—e.g., knowledge of Copilot for writing unit tests.

Of course, in roles such as machine learning or data science, AI-related competencies are to be expected—that’s the core of the job. But even these expectations are evolving: employers now seek AI specialists who are familiar with the latest advancements, like large language models (LLMs). ML engineer postings might include requirements such as: “familiarity with current AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney” or “experience in natural language processing and large language models behind ChatGPT.” Companies want professionals who can integrate GPT-style APIs into products and use generative AI in innovative ways. In data science roles, practical knowledge of AI tools for automating analyses or generating reports is increasingly required. According to Lightcast analytics, the largest growth in AI-related job requirements has been seen in data engineer and data scientist roles—precisely where data work intersects with AI algorithms.

There are also noticeable changes in business-adjacent and product-focused roles. Product managers are more and more expected to understand AI. Job ads may state that candidates should be “genuinely interested in generative AI technology” and able to plan how to integrate AI solutions like ChatGPT or Stable Diffusion into the company’s products. For a senior product manager role at an architecture firm, knowing tools like ChatGPT was explicitly required. The trend also affects marketers and copywriters: employers highlight that familiarity with AI tools (ChatGPT, image generators, etc.) is a competitive advantage. For example, Slalom noted in a copywriter job listing that candidates familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT had an edge. Another company sought a “Klaviyo + ChatGPT email marketing super-expert” to use the chatbot for email content creation. HR professionals and recruiters aren’t immune to the shift either—Moderna, for instance, looked for a talent acquisition manager “comfortable using technologies like ChatGPT to improve results,” while another company required recruiters to have “solid ChatGPT prompt-writing skills” to help with talent sourcing.

All these examples illustrate a crucial point: AI proficiency is penetrating nearly every IT and tech-adjacent role. From developers and testers to analysts, product managers, and marketers, expectations are emerging that candidates know how to use modern AI tools to work smarter and more efficiently. Sometimes these skills are mandatory (“required knowledge of…”), and sometimes just a bonus (“familiarity with XYZ preferred”), but the trend is clear. As economist Richard Baldwin put it: “AI won’t take your job. A person using AI will.”

Which AI Skills Are in Demand? AI-related job requirements don’t boil down to a vague “know AI.” They are often very specific. Here are the most sought-after AI competencies in IT, along with examples of how they are phrased in job ads:

Prompt engineering skills – i.e., the ability to craft effective prompts for AI models to get the desired result. A marketing job ad, for instance, required “hands-on experience designing ChatGPT prompts for unique social media captions.” For developers, ads mention “ability to fine-tune ChatGPT queries” to improve results. This is often described as proficiency in prompt engineering.

Knowledge of specific generative AI tools – primarily ChatGPT (and GPT-4/3.5 models), but also alternatives like Google Bard, Claude, or Midjourney. Ads often name tools directly: e.g., “familiarity with current AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney” or “experience with ChatGPT and its rival, Google Bard.” Some postings add “and other LLMs” to highlight a broader understanding of large language models.

AI integration via API – many employers want candidates who can technically embed AI models into apps or workflows. For example, an ML Engineer role at a fintech startup required “integration of cutting-edge models like GPT with company products.” This means knowing how to work with APIs from providers like OpenAI, Azure AI, HuggingFace, etc.

Basic understanding of NLP and LLM architecture – even if someone isn’t building their own models, understanding how large language models work is highly valued. Hence requirements like “experience with NLP and the models behind ChatGPT.” Candidates familiar with concepts like transformers, generative models, and fine-tuning are more desirable.

Using AI in everyday tasks – this is a bit more general but often appears in the context of increasing productivity. For example: “knows how to use ChatGPT to effectively create content” (copywriter), “ability to use ChatGPT to boost lead generation” (marketer), or “comfortable applying AI tools (ChatGPT) in HR processes” (recruiter). This boils down to automating repetitive tasks or generating ideas using AI.

AI-assisted coding and testing – i.e., familiarity with pair programming using AI. This mainly refers to GitHub Copilot but may also include Amazon CodeWhisperer, Tabnine, etc. Ads may say: “familiarity with GitHub Copilot” or describe the expectation more generally: “AI-powered development: leverage tools like GitHub Copilot to assist in code generation and boost productivity.” For testers, it might be “using AI to generate test scenarios.”

Willingness to learn new (AI) technologies – this soft skill appears frequently. Employers stress openness to innovation with phrases like: “interested in emerging technologies” or “eager to acquire new knowledge.” This signals that even if a candidate doesn’t yet know a specific AI tool, they’re expected to be ready to learn and adapt. A growth mindset around AI is, in itself, a sought-after skill.

Of course, depending on the role, different combinations of these skills will be prioritized. What’s important is that AI is no longer a vague, futuristic buzzword in a CV—it’s a concrete set of tools and practices candidates are expected to master. Just as frontend developers are expected to know specific JavaScript frameworks, today’s IT professionals are increasingly expected to be fluent in specific AI tools.

The Situation in Poland: AI – a Requirement or an Asset?

So what does the local job market look like in this regard? Are Polish IT companies (and others) also expecting candidates to have AI-related skills? Available data suggests that Poland is following the global trend, although the pace of AI adoption is somewhat slower than in the U.S., for example.

According to Statistics Poland (GUS), in 2024 only 5.9% of companies in Poland were actively using AI technologies (compared to 3.7% the previous year). While that’s still a low percentage, the more important takeaway is this: more and more companies are looking for employees with competencies in this field. As reported by Grupa Progres, which analyzes job ads in the Polish market, one in ten job postings in Poland now contains a direct reference to AI or ChatGPT. That’s a striking number, especially considering it applies across all sectors. It’s clear that new technologies and AI are increasingly becoming a standard expectation, not only in IT-specific roles but also in engineering, sales, manufacturing, construction, customer service, and finance.

In the strictly IT sector, this trend is, unsurprisingly, the strongest. On the one hand, demand for AI/ML specialists is growing—reports show that in 2024, AI and machine learning experts topped the rankings of the most sought-after IT professionals. On the other hand, in more typical developer or DevOps roles, AI is more often listed as a “nice-to-have” rather than a strict requirement—at least for now. The Polish market is still adapting to this approach, but examples already exist. Job postings for developers may include phrases like “interest in artificial intelligence and new technologies” as a desired quality. We’re also seeing job offers that explicitly require knowledge of AI tools—for instance, for AI trainers and consultants. A good example is an opening at Oxido for an AI Trainer, where requirements included “very good knowledge of ChatGPT and other LLMs (Claude, Gemini, Llama)” and “ability to create advanced prompts.” In other words, a Polish company recruiting an AI trainer listed exactly the same competencies (prompt engineering, working with LLMs) as those seen in international job ads.

That said, in the Polish context, AI still tends to be an advantage rather than a prerequisite—especially for non-technical roles. As Magda Dąbrowska from Grupa Progres points out, Polish employers place a strong emphasis on candidates’ attitudes toward growth and openness to new technologies, even when the role is not directly related to IT. Job ads often include phrases that highlight mindset, such as “interest in new technologies” or “willingness to learn,” which signals the growing importance of these aspects. At the same time, some sectors already treat AI knowledge as a standard requirement: for example, 10% of customer service job ads require familiarity with modern tools like chatbots and AI-powered CRM systems. In quality control, employers are starting to expect experience with AI-supported error detection systems, and in sales, the ability to use automation tools (often AI-based) is becoming increasingly common.

In technical IT roles in Poland (developers, sysadmins, testers), recruiters are also beginning to appreciate mentions of ChatGPT or other AI tools in CVs. Some media outlets have even proposed that candidates should start adding ChatGPT to their skillsets in resumes, as it boosts their appeal. While some employers may still treat AI as a nice-to-have, that’s changing rapidly. As global trends make their way into Poland and more companies implement AI solutions, AI proficiency will soon become as obvious a requirement as Excel or English language skills. Already, local job ads are appearing with statements like “proficiency in tools such as ChatGPT is required for this role”—in this case, for a product manager at a tech firm. That’s a clear signal that Polish tech companies also expect new hires to be fluent in AI, particularly if it can streamline team operations.

To summarize the Polish perspective: AI is quickly shifting from a bonus to a full-fledged requirement in many job postings—even in Poland. For now, this applies mainly to the IT sector and adjacent industries, but the trend is expanding. Candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in AI—whether that’s generating text or images, or automating certain tasks—have a competitive edge. Companies value both hard skills (specific tools, APIs, models) and soft traits (curiosity, eagerness to learn, innovation).

The era when AI was the exclusive domain of scientists and engineers in labs is over. Today, artificial intelligence is a practical, everyday tool for many IT professionals. As a result, labor markets around the world are adapting, incorporating AI competencies into hiring requirements. Globally, we’re witnessing an explosion of job ads seeking AI skills—ranging from coding with Copilot to ChatGPT-supported marketing and data analytics with automation elements.

In Poland, these changes are advancing quickly as well, and the pioneers who were first to gain hands-on AI experience can now pick and choose between job offers—or even set the terms themselves.

For those working in IT (or aspiring to join the industry), the message is clear: it’s worth investing time in learning how to use artificial intelligence. Whether you’re a developer, tester, sysadmin, or analyst—your ability to collaborate with AI will soon be as essential as knowledge of programming frameworks or DevOps tools. One can confidently say that AI is not the future—it’s already the present when it comes to IT job market demands. Those who can use it effectively will lead the pack in the employment race. And those who ignore it… well, they risk being replaced one day by someone who has AI in their professional toolkit.

Sources: Market research, labor market analyses, and sample job postings compiled from reports and publications (Business Insider, Indeed Hiring Lab, LinkedIn, PwC, Grupa Progres, and others).