Certified for Success: How AI Skills Improve Job Prospects

AI is often seen as a job killer — but our latest OII study suggests it could actually help you get hired. A new international experiment with recruiters and HR professionals in the US, UK, and Germany shows that AI skills significantly improve a candidate’s chances of being invited to an interview. Applicants with certified AI skills — through online courses, platforms, or university programs — were even more likely to be shortlisted. These certifications not only increase visibility in hiring processes but also help offset traditional disadvantages, such as lower levels of formal education, career changes, or gender-related bias. As AI continues to reshape the world of work, it may also be opening new doors to employment. The findings highlight the need for inclusive reskilling programmes and accessible certification pathways to ensure broader access to the benefits of AI. Investing in micro-credential infrastructure could play a key role in making the future of work more equitable.

Visit www.skillscale.org for more details on the study.