What Skills Will Tech Employers Demand in 2023? Insights from the Linux Foundation Report

The Linux Foundation recently released the 2023 Tech Talent Report, which surveyed 4,000 IT hiring managers and HR professionals about the essential and desired qualities of technical talent.

First, hiring continues to focus on qualified developers with expertise in emerging technologies, especially cloud/container (50%), security (50%), and AI/ML (46%). Employers seek developers with strong skills in high‑demand areas, noting that many already possess cloud‑native (59%) and security expertise (59%).

Additional hiring priorities include:

Augmented/Virtual Reality

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Blockchain

Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

DevOps

Kubernetes

While AI currently dominates hiring trends, the report warns that “hot” technologies can shift within a year, underscoring the need for developers to continuously update their knowledge.

Second, 53% of respondents consider skill improvement crucial for acquiring the expertise organizations need. Training and certifications are key for career advancement, and companies are actively seeking ways to upskill existing teams to close skill gaps. Individuals are encouraged to pursue internal training opportunities or seek external certifications to enhance job security and promotion prospects.

Third, the majority of respondents view certifications (73%) and pre‑employment assessments (81%) as necessary for validating technical competence. Employers prefer verified skills demonstrated through practical labs, command‑line or shell tests, and real‑world project experience. When evaluating training programs, especially for emerging technologies, it is important to consider the instructor’s background—practitioners who actively use the technology are more likely to provide valuable, hands‑on insight.

Overall, professionals should reflect on their career goals, seek continuous learning, and align their skill development with evolving market demands to remain competitive now and in the future.