According to Chinese media, the local Zhaopin recruitment portal recently published a report on AI-related talent recruitment trends in the market, stating that in the third quarter of 2025, the number of jobs in the AI field increased by 11% compared to the same period last year, while the number of job seekers for these positions on this platform increased by 23% compared to the same period last year.
The report said that in the first nine months of 2025, the number of AI-related jobs increased by 3% and the number of people applying for AI-related positions increased by 39%.
In addition, most AI-related recruitment positions in the first three quarters of the year in China focused on algorithms, big data and product development. This reflects the balanced and comprehensive business plan of Chinese employers, not only focusing on developing AI technology but also on commercializing AI technology and products.
AI technology is highly sought after in many industries, including communications, finance, education and healthcare. According to Zhaopin, the demand for recruitment of positions such as front-end engineers, testing engineers and AI product managers has increased in the first 9 months of 2025.
Previously, global consulting firm McKinsey predicted that by 2030, AI technology will create a market value of more than 1 trillion USD for China.
"Based on our data, the recruitment positions with significant growth are for AI application engineers and AI product managers with solid technology, business and industry knowledge. Therefore, versatile people who can combine their skills with AI will have the biggest advantage in the future job market," Li Qiang, vice president of Zhaopin shared with China Daily.
Xu Zifan, who completed his postgraduate program in Shanghai in 2024 and found a job at a technology startup in the city in June, said AI will become a mandatory skill for new employees in the future.
"This doesn't mean everyone has to be an 'technology expert' in AI, but they have to know how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Deep Seek to increase work efficiency," he said to local media.
According to Mr. Li Qiang, people can see AI as a work partner, not a competitor. "AI has created many new opportunities in areas such as modern services, silver economy and green economy. People can use AI as a partner to get more side jobs and develop more diverse working models," he added.
