Beyond AI buzzwords: What employers are really looking for in 2026

With AI tools becoming commonplace and technical skills increasingly accessible, employers are now looking beyond résumés packed with buzzwords.

The qualities that stand out today are harder to automate: sound judgment, adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to solve real business problems.

That was the central message from a panel discussion at DevSparks Bengaluru 2026, where industry leaders argued that hiring decisions are no longer driven by familiarity with the latest tools alone.

Instead, recruiters are paying closer attention to how candidates think, learn, and apply their skills in practical situations.

During the session, 'The modern interview: What are companies actually looking for?', speakers explored the realities of hiring in an AI-driven workplace and the skills they believe will remain valuable in the current market and years ahead.