Career GlossarySkills Gap
Career Definition
What is Skills Gap?
The difference between the skills an employer needs and the skills available in the labor market or possessed by a specific candidate.
In-Depth Definition
At the macro level, skills gaps drive workforce development policy and educational investment. At the individual level, identifying your skills gap against job descriptions reveals exactly what to learn next.
Common skills gaps in 2026 include AI/ML fluency, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, data literacy, and soft skills like cross-functional leadership and executive communication.
Why Skills Gap Matters in 2026
Running your resume through an ATS checker against target job descriptions reveals your personal skills gap. Closing it through targeted upskilling is the fastest path to more interviews.
Action Item
Now that you understand what Skills Gap means, take the next step in your job search strategy.
Identify your skills gap with our free ATS checker