One in four job postings that mention artificial intelligence fail to provide clear context on how employers plan to use the technology, according to new research from Indeed, highlighting a gap between companies signaling interest in AI and those with concrete implementation plans.
The analysis of several hundred thousand job postings from July 2024 to June 2025 found that while AI mentions are rising, roughly 25 per cent of postings provided little information beyond name-dropping the technology with phrases such as “we are an AI-first company” or “familiarity with AI,” according to research published by Indeed’s Hiring Lab.
The findings suggest some employers are still determining how to integrate AI into their operations, even as they recruit for AI-related roles.
Building versus recruiting applications
The research found that 52 per cent of AI-related job descriptions involved building new AI tools or directly using AI models, representing the largest share of postings analyzed. Another 14 per cent of postings cited using AI in recruitment processes.
Indeed analyzed nearly 600 keywords related to AI and generative AI in job postings, then examined the surrounding text to identify how employers described AI use. The analysis identified five main categories: core AI development and use, AI recruiting tools, systems design, AI-powered services and tools, and transportation load matching.
General mentions of “AI” or “GenAI” far outnumbered specific skill references. Nearly 74 per cent of postings used the term “AI” while only two per cent specifically mentioned ChatGPT.
Wide variation by occupation
AI applications vary significantly across industries and job types, according to the research. Technology, management and creative roles appear to drive core AI development and use, while service and healthcare sectors apply AI mainly in hiring processes.
In food preparation and service roles that mentioned AI, 95 per cent of references related to recruitment tools. Around 70 per cent of nursing and medical technician roles that mentioned AI did so in a recruiting context.
Arts and entertainment, marketing and management roles included core AI use in more than 60 per cent of their postings. These positions likely implement AI in business processes and use prompt-based interaction for creative and consulting purposes, according to the analysis.
Transportation and logistics showed unique AI applications, with 47 per cent of driving job postings mentioning AI for load matching and optimization.
Implications for employers
The research indicates AI adoption is expanding beyond roles solely focused on building artificial intelligence. Companies are testing AI applications for business problems including hiring and logistics optimization.
The findings suggest employers should provide training so workers can use AI technologies effectively and responsibly, according to Indeed. For workers and job seekers, the trends represent an opportunity to develop AI skills.
The analysis used topic modeling and machine learning techniques to categorize job postings. When multiple themes appeared in a single posting, it was assigned to the category with the strongest statistical alignment.
