Companies are hiring tech workers who can solve problems and visualize results, along with a solid grasp of fundamentals in computer science, according to a new hiring survey.
HackerEarth said employers are testing job candidates’ thinking skills rather than AI usage skills.
“Going forward, more companies are evaluating how candidates work with AI, not whether AI replaces them,” according to the report. This means “candidates who can explain how they apply fundamentals in real scenarios gain an edge in 2026.”
The top three most assessed skills by employers are algorithms, SQL and data structures. Java and Python are the main programming languages sought after by employers, “significantly outpacing C++ or JavaScript,” the survey said.
“Despite growing interest in AI and emerging technologies, foundational skills remain non-negotiable for tech hiring,” according to the survey. “For candidates in 2026: Mastery of fundamentals is still the fastest path to employability. For companies: Foundational skills continue to be the most reliable hiring signal based on what your peers are doing.”