Pulse: The pressure of spring recruitment competition has eased somewhat, and AI capability has become a "hard criterion."

The latest data released by Mai Mai on "Insight into Spring Recruitment Job-seeking Behavior" shows that the number of new positions in the new economy industry in January and February 2026 increased by about 12.77% compared to the same period last year, indicating a continuous warming trend in the recruitment market. The talent supply-demand ratio has decreased from 2.24 to 1.79, meaning there are now 1.79 candidates competing for one position instead of 2.24, relieving some pressure on job seekers. In terms of talent demand, AI has become the core competition track in the 2026 spring recruitment season, with companies now considering AI capabilities as a mandatory requirement rather than just a bonus. At the same time, there is a clear trend of "decreasing entry-level positions," with over 70% of positions now requiring at least 3 years of work experience, and a 19% year-on-year increase in positions requiring 3-5 years of experience. Positions targeting new graduates or those with less than 1 year of experience have decreased by approximately 20%.