In Indonesia’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, confidence is high among professionals, but confidence doesn’t always equate to alignment. According to the Tech Talent Confidence Index by WeNetwork and Populix, 57% of tech professionals believe their skills already match what the job market demands. On the surface, this might seem like a positive sign: a skilled, ready workforce poised to meet industry needs.
But the reality is more nuanced.
While tech talent sees themselves as market-ready, employers often express a different sentiment. This creates what we call the “skills gap illusion”, a perception gap between what professionals think they offer and what companies are actually seeking. And in many cases, it’s not about a lack of skill, but a mismatch in communication, understanding, or prioritization of those skills.
This misalignment is critical because it influences hiring outcomes, impacts career progression, and slows down organizational growth. If companies continue to struggle to find the “right fit,” while professionals believe they are the right fit, we have to ask: where’s the disconnect happening?
It may stem from unclear role expectations, rapidly shifting tech demands, or even outdated hiring criteria. Employers need to be more transparent and agile in defining their evolving needs, while professionals must continuously validate and adapt their skill sets based on emerging trends, not just experience.
Bridging this gap will require more than just upskilling—it demands ongoing dialogue between companies and talent, clearer frameworks for what “market-ready” really means, and a commitment to evolving together.
