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93% of Job Seekers Say They Are AI-Ready, but 41% of Employers Expect Advanced Skills

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Companies increasingly want candidates who can apply AI effectively in the workplace, not simply use the technology.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly every job seeker believes they are AI-ready, but many may be underestimating what companies now expect, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

AI proficiency is moving from a nice-to-have to a foundational skill for many jobs.

That confidence is nearly universal, with 93% of job seekers saying they have the AI skills employers want. However, only 35% of job seekers believe companies are looking for advanced or expert AI capabilities, while 41% of hiring managers say candidates need them.

AI proficiency isn’t reserved for highly technical candidates, either. Nine in 10 hiring managers look for at least basic AI skills, and more than half (54%) consider AI proficiency very important or absolutely essential when evaluating applicants.

AI Joins Traditional Hiring Priorities

Even as AI skills become a factor in hiring, job seekers believe employers still place the greatest value on long-standing workplace qualities. When asked which attributes companies consider absolutely essential in applicants, they ranked dependability, work ethic and communication skills ahead of technical and AI capabilities:

Dependability: 47%, down from 52% in the fall of 2023Work ethic: 47%, compared with 48% in the fall of 2024Communication skills: 45%, unchanged from the fall of 2024Technical skills: 29%, compared with 25% in the fall of 2024AI skills: 19%

What Employers Mean by AI-Ready

While job seekers may rank traditional qualities higher, hiring managers are looking for specific AI capabilities:

Awareness of data privacy and security concerns: 45%Ability to communicate AI findings or concepts clearly and effectively: 45%Understanding bias and fairness in AI: 37%

Job seekers’ assessments of their own abilities, however, vary widely. More than half of millennials (55%) and half of Gen Z job seekers (50%) describe their AI skills as advanced or expert, compared with 31% of Gen X and 12% of baby boomers and seniors. Men are also more likely to anticipate that higher bar, with 42% expecting advanced or expert proficiency compared with 28% of women.

The generational divide is just as clear in what job seekers think employers want. Forty-three percent of Gen Z and millennials believe companies expect advanced or expert AI skills, compared with 25% of Gen X and 10% of baby boomers and seniors. A similar gap emerges between men and women, with 42% of men expecting companies to seek that level of proficiency compared with 28% of women.

“AI proficiency is moving from a nice-to-have to a foundational skill for many jobs,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers who invest in their own development now can gain practical experience and a better understanding of how to use the technology responsibly. Knowing how AI works is only part of the equation. Employees also need to know how to question its output, communicate what it produces and apply it effectively on the job.”

Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 19 to June 8, 2026, among 1,000 adults ages 18 and older who are employed but looking for a new job or not employed and looking for work.

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 13 to June 1, 2026, among 1,006 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

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SOURCE Express Services dba Express Employment Professionals

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Knox Systems Expands Commitment to Veteran Hiring Through New Recruiting Partnerships

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Partnerships with VetJobs, Military Spouse Jobs, and Hire Heroes USA will expand career opportunities for veterans and military spouses across departments at Knox

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Knox Systems (“Knox”), the largest FedRAMP and DISA-managed cloud provider, today announced new recruiting partnerships with VetJobs, Military Spouse Jobs, and Hire Heroes USA, expanding the company’s commitment to hiring veterans and members of the military community.

Today, veterans represent 25% of Knox’s security workforce, bringing their critical experience to the company’s security, technology, and operations lines of effort. Through these partnerships, Knox will expand its recruiting pipeline and connect veterans and military families with opportunities across the organization.

“Every day at Knox, we see the powerful expertise and leadership veterans bring to our team,” said Irina Denisenko, CEO of Knox Systems. “Their experience makes our company stronger and makes us better equipped to serve the federal government. We’re proud to have a strong number of veterans on our team, and our latest partnerships reflect our commitment to creating more pathways for those who have served to build their next chapter at Knox.”

Knox’s commitment extends across the company and its departments. All open roles welcome veteran applicants, and the company is working with hiring managers to identify opportunities where military experience and highly specialized technical or security expertise can make a direct impact.

The initiative is being led in partnership by Hemant Baidwan, former CISO of the Department of Homeland Security and current Executive CISO at Knox, and Kristen Tsamoudakis, VP, Head of People. Their partnership underscores the company’s focus on connecting veteran recruiting directly with business and mission needs.

Knox has engaged with experienced partners that connect military-community candidates to successful career paths.

“Quality employment is such a key factor in the success of the military family,” said Angie Fair, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at VetJobs and Military Spouse Jobs. “We appreciate our relationship with Knox Systems and their commitment to connecting with and creating pathways of employment for our military community.”

As part of the initiative, Knox will also participate in a virtual career fair with Hire Heroes USA on September 24, connecting directly with transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking their next career opportunity.

“Meaningful employer engagement can make a real difference for veterans and military spouses navigating their careers,” said Charlotte Creech, Chief Program Officer at Hire Heroes USA. “We’re pleased to work with Knox to create direct connections with military-connected job seekers, helping them explore opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and career goals.”

To learn more about Knox careers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/company/knox-systems-inc/jobs/ 

About Knox Systems

Knox Systems operates the largest managed government cloud, trusted by leading agencies and partners across the defense and civilian sectors. Built for speed, resilience, and compliance, Knox helps software and AI companies navigate FedRAMP authorization and deliver modern technology to the federal ecosystem. With the support of sponsors from 18 agencies including DHS, DoW, FEMA, NIH, and more, Knox serves over 100 leading AI and SaaS providers, accelerating the delivery of mission-ready technology.

Learn more at knoxsystems.com.

Media Contact

media@knoxsystems.com

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SOURCE Knox Systems, Inc

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Nework Unveils New Smart Living Tools for More Organized, Intentional Everyday Life

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As smart calendars and inkless boards emerge as the next essential home productivity tools, Nework introduces NewFlow and NewSlate, alongside storewide October Prime deals.

POMONA, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recent years, a quiet shift has been happening in modern homes and hybrid workspaces. As life gets busier, consumers are moving away from traditional distraction-heavy screens and paper clutter, actively seeking tools that bring calm, structure, and intention to their daily lives. Among these emerging lifestyle tech trends, two products are fast becoming must-haves: smart digital calendars that bring family schedules into focus, and inkless writing boards that offer a clean, friction-free canvas for instant ideas.

People no longer just want more technology—they want tools that seamlessly blend into their environment. Smart digital calendars give families a centralized hub to sync schedules and track chores, while inkless writing boards offer a sustainable, marker-free space to map out thoughts without paper waste.

Meeting this shift in consumer demand, audiovisual and collaborative solutions provider Nework is officially expanding its smart living portfolio this October with two brand-new releases: NewFlow (Smart Digital Calendar) and NewSlate (Inkless Writing board).

NewFlow: The Ultimate Central Hub for the Modern Home

Designed to streamline busy household logistics, NewFlow brings agendas, tasks, and routines together into one sleek, ambient display.

Seamless Syncing: Automatically integrates with Google Calendar, iCloud, and Outlook.Family-Centric Planning: Features color-coded member profiles, interactive chore lists, meal planners, and shared grocery lists.Remote Access: Adjust schedules on the go via the companion mobile app.Ambient Photo Mode: When not in planning mode, NewFlow doubles as an elegant digital photo frame that blends naturally into modern home decor.

NewSlate: A Cleaner, Distraction-Free Canvas for Ideas

Built for quick brainstorming, study workflows, and daily reminders, NewSlate provides a natural, pen-on-paper writing feel without the clutter of sticky notes or traditional dry-erase markers.

 Natural Writing Experience: Low-latency response ensures smooth, precise strokes and effortless partial or full erasing.Sustainable & Efficient: An eco-friendly, energy-efficient design that eliminates paper waste and marker ink disposal.Focused Workspace: Keeps quick notes visible without adding another notification-heavy screen to your environment.

October Savings Across Nework’s Flagship Lines

Alongside the new product introductions, Nework will participate in Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days with a limited-time 48-hour promotion from October 6 to October 7.

The promotion includes 15%-20% off the NewBoard Smart Board Series and more than 20% off the MoveMate Portable TV Series, providing early holiday shoppers with savings across Nework’s existing work and entertainment portfolio.

As consumers look to upgrade their home technology or get an early start on holiday shopping, the promotion offers savings on products designed around increasingly flexible ways of working, relaxing, and spending time at home.

The NewBoard Series is designed to support collaboration and productivity in home offices and shared spaces, bringing communication, content, and everyday workflows together on one interactive display. For entertainment, the MoveMate Series offers a more flexible viewing experience, allowing users to bring their screen to different spaces around the home rather than organizing their routines around a fixed TV setup.

Through its upcoming launches and October deals, Nework continues to focus on technology that simplifies daily tasks and integrates work, home, and personal time seamlessly.

About Nework

Nework is an innovative brand specializing in audiovisual presentation and collaborative products, headquartered in California, USA. Its portfolio includes interactive displays, portable TVs, cameras, speakerphones, and accessories. Its solutions are available across two specialized platforms: Nework.ai for professional smart boards and workplace collaboration; Nework.us for portable lifestyle TVs and more smart home devices.

With its mission of empowering users through advanced audiovisual, interactive, and AI technologies, Nework aims to improve presentation, collaboration, and communication while making everyday experiences more seamless and enjoyable.

For more information, please visit https://www.nework.ai/ or connect with Nework:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neworkai  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nework.us/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nework-ai   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nework-ai  

X: https://x.com/Nework_ai  

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SOURCE NEWORK LLC

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BNP Paribas and Google Cloud Announce New Partnership on Agentic AI and Cloud Innovation

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Five-year agreement expands BNP Paribas’s access to Google Cloud’s AI-optimized  infrastructure, Gemini models and Gemini Enterprise.Initial use cases include plans to integrate Gemini models into LLM@CIB, CIB’s internal  generative AI assistant, and deploy agentic AI use cases within Corporate & Institutional  Banking (CIB).Strengthens BNP Paribas’ multi-cloud approach, aligned within its existing security and data  governance framework. 

PARIS and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BNP Paribas and Google Cloud today announced a  new five-year partnership, to expand BNP Paribas’ access to Google Cloud’s infrastructure and advanced AI capabilities including Gemini Enterprise and Gemini models. 

Through this partnership, Google Cloud technologies will support the expansion of BNP Paribas’ infrastructure and AI capabilities as the Bank moves towards broader deployment of agentic AI. It will also strengthen its existing multi-cloud and multi-model approach within its established security and data governance framework.

“Our role is to empower our businesses with the technology capabilities they need while maintaining a consistent framework for security and control. A multi-cloud and multi-model approach gives us  the flexibility to select, for each case, the right model, infrastructure and level of control to meet our  requirements for quality and security while delivering the best balance between cost and value. This partnership strengthens that approach and expands the options available to our businesses,” said Marc Camus, Group Chief Information Officer, BNP Paribas.

“Agentic AI marks a critical shift in how global financial institutions streamline operations, assess risk, and serve their clients. Through this five-year partnership, BNP Paribas is combining  its banking leadership with Google Cloud’s secure infrastructure and Gemini Enterprise to deploy  intelligent agents within platforms across the bank,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO at Google Cloud. 

From cloud and AI capabilities to business use case 
Through this partnership, BNP Paribas will have access to Gemini Enterprise to build, evaluate and  deploy purpose-built agents tailored to specific business needs. 

Starting with BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB):

The new capabilities will support the planned deployment of AI agents for targeted workflows,  including the preparation of corporate credit memos to assist teams, with further applications  across sales, trading, research, and structuring activities. Gemini models will be integrated into LLM@CIB, its generative AI assistant currently  available to more than 65,000 employees.

“Our approach to AI starts with the business need. We assess which technology is best suited to  each use case and deploy it within the bank’s security and governance framework. Agentic AI can  help our teams handle more complex workflows while maintaining the appropriate level of control,” said Charles Holive, Chief AI Officer, BNP Paribas CIB.

Google Cloud and Gemini technologies have already been deployed at Nickel, BNP Paribas’  payment account business within the Commercial, Personal Banking & Services (CPBS) division.  Gemini serves as the foundational model for Nickel Assist, helping 200 customer advisers find  answers to customer requests based on Nickel’s procedures and operating guidelines. 

A controlled, enterprise-grade governance framework
The use of Google Cloud will follow BNP Paribas’ existing security and data governance  requirements, which determines the type of data and workloads that can be processed in a public  cloud environment. Certain categories of data will not be stored in a public cloud environment.

Security is a key pillar of BNP Paribas’ agentic AI strategy, with each agent being authenticated and  granted access only to the resources required to perform its assigned task. The connection of AI  agents to the Group’s information systems and their respective interactions will be consequently  monitored and controlled. 

The partnership will also contribute to BNP Paribas’ existing Group-wide AI adoption program,  completing ongoing initiatives with learning opportunities ranging from foundational AI literacy to  specialized AI agent development.

About BNP Paribas 
Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has over  180,000 employees, including more than 146,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity:  Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised  businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment  and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on  its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations,  entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing,  investment, savings and protection insurance. The Group has a historic footprint in four eurozone markets: Belgium,  France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several  Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading  platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in  Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to  contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

About Google Cloud 
Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack—including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data  management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications— that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and  territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. 

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SOURCE Google Cloud

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