SE
SEO IT skill profile
Also known as Search Engine Optimization · Organic Search · SEO Marketing
What recruiters should know
SEO demand is stable but the field is undergoing structural transformation in 2026. Google's AI-powered search results (AI Overviews) and the rise of AI-native search engines (Perplexity, ChatGPT search) are challenging traditional organic search. Technical SEO and structured data have become more important as AI systems parse content. Companies that previously relied heavily on organic traffic are investing more in AI-optimised content. SEO professionals who understand AI search, Entity SEO, and technical implementation are in highest demand.
In plain terms
Optimizing websites to rank higher in search engine results
Industry demand
Overall level
high
Trend
stable
Top hiring sectors
- E-commerce
- Media & Publishing
- SaaS B2B
- Healthcare
- Travel & Hospitality
Proficiency ladder
What each level looks like in the work — behavioural markers, not job titles.
At this level, a developer can…
- Keyword research
- On-page optimization
- Google Search Console
- Basic link building