‘This is what employers need within their organization,’ Coursera exec says after new finding on micro-credentials

Nine in 10 employers believe that entry-level job applicants with micro-credentials are more proficient in key skills, such as problem-solving and communication, while another 9 in 10 say these skills are immediately applicable on the job.

This is according to Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025.

In an exclusive conversation with Nikolaz Foucaud, Managing Director EMEA at Coursera, UNLEASH explores why these micro-credentials are important, and which particular skills HR leaders should look out for when hiring new talent.

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In fact, 28% of employees with desirable micro-credentials were found to receive a pay increase, with 21% earning a promotion sooner than those who don’t have the same skills.

Around the world, employers are prepared to pay a premium for candidates with micro-credentials,” says Foucaud. 

“The staggering majority (90%) of employers are willing to offer higher starting salaries, often 10-15% more, for candidates with recognised or credit-bearing credentials.

“This finding speaks to the importance employers, including HR and recruitment teams, are placing on the value of the right skills.”

Among micro-credentials, there was one clear skill that was found to be more favorable than others: Gen AI.

In fact, 17% of students polled had already gained a Gen AI micro-credential, with 86% stating that learning Gen AI skills was a priority above other critical skills, such as data strategy and software development. 

And students weren’t wrong to prioritize these skills, as 92% of employers said they would be more likely to hire a less experienced candidate with a Gen AI credential over someone who more experienced without one.

Gen AI micro-credentials were also suggested to increase productivity (70%), while also helping to develop better problem-solving skills (60%). 

“To have accredited skills on Gen AI is priming candidates for success – this is what employers need within their organization, and what HR has a mandate to focus on, to maintain a competitive advantage. 

“If candidates are making applications with this kind of Gen AI readiness, employers are open.”

Concluding, Foucaud adds: “As AI continues to reshape industries, candidates exploring flexible learning through micro-credentials in areas such as Gen AI are set to benefit.

HR and recruitment teams are missing out on a great talent pool, if they aren’t already recognizing micro-credentials as a measurement of a candidate’s suitability.”