Coursera and other learning platforms say microcredentials are proving decisive for hiring: employers increasingly prefer candidates with targeted certificates, especially in AI, data science and cybersecurity. Coursera’s CEO highlighted popular programs from Google and other providers as examples of the credentials employers seek. At the same time, NYU professor Scott Galloway cautions that networking remains vital — he estimates 70% of hires favor candidates with an internal advocate. Employers are thus asking for a mix of demonstrable technical microcredentials and the real-world networks that place candidates in hiring pipelines.