The AI Career Revolution: How to Stay Relevant
Artificial intelligence has been a significant topic in discussions about the future of our society, from AI's potential to take over institutions such as education and healthcare to its impact on the workplace. According to Goldman Sachs, more than half of jobs can be expected to become fully automated by 2045. While the leading group currently being affected is white-collar workers, there has been a rise in new graduates who seem to struggle even in landing a job, thanks to Artificial Intelligence. Due to the efficiency that AI products have brought, they are even being used in the workplace, leaving many entry-level jobs to be automated and given to AI instead. However, this is just the beginning; it is estimated that over 300 million jobs can be taken over by AI.
Whether you are reading this, struggling to even land a job, or finding your next role, see how you can become prepared against the AI takeover to prepare yourself for the next course of change.
AI vs. AI
There has been an increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance the vetting process of initial job application submissions. While this has led to speculation about the amount of information AI systems are vetting and whether applicants should start submitting longer resumes, the type of applicant you need to become has changed. Despite the usefulness of online resume templates, AI can serve as a more effective tool to parse a resume and highlight key terms or verbiage that hiring teams' AI systems need to detect. By asking AI questions such as "What role am I targeting, and what are the top skills and keywords from the job description?" or "For each past role, what measurable results or impact can I highlight to prove my value?" you can gain clarity and confidence knowing your resume is strong enough to stand out—even against AI.
Networking is your greatest bet.
It is no secret that your network is your networth; however, in the age of AI, it is more relevant than ever. Since job applications are now being filtered through AI, the most significant way you can stand out for the next round of applications is through the people you know. I, too, was shocked to hear this news, even after I had graduated. Recently, I attended an AI summit hosted by a top Fortune 500 company that has already deployed various AI-centric tools and applications. During one of the seminars, a prominent executive mentioned that 90% of jobs are filled through a referral.
While you may have skills that set you apart, other applicants might be favored simply because they already have connections that bring them closer to their goal. One way to combat this is to attend webinars and events hosted by the company you are applying to, which will allow you to connect with more employees and gain a deeper understanding of the work culture. Additionally, do not be afraid to cold email or send a LinkedIn message to someone new; people are more willing to help you than you realize.
Don't put your eggs in one basket.
Applying to jobs has become a numbers game, meaning the more roles you apply to, the more likely you are to hear back from at least one. While it is critical to enhance your resume for each role and ensure you are putting your best foot forward as a candidate, it can only do so much if you are not prepared with a backup plan. On average, the typical employer will apply to over 100 job applications before landing their next role. Since applying for jobs has become increasingly competitive with LinkedIn job postings, attracting more than 100 applicants in under a day, it is essential not to put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, find out the roles you want to apply for and narrow down the types of companies that are hiring for this role. This can be done by checking job boards daily or by searching for similar job titles and comparing their descriptions. The more you can diversify the types of applications, the greater the chances of hearing back.
The job market is challenging enough, but don't be discouraged.
Let this be a reminder: while AI will continue to make headlines, one thing that differentiates you from any system is the ability to understand nuance and harness the power of human emotions. Your experiences and lived journey can serve as a source of meaningful growth. It will take the skill of adaptability and perseverance to help.
