TL;DR:
- The majority of hiring managers (77%) value AI skills on job applicants’ resumes.
- AI skills are considered important (69%) for entry-level positions.
- Survey scenario: 56% of hiring managers prefer candidates with AI skills, even if they have less experience.
- Andrew Stoner, Executive Resume Writer, advises candidates to highlight relevant skills and consider AI-generated work samples.
- 75% of hiring managers find AI ‘very’ or ‘somewhat important’ for their companies.
- 73% of companies plan to expand their use of AI in 2024.
Main AI News:
In the ever-evolving landscape of the job market, candidates armed with artificial intelligence (AI) skills are increasingly catching the attention of hiring managers. According to a recent survey report by ResumeTemplates.com, a leading platform for free professional resume templates and examples, the majority of hiring managers in the United States are favoring candidates with AI skills over those with more years of experience.
The survey, conducted on January 5, 2023, garnered responses from 780 hiring managers in the United States who are actively involved in hiring decisions. It sheds light on the relative importance of AI skills in the workplace and offers insights into companies’ plans for integrating AI in 2024.
The findings of the survey are clear: 77 percent of hiring managers deem it beneficial for job applicants to list AI skills on their resumes. Furthermore, 69 percent consider AI skills to be ‘very’ or ‘somewhat important’ even for entry-level positions.
One of the intriguing aspects of the survey was a scenario in which hiring managers were asked to choose among hypothetical job candidates with varying levels of relevant experience and AI proficiency. The candidates were as follows:
- Candidate A: 10 years of relevant experience
- Candidate B: seven years of relevant experience + novice AI skills
- Candidate C: five years of relevant experience + proficient AI skills
- Candidate D: one year of relevant experience + expert AI skills
Surprisingly, 44 percent of hiring managers indicated a preference for Candidate A, who possessed the most years of relevant experience. However, a significant 56 percent preferred candidates with AI skills, even if they had fewer years of experience. This suggests a growing recognition among hiring managers that AI proficiency can complement experience.
According to Andrew Stoner, Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach at ResumeTemplates.com, “Possessing at least a basic understanding of a specific domain, in combination with having AI skills, can enable candidates to compete with more experienced counterparts. Candidates should be sure to highlight job-specific, relevant skills on their resumes and provide solid examples during interviews. Obtaining in-demand professional or technical certifications is another way for candidates to level up. Lastly, AI-generated work samples or simulations might be a new strategy for candidates to demonstrate their skills.”
The survey also highlights the increasing prevalence of AI in the workplace. A staggering 75 percent of hiring managers indicated that AI is ‘very’ or ‘somewhat important’ to their companies. Furthermore, 73 percent revealed that their companies are ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ expanding their use of AI in 2024, signaling a significant shift in the job market landscape.
As the job market continues to evolve, candidates are advised to equip themselves with AI skills to remain competitive. The survey results underscore the importance of AI proficiency in today’s job market, where candidates with the right combination of skills and experience are poised to thrive.
Conclusion:
The survey highlights the growing importance of AI skills in the job market, with hiring managers favoring candidates who possess AI proficiency, even over those with more experience. This trend signifies a shift in the market towards valuing technology skills alongside traditional experience, emphasizing the need for job seekers to upskill in AI to remain competitive. Companies are also recognizing the significance of AI, indicating a continued demand for AI-related roles and expertise in the foreseeable future.
