Wary of the growing adoption of AI in the business world? Worried about losing your job to technology?
You’d better get used to it because 77% of hiring managers say AI is a beneficial resume skill for 2024, according to a new report from ResumeTemplates.com. In fact, six out of 10 employers say they’d choose a less-experienced candidate, providing they had AI skills.
From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making processes, the growing prevalence of AI is reshaping how businesses operate and employees engage with their professional responsibilities.
ResumeTemplates, which surveyed 780 hiring managers for the study, added that 73% of companies are expanding their use of AI in 2024.
Many employers believe AI is a skill even entry-level candidates should have, the report said. Nearly 30% deemed it “very important,” while 40% say it’s “somewhat important.”
“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,” said Andrew Stoner, ResumeTemplates’ executive resume writer and career coach.
Stoner said candidates with less experience who are looking to stand out in the hiring process should highlight job-specific, relevant skills on their resume and provide solid examples during the interview process.
“Obtaining in-demand professional or technical certifications is another way candidates can level up,” he said. “And AI-generated work samples or simulations might be a new strategy for candidates to demonstrate their skills.”
Here’s a breakdown of the four types of candidates managers say they’re most likely to hire:
Candidate A: 10 years of relevant experience (44%)
Candidate B: 7 years of relevant experience + novice AI skills (19%)
Candidate C: 5 years of relevant experience + proficient AI skills (27%)
Candidate D: 1 year of relevant experience + expert AI skills (10%)
Michael Macho, division president for BIS Computer Solutions, said AI incorporates technologies that were already in use, although they’ve been greatly advanced through machine learning.
His Glendale-based company provides custom software that helps businesses streamline processes and cut operational costs.
“We’re using a program now called Air.AI,” he said. “It’s used in sales for outbound marketing calls. The AI ‘people’ will make the initial call to get someone interested in your product or solution, then it can be handed off to an actual human being.”
Potential customer names are pulled from databases that target specific industries or geographic regions.
“We can create scripts that overcome objections,” he said. “This is a relatively new software, but it works really well. And it’s very difficult to tell that it’s not a real person calling. I’ve listened to some successful calls, and many people have no idea that it’s not a real person.”
BIS helped Fund Retriever integreate Air.AI into its operations. The Boise, Idaho-based company, registered with the California Controller’s Office, helps businesses and individuals recover unclaimed funds that are owned to them but have been languishing in bank accounts, stocks or safe deposit boxes.
Brandon Peters, the company’s founder and CEO, said the program has freed him up from making phone calls all day long.
“It can make hundreds of calls a day for under $3,” he said. “The biggest value is the reduction of time and costs.”
