Upskill yourself in the age of AI: How to stand out to recruiters

4 mins, 50 secs read time

Westworld, The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror, iRobot, The Mitchell’s VS the Machines (for the Gen Z readers) – no matter your generation, media about technology taking over the world has been around for decades. It’s only natural that AI’s growing prevalence and power has instilled fears in some about these Hollywood nightmares eventually coming to life.

Don’t worry – robots aren’t taking over (stand down, Will Smith), but they are working their way into our jobs. And if you’re on the hunt for a new role, you might feel like you’re competing against the very tools you’re expected to work with. But here’s the thing: recruiters aren’t looking for robots. They’re looking for smart, adaptable, tech-savvy people who know how to thrive alongside AI.

The good news? You don’t have to become a tech genius to stand out. Whether you’re a pro in your field or just starting out, these tips will help you upskill yourself and land a spot at the top of recruiters’ hiring lists. Ready to turn AI from a threat into your secret weapon?

Back to basics: Embrace digital literacy

Everyone is itching to get AI on their resume, but in order to make an impact, you first need to upskill yourself with the basics – digital literacy. In fact, a recent Indeed survey showed that basic computer know-how is the top technical skill sought after by employers. Additionally, a 2023 National Skills Coalition report showed that “92% of jobs analyzed in the labor market require digital skills.” And as AI advances, this trend is only set to increase.

Recruiters are drawn to candidates who are comfortable navigating digital tools, so if you’re not already familiar with basics like Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, or collaborative tools like Asana, Slack or Trello, now’s the time to learn.

Get comfortable with popular AI tools in your industry

77% of hiring managers say AI skills are beneficial for resumes this year, but what does that really mean? We often hear the term “AI” get thrown around generally, but it can mean a ton of different things, in a ton of different contexts. Get to know the specific types of AI tools that are relevant for the role you’re aiming for.

Developing a strong awareness and familiarity of AI use cases and technologies in your field can go a long way. This shows recruiters that you’re staying abreast of the changing landscape and being proactive about identifying potential knowledge gaps.
–Ariana Moon, Greenhouse VP of Talent Planning and Acquisition

For example, if you’re in marketing, tools like HubSpot and Marketo have AI features to help optimize campaigns. If you’re a writer, be sure to know how to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to help you brainstorm or create outlines. As an engineer, you might look into AI-powered bug tracking tools like Bugasura. And in talent acquisition (TA), familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that use AI for efficiency could be a bonus.

Overall, you should be able to speak to how you’d use these tools in your back pocket to elevate your work. Remember, AI should be an assistant, not a replacement.

Refine your analytical and critical thinking skills

In the AI age, data is queen. Ready for a jaw-dropping stat? Research from IBM says that 90% of the world’s data was created in just the last two years, underscoring how important data skills are becoming. Recruiters want candidates who can not only interpret data, but also use it to make informed decisions that can elevate businesses.

Additionally, AI can automate many tasks, but it can’t replace human problem-solving. Experts at Forbes share, “No clever prompt we type into an AI tool will ever be able to replace human critical thinking – especially when tools like ChatGPT are often inaccurate.” Recruiters will always highly value candidates who can tackle complex issues and interpret the insights AI provides.

Pro tip: No matter your role, upskilling yourself with data analysis skills is a huge plus. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and edX even offer courses in critical thinking and problem-solving, some with a focus on how to work alongside AI. Developing these skills will allow you to step in and manage the nuanced, challenging situations where AI falls short.

Don’t forget to show off your essential skills

As AI takes on technical tasks, essential skills (some call them “soft skills”) like communication, collaboration and empathy are becoming more valuable than ever. A recent study from Business Name Generator showed “84% of employees and managers believe new employees must possess soft skills and demonstrate them in the hiring process.” Whether it’s working well in teams or adapting to change, these “human” skills make a huge difference in today’s workplaces.

Pro tip: To improve these essential skills, look for opportunities to practice active listening, empathy and adaptability in your current role or day-to-day life. Joining a public speaking group, such as Toastmasters, or signing up for teamwork-focused online workshops can also help take you to the next level.

Make AI work for you, not against you

AI is here to stay, but it’s not here to replace you. By investing in a few strategic skills, you’ll not only improve your chances of landing a job in an AI-driven market but also position yourself as a forward-thinking, adaptable candidate. So, get curious, start upskilling yourself and embrace the tech – before you know it, you’ll be the type of future-ready professional that every recruiter is looking for.

Looking for more ways to be attractive to recruiters? Here’s how to stand out in a crowded job market.

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