How artificial intelligence is changing the job market

We at Cybernews Academy know the ever-growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI.) Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing, competitive field slowly seeping into every aspect of our daily lives. Chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard are used for various reasons across multiple industries. Generative AI is being used more in education as it is slowly being implemented in academia. But what about current students and post-graduates? Are you slugging through job applications, paralyzed by that shocking interview, or writing those laborious cover letters? AI might be able to help you if you’re looking to get a job during university or once you graduate. However, with the rise of automated recruiters, it may also be used to your detriment.

Hired by a bot

Various news outlets, including Forbes, have discussed using artificial intelligence tools to automate parts of the hiring process. While conducting our research, the question surrounding AI's validity in professional spaces is raised. In physical work outside of office space, they are being recruited, screened, and even interviewed by AI. This is a revolutionary way of streamlining the hiring process for employers, yet Forbes raised some questions surrounding its credibility. We have all heard by now that chatbots are notorious for spewing out information that isn't the most reliable. Would this be the same for AI hiring assistants? Do they hold the same biases and spread misinformation like their chatty counterparts?

How it works

A few layers to the new AI hiring process mirror the traditional sequence of events. Instead of an HR representative, you are met with an automaton who screens, recruits, and interviews potential candidates.

Recruitment

Recruitment is the process of identifying potential candidates for specific positions that would fit them best. Many companies utilize AI to automate recruitment as it yields the best results and can help increase the number of qualified candidates for particular positions. According to Indeed, artificial intelligence recruitment "refers to any digital tools that use complex algorithms to simulate human intelligence and mimic recruiters' actions when sourcing, interviewing, and hiring candidates." These digital tools can help optimize the hiring process.

Screenings

These tests enable companies to wade through large amounts of applications and extract the candidates that have features that match those particular job requirements. AI can scan and assess desirable characteristics in candidates, such as previous work experience, degree relevance, and other aspects of their professional experience that would make them fit for the job. Once candidates have been successfully screened, interviews will be conducted with applicants who fit the job role.

This is fair, right? However, factors used to screen candidates are under scrutiny as AI screeners prioritize people with similar attributes to those already employed in the companies that use AI screening. The fear surrounding this is that AI will continue to perpetuate racial and gender inequalities in specific industries. An occasion in 2018 revealed this to be a potential issue as Amazon’s secret AI recruitment tool showed biases against women in tech roles in 2018. According to MIT, In 2023, only 24% of women make up the STEM workforce in the United States. If this is the beginning of the recruitment and hiring process across all industries, could we expect fewer women in the workforce due to this disparity?

Interviews

Chatbots have been increasingly used to interview candidates for specific positions. According to a report by Resume Builder, which surveyed 1,000 employees responsible for the hiring process at their workplaces, 43% of companies have already put AI into effect or plan to utilize artificial intelligence in the hiring process by 2024. This process involves candidates interacting with chatbots and other artificial intelligence platforms to answer questions regarding their prospective positions. Companies like Zappyhire and Paradox use chatbots to interact with interviewees; this also checks the user's resume to ensure the person is suitable for the post. Yet the question still stands: Is this ethical? In the same report from Resume Builder, more than 50% of the people who participated in the survey believe that artificial intelligence will replace humans. AI increasingly threatens HR positions as more jobs are being replaced in these sectors.

Potential effects

But how does this AI hiring process affect those looking to enter computer science and information technology? Depending on the way these interviews are conducted, your application may or may not be accepted based on the characteristics the employer is looking for. Many students will complete their university degrees and may not have experience in their chosen field. If experience is one of the characteristics that these AI recruiters are looking for, then your application may not be accepted despite your vast knowledge and your university degree. Similarly, your application may be strained if recruiters are looking for someone with a college degree despite having a ton of practical knowledge. However, businesses that develop AI recruiters tend to choose appropriate data sets to ensure diversity, implement ethical guidelines, and continuously monitor their software for improvements. If you are highly qualified and fit for the job, you should be able to secure a job in your chosen industry despite AI recruitment.

Additionally, these automated systems may create jobs in the industry, as jobs will be needed to maintain and develop AI recruitment software. Furthermore, AI recruitment is not yet used in office-based jobs that often require a human touch when hiring. Therefore, the future of computer science and information technology degrees looks promising.

Using AI to your advantage

AI isn’t just for top companies looking to recruit new talent. AI can also streamline your job search process by writing cover letters, prepping for interviews, and helping you write an impressive resume. We at Cybernews Academy, have put together a few ways in which AI can help you throughout the job search process.

AI resume writing tools

Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT can be an excellent tool for writing resumes. All you need to do is provide some information about your background, including your name, contact information, career objective, education summary, work experience, skills, and other relevant information. If you don’t feel comfortable submitting personal data into the chatbot, then you can ask ChatGPT to write you a resume, and it will provide a template that will help you structure your summary. Other companies, such as Rezi, use leading AI that automates every aspect of resume creation, from writing to editing, formatting, and optimizing.

Practice interview

Practicing can be a great way to prepare yourself by answering questions that simulate a real-life interview. ChatGPT is another platform to use when acting out a job interview. However, it is not as seamless as other designs (unless you use the correct prompts.) Some prompts include questions regarding what answers you may receive from an interviewer, how you should present yourself during the interview, and ways to answer specific questions. Remember to be precise and give context to avoid inaccuracies. Free programs are available that do the same thing in an interview style. Adzuna, a search engine specifically for job titles, has released a program called Prepper, which preps you for interviews by simulating and giving you feedback on your practice interview. It provides questions you can answer or reveal example answers that may help you determine your responses. The AI interview coach will provide reasoning behind the example answers and will score your answers out of 100.

Cover letter creator

Cover letters can be tedious and repetitive tasks that can be done with automation. So, certain companies have revolutionized how you write these laborious letters using artificial intelligence. Grammarly claims to “speed up the job application process with Grammarly’s AI-powered cover letter generator, which helps you create a standout cover letter in three quick steps.” The first step is to upload a copy of your resume. Secondly, you will need to enter the position you’re applying for, and finally, you paste or type the responsibilities and requirements listed in the job description. Kickresume is also a quick and easy way to write cover letters in minutes. Like Grammarly, this program asks you to submit a resume, the job description, and the title to which you wish to apply. Kickresume will then generate a cover letter where you can edit and add details that may otherwise be missing.

From self-driving cars to job interviews, artificial intelligence is changing our lives. Although the ethical implications of using AI in recruitment are still an ongoing discussion, artificial intelligence has its benefits when searching for jobs at university and post-graduation. Many companies worldwide are using AI to streamline hiring processes and create jobs in the industry. Equally, many students use artificial intelligence to craft cover letters, help edit their resumes, and prepare for interviews. With the tools we at Cybernews Academy have found, students should be able to prepare for the job market appropriately. Instead of relying on career counselors, artificial intelligence may be the key to a successful computer science and information technology career.