The future of work: artificial intelligence's role in today's job search

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the fourth industrial revolution is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The recent CSIRO Data61 conference only confirmed what we already know: AI is transforming almost every aspect of the business world, including recruitment.

According to a recent global survey, 63% of hiring managers revealed AI has affected their organisation’s hiring efforts in some shape or form. Recruitment has evolved to become more data-driven and efficient — AI are replacing jobs across the hiring process, from screening candidates to predicting gaps in skills for future jobs.

Although this means some HR jobs are at risk of automation, these changes ultimately lead to better hires and a more efficient future recruitment process. However, it also means you need to adapt your approach to job hunting in order to land the role you’re looking for.

Whether you’re currently on the market or preparing for the future, here’s what you should know about the role of AI in today’s job search.

RELATED: How artificial intelligence will change our world

AI and machine learning in applicant tracking systems

Hiring managers receive an overwhelming number of job applications, and many rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them sift through their initial batch of resumes. And 95% of Fortune 500 companies use some form of ATS for basic AI jobs, such as scanning resumes for keywords associated with the role, and ranking candidates based on how well their resume matches these keywords.

But companies are now integrating more sophisticated technology into their ATS platform.

For example, companies are using AI to identify common traits of existing high-performing employees, and using these in the screening process to find applicants who possess similar qualities. AI is also being used to identify passive job seekers: when a company has a new job description, they may use technology to automatically comb through their existing database and find any potential matches for the role.

Interviews with chatbots

While initial interviews are still generally conducted with a human recruiter, robots are also taking over jobs during the pre-screening process. Companies like Goldman Sachs and Unilever have already started using AI-powered software like HireVue to conduct automated preliminary interviews with candidates via webcam.

These platforms ask a series of questions and record a candidate’s facial expressions, breathing patterns and eye movements. It then uses data from psychology science to analyse a candidate’s behaviour and provide insights on their suitability for the role.

Scanning your digital footprint online

It’s common for hiring managers to do a quick social media search for prospective candidates in order to get more of an insight into their personality and identify any red flags in behaviour. However, this will be one of the most common jobs lost to automation in the future. Why?

AI is now being used to scan your entire digital footprint and analyse the data to gain more insights into your personality. For example, one AI bot looks at linguistic patterns on social media posts, such as the ratio of positive to negative posts or the type of vocabulary used. Others simply trawl the internet for mentions of your name on different social networks or websites.

Tips to future-proof your job search

• Add your resume to digital databases. Even if you’re not actively looking, it’s worth taking the time to add your resume to ATS platforms for companies you want to work for, as well as recruitment agency job databases. You never know when a company may sift through their passive candidate pool for a new opportunity.
• Be aware of your digital footprint. Do a quick Google search of yourself to see how you appear online and review your digital history, from comments you’ve made publicly to your online memberships. If there’s information you’d rather not have seen by a hiring manager, set it to private or ask for it to be removed. Simultaneously, it’s worth building up your online presence using LinkedIn or your own personal website so AI systems will pick up on these.
• Prepare for automated interviews. Although they’re not quite mainstream, AI interviews will appear more in the future of work. Your word choices, facial expressions and body language will all be analysed, so it’s important to hone your presentation skills in anticipation of this.
• Optimise your resume for keywords in the job description. As more companies use AI to screen candidates, you stand a better chance of getting a good ranking on an ATS if your resume indicates you match the profile for the role. For example, if the job description says you need a minimum of five years’ experience, make sure your resume has at least five years’ worth of roles. A tool like Jobscan can help you see how well your resume matches with the job description.