AI Impact on Job Hiring

One of my Corporate mentors once shared a valuable insight with me: “Even when you aren't actively seeking new employment, it's beneficial to update your resume and occasionally apply for jobs.” This practice not only keeps your qualifications up to date but also provides you with an understanding of your value in the job market. Personally, I have adhered to this advice, regularly exploring new opportunities.

In one recent application, I encountered a company that uses an online skills assessment platform as part of its candidate selection process. This test was tailored for Executive Assistant positions. My primary motivation for participating was to gain insight into the types of questions presented, rather than to secure the role. It soon became apparent that the assessment contained topics I hadn't anticipated. I haven't studied Accountancy or Finance, as I have always had a challenging relationship with mathematics. Surprisingly, the platform included complex calculations, far beyond what I had encountered during my two decades of experience as an Executive Assistant. Even during my time in the Legal Sector, where billing clients was a regular task, we relied on macros installed in the computer system to generate bills, sparing us the need to manually calculate rates based on half-hour increments and monetary values like AED 450.00.

Another striking aspect of this online skills test was a scenario-based question. It presented a scenario in which a boss arrives at the office in a foul mood and publicly scolds you over a minor matter like coffee preparation. The question asked, "What would you do?" The available options included:

a) Escalate the issue to HR;

b) Address the concerns privately with your boss;

c) Apologize and make your boss a cup of coffee;

d) I cannot recall the fourth option.

I couldn't help but be taken aback by this question, as it didn't align with the positive work atmosphere depicted by the company in its promotional materials, including videos and website content. It made me wonder how the company's shortlisting process could incorporate such seemingly unprofessional questions. My curiosity led me to progress through the entire assessment, only to find that the questions became progressively more complex and unrelated to the typical tasks of an Executive Assistant.

Coincidentally, I recently watched a video about some corporate executives deciding to shut down an "AI-generated being" because they found its responses, scenarios, and concepts unsettling. The comments on the video reflected how disconcerting the experience was for many viewers.

This experience has made me reflect on the potential consequences of relying too heavily on artificial intelligence in the hiring process. It's truly alarming to consider the possibility of losing the excitement of preparing for a job interview or the thrill of visiting an architecturally stunning office building with posh coffee shops. Equally important is the loss of the human element, such as rapport and vibes, which are crucial during initial job interviews, regardless of the outcome.?

These seemingly ordinary aspects of the job-hunting experience are what set us apart from artificial intelligence. They define our humanity and make us unique. It is imperative that we do not allow AI to undermine the wonder that is human skill and talent. We are worth far more than mere algorithms and data.

#AI #jobhunting #recruitment #jobapplications #humanskillandtalent