How Artificial Intelligence(AI) is changing the way we apply for jobs (A Short Guide to Getting Hired in 2023)
Today, I want to talk about a topic that is both fascinating and frustrating: how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we apply for jobs.
You may have heard of ATS, or applicant tracking systems, which are software tools that scan resumes and filter out candidates based on keywords, skills, education, and other criteria.
These systems are widely used by employers to reduce the number of applications they have to review manually.
But did you know that there is a new trend in hiring that goes beyond ATS?
It’s called AI intelligent screening software, and it’s a game-changer.
AI intelligent screening software is a type of software that uses machine learning and natural language processing to analyze not only resumes, but also cover letters, video interviews, personality tests, and other data sources.
These software can evaluate candidates on various aspects such as fit, potential, culture, communication, and more. They can also rank candidates and provide feedback and suggestions to both employers and job seekers.
Sounds amazing, right? Well, not so fast.
While AI intelligent screening software can offer many benefits, such as reducing bias, improving efficiency, and enhancing quality of hire, they also pose many challenges and risks for job seekers in Nigeria.
Here are some of them:
Lack of transparency:
Unlike ATS, which are usually based on clear rules and criteria, AI intelligent screening software is often based on complex algorithms and data models that are not easy to understand or explain.
This means that job seekers may not know why they were rejected or what they can do to improve their chances.
For example, one job seeker reported that he was rejected by an AI intelligent screening software for a customer service role because he used the word “sorry” too often in his video interview.
He had no idea that this was a negative signal for the software.
Lack of fairness:
AI intelligent screening software are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data is biased, incomplete, or outdated, the software may produce inaccurate or unfair results.
For example, if the software is trained on data from a different country or culture, it may not recognize the nuances and diversity of the Nigerian context.
Unpreparedness:
AI intelligent screening software is relatively new and evolving rapidly. This means that they may not be widely adopted or standardized by employers in Nigeria yet.
Job seekers may face confusion and inconsistency when applying for different jobs that use different software or none at all.
They may also lack the skills and resources to prepare for these new types of assessments.
For instance, one job seeker complained that he had to take a personality test that was in English for a job that required fluency in Hausa.
He said that he did not have access to a translator or a computer with internet connection.
So what can job seekers do to beat AI intelligent screening software and land their dream jobs?
How do you beat the bots and land your dream job in 2023?
Here are some recommendations:
- Do your research: Before applying for a job, try to find out if the employer uses AI intelligent screening software and what type of software it is. You can look for clues on the job description, the company website, or online reviews. You can also ask your network or contact the employer directly.
- Tailor your application: Based on your research, tailor your resume, cover letter, and other materials to match the specific requirements and expectations of the employer and the software. Use keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job and industry. Highlight your achievements and skills that demonstrate your fit and potential. Avoid errors and inconsistencies that may confuse or mislead the software.
- Practice your skills: If you have to take a video interview or a personality test as part of the application process, practice your skills beforehand. You can use online platforms or apps that simulate these types of assessments and provide feedback and tips. You can also ask a friend or a mentor to help you practice and improve your communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
- Be yourself: While it’s important to adapt your application to the employer and the software, don’t lose sight of who you are and what you have to offer. Be authentic and honest in your responses and interactions. Show your personality and passion for the job. Don’t try to game the system or cheat the software. Remember that AI intelligent screening software are not perfect and they are not the final decision-makers. There is still a human behind the screen who will ultimately evaluate you as a person.
AI intelligent screening software are here to stay and they will continue to shape the future of work in Nigeria and beyond.
Job seekers need to be aware of these changes and prepare themselves accordingly. But they also need to remember that they have something that AI cannot replace: their human potential.
If you want to learn more about how AI intelligent screening software works and how you can leverage them for your career success, sign up to The HR Hub’s newsletters
We are offering a free CV review and rewrite to the first 5 people who sign up.
Don’t miss the opportunity to receive tips on how you can leverage the AI for your career success, as well as a chance to get a free comprehensive guide on how to beat the bots and land your dream job in 2023.
You can also check out The HR Hub Nigeria’s website for more information. The HR Hub Nigeria is a platform that connects job seekers with employers who use AI intelligent screening software. They offer training courses, coaching sessions, resume reviews, mock interviews, and other services that help you ace your applications and interviews with AI.
Thank you for reading my newsletter!
I hope you found it useful and interesting. If you did, please share it with your network and subscribe for more updates. And if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Until next time,
Jennie
