by Guest Author, Miles Oliver
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the buzziest, newest technological tools on the market. Adoption of this technology across industries is early but enthusiastic, especially in the information and tech sectors. Nobody is really certain what the future market will look like; only that as adoption increases, the job market will change with it.
As a candidate looking to differentiate yourself from a pool of similarly qualified applicants, your best bet for a future-proof resume is to upskill with AI. Having the skillset to use this new technology is a massive boon to your candidacy; and if you learn how to use it while your job search is ongoing, you may be able to use AI to boost your chances of landing your next major position.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can use AI to advance your career. We’ll dive briefly into AI vs machine learning, explore best practices for using AI safely, and provide a list of industries where AI skills are in high demand.
Understanding the Tools
Let’s start by breaking down the tools at your disposal, as although AI and machine learning are different, they have their place in your efforts toward career advancement.
Machine learning is a computational technique where large data sets are broken down and organized into complex mathematical models. These mathematical models are then used as context to identify, organize, and predict patterns in outstanding data. However, machine learning tools are limited to statistical reasoning. For example, they can analyze a customer’s history of purchases and offer recommendations for similar products, but they can’t draw conclusions about why a customer’s purchase history might trend a certain way, or recommend strategies to get them interested in similar products.
AI is a more advanced form of similar technology that can reason and solve problems similarly to human minds. The ability to draw inferences and speculative conclusions from data sets is a powerful one and one that unlocks deep and complex problem-solving capabilities. Going back to our previous example, AI can analyze the same dataset and draw conclusions as to why a customer’s buying history has a pattern, recommend marketing techniques to hook them elsewhere, and even compose copy personalized to their tastes.
In a job search, machine learning algorithms can analyze your resume and identify which positions you have the best chance of being qualified for. AI, on the other hand, can be used to optimize your resume and cover letter, among other key job search functions. AI can insert key terms that will draw the recruiter’s eye, recommend special language tailored to that industry, and optimize your descriptions to make you an ideal candidate.
Best Practices For Using AI Safely
That being said, don’t just download and use the first AI-powered application engine you find online. AI and machine learning are both new technologies that draw on your data as context for their output; and in the age of cybersecurity, you’ll need to take care to use them in a way that keeps your personal data secure.
You’ll also need to take special precautions to make sure AI is used ethically. For example, AI might slip a statement of your qualifications into your cover letter to achieve its purposes regarding optimization; however, that statement might not accurately reflect your experience. To make sure you’re using AI safely and ethically, follow these simple best practices:
- Make use of privacy controls, cordoning off the AI’s access to your sensitive personal data. These controls are available through the tools themselves, your browser, and your PC.
- Double and triple-check AI output before releasing it into the world. Screen for inaccurate statements, biased output, and the accuracy of any cited sources.
- Don’t put your personal data in any AI engine, as it’s extremely difficult to get rid of once it’s part of the AI’s contextual database.
There are plenty of naysayers out there who wonder if AI should be used for job applications; but you can mitigate the concerns around using AI with careful vigilance, cybersecurity best practices, and an emphasis on quality output.
Using AI to Get to the Next Level
However, AI isn’t just useful for application and resume optimization; you can also use it to network, and parley yourself into relationships that may help you elevate your career. AI can help you optimize your LinkedIn profile to get the right eyes on it, can proactively recommend people in your target industry to connect with, and even provide insights that will shape your messages to would-be contacts.
As you level up your AI knowledge throughout this process (which you can, and should, put on your resume) you’ll find yourself an increasingly hot commodity in a number of AI-adoption-forward industries. These are industries that not only have begun using AI ahead of the curve but value the skills you’ve developed throughout your job search. They are:
- Information technology;
- Financial services;
- Human resources;
- Marketing and communications;
- Retail, catering, and leisure;
- Healthcare;
- Legal;
- Manufacturing;
- Education.
Whether you’re looking to advance in seniority in one of these industries, or looking to break into an entirely new field, putting your AI skills forward will help you stand out as a more appealing candidate. Understand which tools you’re using, leverage AI safely, and maximize its use, and you’ll find yourself exactly where you want to be in the future-proof career of your dreams.
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About the author: Miles Oliver is a freelance contributor whose writing focuses on professional development. You can reach him at moliverpages@gmail.com.
