Rise Of AI-Savvy Workforce: Is Work Experience About To Take A Backseat?
AI skills are poised to become the new gold standard, potentially surpassing traditional work experience in importance.
I’ve touched upon this subject in the recent past but so rapid is the rise of AI in recruitment that I am compelled to write about this trend once again. From resume screening to video interviews with virtual assistants, technology is streamlining the process. This frees up HR professionals to focus on strategic tasks, but concerns linger.
No doubt, AI-powered resume parsing can be fantastic for filtering high volumes of applications, but it risks overlooking qualified candidates whose resumes don't contain the exact keywords. Similarly, AI-driven video interviews, while efficient, might miss a candidate's personality and soft skills.
But what got my goat last week was a report in “Vogue” (scroll down to read the original article) that talks of the latest innovation in human recruitment – AI-powered cartoon interviewers.
Imagine a friendly cartoon guiding you through interview questions! These virtual interviewers offer a gamified and, some argue, less intimidating experience for applicants. They can analyze responses based on pre-set criteria, potentially reducing unconscious human bias.
However, concerns remain. Can an AI cartoon truly assess a candidate's cultural fit or communication skills? And what about the potential for bias in the training data used to develop these AI interviewers?
While AI cartoons are a fascinating development, they shouldn't replace human interaction entirely. Instead, they could be a valuable first screening tool, allowing HR professionals to spend more time with promising candidates. The key? Striking a balance between technological innovation and the irreplaceable human element in finding the perfect fit.
Now, as is the norm, before going ahead, let us look at last week’s AI Jobs Indicator.
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In Today’s Newsletter:
85% of Workers Expect AI to Impact Their Jobs, Survey Finds
Use of Cartoon Figures in Job Interviews on the Rise
US States with Proposed Legislation on Algorithmic Discrimination
Here’s How Gen-AI is Changing Software Industry
Women Underrepresented in STEM Industries
AWS Launches AI Certification Courses
Are AI Tools Replacing Entry-Level Jobs at India's IT Giants?
AI Skills May Soon Rival Job Experience in Candidate Selection
Generative AI Reduces Half-Life of Skills in Workplace
Impact of Generative AI on Jobs in Financial Services
Microsoft Urges China-Based Employees to Relocate Amid US-China Tensions
UAE to Train Over 1 Million People in AI
Stanford AI Researchers Apologize for Plagiarizing Chinese AI Model
Meta's New Privacy Policy Raises Concerns
Propagandists Are Leveraging AI — Companies Must Be Transparent About Its Use
AI Models Like ChatGPT: Revolutionary but Full of "Bullshit," Say Researchers
Chinese News App in US Publishes Fake News
Survey Reveals Growing Support for AI in Education Among Parents, Students, and Teachers
AI Models Do Nor Fare Well in Non-English Languages, Shows Research
Google Introduces ImageInWords
LLMs Can Outperform Human Analysts
…plus, TopPicks, Events, and more…..
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The Rise of the AI-Savvy Workforce: Is Work Experience About to Take a Backseat?
Move over, experience. A new study (scroll down to read about it) and an emerging trend in some IT offices in India suggests AI aptitude could soon be the hottest ticket in town for job seekers. Gen-AI, the technology behind everything from chatbots to image creation, is rapidly transforming workplaces, and the skills to leverage it effectively are becoming paramount.
There could soon be "AI super users," individuals adept at utilizing AI tools to enhance their work. AI is the superhero, automating repetitive tasks and boosting efficiency.
The study, backed by AI experts, highlights an alarming trend – the "half-life" of skills is shrinking. Skills that used to remain relevant for a decade are now obsolete within five years. This rapid obsolescence underscores the need for continuous learning, and AI skills are at the forefront of this learning curve.
The recent dip in young hires by Indian IT giants like TCS and Infosys might not be a sign of AI takeover of entry-level jobs, but rather a shift in hiring priorities. Experience may no longer be the golden ticket; the ability to thrive in an AI-powered workplace, to adapt and learn new skills rapidly – that's the new currency.
So, the message for job seekers is clear: hone your AI fluency. Whether it's learning to manage AI assistants, analyze AI-generated data, or even develop basic AI applications, embracing AI will be the key to unlocking your future career success.
What do you have to say about this? Write in the “Comments” section.
85% of Workers Expect AI to Impact Their Jobs, Survey Finds
A vast majority (85%) of workers anticipate that artificial intelligence (AI) will affect their jobs in some way, though many are uncertain about the specifics, according to a recent survey by the ADP Research Institute.
Among those who expect an impact from AI, opinions are divided: 43% believe AI will assist them in their roles, while 42% think it will replace some of their existing functions.
AI is already being used in long-term care for predictive analytics, scheduling, anticipating workforce needs, and automating tasks like patient intake.
The ADP survey, which included 35,000 private sector workers across 18 countries, also found that 8% of respondents believe AI will have no impact on their jobs in the next two to three years, and 7% admitted they don’t know enough about AI to form an opinion.
Source: mcknightsseniorliving.com
Use of Cartoon Figures in Job Interviews on the Rise
The use of AI tools in job hunting is becoming increasingly widespread. But did you know that such tools are also being used a lot now in job interviews? In fact, do not be surprised if you were to be greeted by an AI cartoon in your interview.
Career sites like Indeed and LinkedIn have integrated generative AI tools for both job seekers and recruiters. These platforms now offer interviewer chatbots and AI-driven tools to help candidates practice for job interviews.
However, the use of AI in evaluating candidates has garnered mixed reviews. Some HR tools have been found to make biased judgments against applicants with Black-sounding names, favor men, or overlook candidates with employment gaps on their résumés.
While AI tools in hiring save companies money and time, the long-term implications for workers remain uncertain.
Source: vogue.in
US States with Proposed Legislation on Algorithmic Discrimination
In 2024, legislators in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, and Washington introduced bills aimed at regulating AI systems used in employment decisions. These bills seek to reduce the risk of algorithmic discrimination, which occurs when AI systems cause differential treatment or impact that disadvantages individuals based on protected characteristics such as age, color, ethnicity, disability, national origin, race, religion, veteran status, and sex.
Colorado has made history by passing a law designed to protect employees and job applicants from harm caused by artificial intelligence systems. The proposed legislation would impose similar obligations on employers using AI systems or automated decision tools (ADTs) in employment-related decisions. ADTs are defined as systems using AI to make or assist in making significant decisions, including hiring.
Generally, these bills require employers to exercise reasonable care to mitigate and assess the risk of algorithmic discrimination from their use of AI systems.
Source: natlawreview.com
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Here’s How Gen-AI is Changing Software Industry
Generative AI tools are transforming coding tasks by automating repetitive tasks and identifying bugs, but they cannot replace the need for human problem-solving skills and creativity in software development.
Developers and engineers can future-proof themselves against AI by embracing and mastering AI-powered code generation, honing their analytical and problem-solving skills, and emphasizing soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
Specializing in AI can lead to significant career opportunities and higher wages, as the demand for AI specialists continues to grow in the global workforce.
Source: dice.com
Women Underrepresented in STEM Industries
The article discusses the gender gap in STEM industries, particularly within AI jobs. It highlights the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields and the emerging AI gender gap, with men being more likely to have AI skills. Despite historical barriers, it encourages ambitious women to pursue high-paying roles in AI, even without a degree.
It outlines three remote AI job opportunities: AI Product/Project Manager, AI Writer, and AI Prompt Engineer, along with their average salary ranges. It emphasizes the importance of gaining skills, project experience, and knowledge through training, networking, and mentorship for women looking to enter the AI field.
Source: forbes.com
AWS Launches AI Certification Courses
AWS has launched two more certifications in AI and machine learning (ML) to help professionals boost their careers in the booming cloud technology space.
The certifications, AWS Certified AI Practitioner and AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer, cater to individuals with different levels of experience in AI and ML. These certifications are designed to address the increasing demand for AI skills in various industries, offering professionals the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and command higher salaries.
In addition, AWS is providing free and low-cost training programs to help individuals prepare for these certifications.
Source: aboutamazon.com
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Are AI Tools Replacing Entry-Level Jobs at India's IT Giants?
Over the past two years, India's top IT giants, TCS and Infosys, have experienced a noticeable reduction in the number of young employees. This trend has raised concerns about whether AI-powered tools are taking over entry-level positions. Is this the case? Watch the full video to find out.
Source: msn.com
AI Skills May Soon Rival Job Experience in Candidate Selection
A new international study by Microsoft and LinkedIn suggests that AI aptitude could soon become as important as experience when choosing between job candidates. The research, which examines labor and recruitment trends driven by the rise of generative AI, also predicts the emergence of AI super users as the labor market continues to evolve.
The 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report is based on a survey of 31,000 people across 31 countries, LinkedIn hiring trends, Microsoft 365 productivity data, and research with Fortune 500 companies. The findings reveal that three-quarters of respondents use generative AI at work, with 78% bringing their own AI tools, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses.
AI is seen as a valuable tool for managing the increased pace and volume of work, a challenge faced by 68% of respondents. AI helps offload menial tasks, improving efficiency.
However, many employees using AI fear it might make them appear replaceable (53%) or worry that AI could take over their jobs (45%).
Contrary to these concerns, the study indicates that AI proficiency could enhance job security rather than threaten it.
Source: weforum. org
Generative AI Reduces Half-Life of Skills in Workplace
The rise of generative artificial intelligence in the workplace is rapidly shortening the half-life of skills, a metric estimating how long a skill remains useful in a career, according to an AI expert.
Kian Katanforoosh, founder and CEO of the workplace training platform Workera, told Quartz that while the half-life of skills used to exceed ten years, it has now dropped to under five years.
Source: qz.com
Impact of Generative AI on Jobs in Financial Services
The article discusses the impact of gen-AI on the financial services industry, highlighting its potential to automate routine tasks, streamline processes, and improve decision-making. Gen-AI can interpret data, streamline transaction processing, detect fraud, analyze investments, revolutionize insurance underwriting, aid in regulatory compliance, and enhance customer service.
As a result, the role of finance professionals is expected to shift towards emphasizing human abilities such as communication, strategic decision-making, and relationship-building. Embracing this change early on will prepare professionals for more fulfilling and rewarding careers in the evolving landscape of finance.
Source: forbes.com
UAE to Train Over 1 Million People in AI
The UAE aims to train over one million individuals in AI within three years through a series of initiatives, including the launch of an AI-focused campus.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a program to teach a million people how to effectively use AI tools, with the AI retreat serving as a key step towards this goal.
Dubai has appointed 22 chief AI officers for government entities, emphasizing the commitment to become a leading destination for AI talent and accelerate AI adoption across various sectors.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
Microsoft Urges China-Based Employees to Relocate Amid US-China Tensions
Microsoft is encouraging hundreds of employees in its China-based cloud-computing and artificial intelligence divisions to consider relocating outside the country due to escalating US-China tensions.
Primarily targeting engineers with Chinese nationality, the American tech giant has offered these employees the chance to transfer to countries such as the US, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Approximately 700 to 800 employees, mostly involved in machine learning and other cloud-computing tasks, received this offer, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Source: wsj.com
Stanford AI Researchers Apologize for Plagiarizing Chinese AI Model
Two authors of a Stanford University AI project have apologized to the Chinese team behind the open-source AI model MiniCPM-Llama3-V 2.5 after being accused of plagiarism by social media users in China. The contested model, developed by Tsinghua University and ModelBest Inc., became the center of widespread discussion on the Chinese internet.
Stanford Llama3-V team members Siddharth Sharma and Aksh Garg issued an apology to the MiniCPM team on social media platform X, admitting to academic misconduct and announcing the withdrawal of the Llama3-V model from use.
Source: technode.com
Meta's New Privacy Policy Raises Concerns
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has recently announced changes to its privacy policy, causing alarm among millions of European users. The company plans to use years of personal posts, private images, and online tracking data for an undefined "AI technology" that can ingest personal data from any source and share any information with undefined "third parties".
The company argues that it has a legitimate interest that overrides the fundamental right to data protection and privacy of European users. Once their data is in the system, users seem to have no option of ever having it removed, violating the "right to be forgotten".
In response to these changes, “noyb”, a European non-profit organization, has filed complaints in 11 European countries, asking the authorities to launch an urgent procedure to stop this change immediately, before it comes into force on June 26, 2024.
Max Schrems, a privacy activist, criticizes Meta's approach, stating, "Meta is basically saying that it can use 'any data from any source for any purpose and make it available to anyone in the world', as long as it’s done via 'AI technology'. This is clearly the opposite of GDPR compliance."
Propagandists Are Leveraging AI — Companies Must Be Transparent About Its Use
Adversarial actors are increasingly using AI tools to conduct covert influence operations on social media platforms.
The article discusses how OpenAI and Meta have identified and disclosed instances of bad actors using AI tools for deceptive influence operations on social media platforms.
The report highlights the need for transparency and collaboration between platforms, AI companies, and researchers to combat these threats. While AI-powered propaganda campaigns are a concern, the impact of such campaigns is often overstated, and real influencers have a greater potential for impact.
The report emphasizes the importance of transparency, data sharing, and collaborative vigilance to counter the misuse of AI in influence operations and calls for public awareness and skepticism to resist deception. The authors stress the need for a collective effort to address the challenges posed by AI-driven influence operations and develop a more resilient digital ecosystem.
Source: technologyreview.com
This newsletter “All About Content…And AI” is witness to the happenings in the world of content and digital marketing at the intersection of technology…more specifically, AI.
AI Models Like ChatGPT: Revolutionary but Full of "Bullshit," Say Researchers
Large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have revolutionized AI-human interaction, generating text that often appears indistinguishable from human writing. Despite their impressive capabilities, these models frequently produce persistent inaccuracies, often referred to as “AI hallucinations.”
In a paper published in “Ethics and Information Technology”, scholars Michael Townsen Hicks, James Humphries, and Joe Slater from the University of Glasgow argue that these inaccuracies are better understood as “bullshit.”
LLMs are sophisticated programs designed to generate human-like text by analyzing vast amounts of written material and using statistical techniques to predict the likelihood of the next word in a sequence. This allows them to produce coherent and contextually appropriate responses to various prompts.
Unlike human brains, which pursue multiple goals and behaviors, LLMs have a singular objective: to generate text that closely resembles human language. Their primary function is to replicate the patterns and structures of human speech and writing, not to understand or convey factual information.
Chinese News App in US Publishes Fake News
The article discusses how NewsBreak, a news app based in the US with roots in China, has faced criticism for publishing erroneous stories, including ones generated by AI.
The company has been accused of copyright infringement and has been involved in legal disputes with other media outlets. Concerns have been raised about the company's Chinese roots, with questions about access to American user data.
The article also mentions a warning from US officials about the potential for Chinese government influence on social media algorithms. The company has stated that it complies with US data and privacy laws, and maintains its servers in the country.
Source: reuters.com
Survey Reveals Growing Support for AI in Education Among Parents, Students, and Teachers
A new survey conducted from May 7-15, 2024, indicates that knowledge of and support for AI in education is increasing among parents, students, and teachers. Over 80% of each group reported that AI has had a positive impact on education.
Source: valtonfamilyfoundation.org
AI Models Do Nor Fare Well in Non-English Languages, Shows Research
The African language benchmark reveals the limitations of even the most advanced AI models when it comes to low-resource languages. Despite significant progress, there's still a long way to go before AI becomes a universally useful technology.
Researchers from the Masakhane project have introduced IrokoBench, a human-translated benchmark that includes languages from diverse geographical regions: six from West Africa, five from East Africa, four from Southern Africa, and one from Central Africa, all varying in terms of resource availability.
The study found that proprietary closed models generally outperform open models for African languages. However, even the best-performing proprietary models, like GPT-4o, show significant performance drops due to the scarcity of monolingual web data for African languages. GPT-4o scored an average of 48.1, whereas open models like LLaMa 3 (25.5) and Aya-101 (27.9) performed worse.
Current AI models are mainly tested in English and, to a lesser extent, Chinese, giving a limited view of their capabilities. The performance of these models in other languages often correlates with the representation of those languages in their training datasets. For languages with sparse representation, there is likely a severe drop in performance. Benchmarks like IrokoBench are crucial for identifying and addressing these gaps.
Google Introduces ImageInWords: A Human-in-the-Loop Framework for Detailed Image Descriptions
To understand or generate specific details in images, complex labels are essential. Google has developed ImageInWords (IIW), a meticulously designed human-in-the-loop annotation framework that curates hyper-detailed image descriptions and produces a new dataset through this process.
This innovation aims to create more detailed image captions, moving beyond simple descriptions like "Cat on a chair" to intricate narratives such as "Black cat lying horizontally on a chair. The chair has a white cushion and a brown wooden frame. There is a beam of light on the cat. Behind the cat and the chair is a window with a light curtain. You can partially see a city view behind the curtain.
ImageInWords combines the unparalleled accuracy of human annotators with metadata generated by machines. The process starts with object detectors identifying individual objects in the image. Then, a Vision-Language Model (VLM) generates detailed captions for each detected object, which serve as initial seeds for human annotation. These seed captions may contain inaccuracies or lack specificity, so crowd workers enhance and correct them to ensure they are detailed and free of hallucinations. In the next step, an image-level caption is generated by the VLM, which is then enriched by crowd workers who incorporate object-level annotations to fill in contextual gaps.
The outcome is a dataset containing 9,018 images, each accompanied by a hyper-detailed description. This framework produces high-quality image description data, which is valuable for fine-tuning AI models. Evaluations across multiple dimensions confirm its utility.
IIW facilitates the training of AI systems to generate images that align more closely with specific requirements and enhances the ability to classify images based on numerous factors. This advancement represents a significant step forward in improving the accuracy and richness of image descriptions in AI applications.
LLMs Can Outperform Human Analysts
Large Language Models (LLMs), such as GPT-4, have shown remarkable predictive abilities in financial statement analysis, outperforming human financial analysts in certain cases.
The report discusses a study by Chicago University on the use of large language models (LLMs), specifically GPT-4, in financial forecasting.
LLMs demonstrate strengths in generating narrative insights about a company's financial health and future performance, adding value to decision-making processes.
While LLMs have the potential to complement and assist human analysts, they are unlikely to completely replace them due to the need for human context and reasoning in complex financial analysis.
Source: medium.com
…where every week, I shortlist interesting articles, posts, podcasts, and videos on AI.
Just How is AI Influencing Online Life
The article discusses the increasing influence of AI in online life, as tech companies rush to integrate AI into various products and services.
The rapid implementation of AI has led to concerns about oversight and the quality of AI products being produced. Media organizations are entering into partnerships with AI companies, raising questions about the implications for journalism.
The author also explores the potential for media organizations to negotiate better terms with AI companies and the broader impact of AI on creative work and the flow of information online. The article concludes with a sense of uncertainty about the future implications of AI's increasing dominance.