What are AI skills?
AI skills are all the competencies that have emerged with the boom of AI technologies. They go beyond programming and data science. Organisations look for individuals able to adapt, lead change management and use the latest tech. For recruiters, understanding these competencies is necessary to ensure recruitments are effective and to optimise the business’ performance.
Technical competencies explained
Artificial intelligence skills regroup the competencies and expertise required to use, develop, implement, and manage AI solutions. These skills go from programming, machine learning and data analytics to change management and communication. In today’s work environment, these skills are highly sought after by employers. Recruiters need to increase their knowledge of these competencies to create a highly adaptable and forward-thinking workforce.
Related: Competency and how to assess it
Why AI skills are hard to find
AI has boomed in the last couple of years. So much that humans are struggling to keep up with it. This fast-paced environment explains the current AI skills shortage. While businesses invest in AI, they create competition with the limited pool of qualified candidates. Professionals possessing AI expertise and skills are highly sought after and sourcing talent in the field is a challenge.
Related: What digital skills to look for when hiring
Types of AI skills recruiters should look for
When it comes to AI skills, there are several categories and competencies that recruiters should be aware of. Being aware of these skills will bring more accuracy to the recruitment of AI talent. Here is a snapshot of those abilities:
Programming and data science competencies
Data science and programming skills are both area that organisations need to invest in. Candidates possessing these skills can leverage AI capabilities to do their work and therefore gain in efficiencies.
Data science skills
Artificial intelligence uses data. By using AI, employees who possess this competency can apply the appropriate method to find solution for the business.
Programming skills
AI programming skills contribute to building tailored tools that solve organisation’s issues. Many businesses need customised solutions. Programming capabilities can be used to tailor AI solutions.
User experience competencies
Artificial intelligence enhances employees and customers experiences. The improvements that AI bring are plenty, from personalisation of the interactions to a streamlined and more efficient process. In this context, UX design skills and front-end developer competencies can boost existing AI capabilities.
UX design skills
UX designer typically have coding knowledge. However, with the emergence of AI, these technical capabilities become less relevant to the role. On the contrary, aligning product functionalities with user behaviours is paramount. This connection can be achieved by human expertise.
Front-end developer skills
Front-end developers have the necessary skills to translate AI designs and back-end codes into user-friendly information. Front-end developer expertise ensures effective AI tools integrations, optimum adoption rates and long-term product success.
AI solutions change management competencies
The purpose of AI is to replicate human behaviours. For businesses that leverage AI, critical thinking, linguistic skills, and problem-solving capabilities are essential. With a strong understanding of human behaviour combined with experience using AI tools, the use of AI can be optimised.
Change management skills
Integrating AI brings opportunities, but it also brings challenges. One of the hurdle businesses faces when implementing new solutions is change management. Expertise in this area is highly valuable for organisations that will update their processes or change their systems to increase to use of AI. To avoid resistance from their employees, they should develop strong change management planning, thus making this skill valuable in today’s workplace.
Related: Why AI project management is the ultimate game changer
What recruiters should know when looking for AI skills
Knowing what AI skills should be on the radar is paramount. However, there is much more to AI skill-based hiring. Here are some facts recruiters should know to ensure their hires are successful.
Related: Competency-based interviews
The importance of starting to hire for AI skills early
Companies that are proactive and hiring early based on AI skills will be ahead of the competition. The benefits of AI for organisations are plenty and having the appropriate skills has the potential to transform the business. Recruiting for AI expertise drives growth, reduces costs and delivers value. Recruiting early for these competencies means being ahead of the curve and laying out strong foundations.
Hiring for AI technical skills requires a sharp eye for talent. HR teams should look at building tailored recruitment strategies with expert recruiters. They should also have a clear understanding of their internal needs to ensure new hires help the organisation strengthen its use of AI.
Related: The argument for using a skills based job description
The shift from experience to adaptability
With AI solutions being integrated in internal systems, it is essential to shift the recruitment focus from experience to adaptability. This means looking for candidates who are agile and able to thrive in ever changing environments. Traditional experience becomes less relevant, whereas soft skills such as curiosity, ability to learn fast and embracing ambiguity become essential. Recruitment teams need to find talents that possess these soft skills and that are able to embrace AI as part of their role.
Related: A guide to agile teams
Finding and retaining AI talent
HR teams should develop strategies to source and retain AI talent. For example, staying competitive with appealing compensation package may attract talent. Recruiters should monitor what competitors offer in that field to fully understand what might be appealing to AI candidates. Focussing on retention is just as important and is cost effective for organisations.
Related: 9 Effective employee retention strategies
Soft skills become the new hard skills
Recruiters responsible for hiring for AI roles should focus on both technical skills and soft skills. While technical knowledge of AI tools is paramount, soft skills such as adaptability and innovation are just as important. They shape the thought process of individuals and ensure that new employees have the necessary drive for continuous learning. Additionally, soft skills in new hire may positively influence existing staff and elevate their skills.
The continuous evolution of AI skills
Artificial intelligence has entered our world to stay. However, it will continue to develop and evolve. Recruiters should stay informed with market trends to ensure they continuously update their knowledge on AI skills. To be successful, human resources teams need to adopt holistic strategies that prioritise skills development and change management.
Related: Tips for continuous learning strategies (With examples)
Integrating AI skills in the organisation is essential to ensure efficiency gains, optimum customer experiences and much more. Behind every AI tool are skilled professionals able to adapt. Companies need to develop recruitment technique to attract and develop AI talent.
Related: How to use AI in business
