According to a recent report from CompTIA released on Feb. 8, almost half of active job seekers either currently use or plan to use artificial intelligence AI-enabled tools in their job search process.
The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. job seekers, revealed that about one-third of respondents view understanding AI fundamentals as a crucial digital skill in today’s job market. Additionally, a staggering 90% emphasized the importance of possessing general digital skills, irrespective of their industry or occupation.
Hannah Johnson, senior vice president of tech talent programs at CompTIA, expressed optimism about the workforce’s recognition of the necessity for continuous learning and digital fluency in AI and other domains. She highlighted the value of upskilling, affirming its benefits for individuals considering a transition into the tech sector or other fields.
Of the surveyed job seekers, constituting roughly 27% of respondents or about 44 million workers, many have actively sought job opportunities within their current field or explored options in entirely different sectors requiring a career shift.
The survey also indicated that approximately two-thirds of active job seekers are cognizant of discussions surrounding AI’s potential impact on the job market and are embracing AI-based tools to aid in their job search endeavours.
Common uses of AI tools among job seekers include resume and cover letter optimization, skills matching with job openings, researching potential employers, receiving interactive career guidance, and automating job applications and management processes.
A report by Lightcast highlighted a surge in demand for generative AI skills since 2022, particularly in roles dedicated to developing new AI applications. However, despite the rapid growth of AI, a significant portion of the workforce lacks the necessary skills. Many workers expect their employers to bridge this knowledge gap by providing relevant training opportunities.
According to a Salesforce report, around two-thirds of workers expressed a desire to learn generative AI skills, yet a similar proportion reported that their employers do not offer adequate AI-related training.
Fostering a culture of continuous learning and development could mitigate concerns about skills gaps and equity issues related to AI, especially among software developers, as suggested by a Pluralsight report. Workers who feel supported in their learning endeavours tend to be more productive and engaged in their roles.
