Employers should look beyond tech skills for AI talent: Robert Half
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Staffing firm Robert Half has issued a crucial warning to employers regarding the acquisition of generative AI talent.
The company emphasizes that focusing solely on technical skills may lead to missed opportunities in securing vital AI professionals as the technology becomes increasingly integrated across various sectors.
The changing landscape of AI recruitment
As artificial intelligence continues to grow in importance, unique roles such as AI ethicists and prompt engineers are emerging. However, Robert Half cautions that not all positions require deep technical expertise.
The firm states, “Too often stereotypes are hindering talent attraction in this remit, due to an unnecessary focus on coding skills or requirements for technology experience.”
Instead, Robert Half emphasizes the importance of softer skills for nurturing sustainable AI talent, including collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Emerging demand for diverse AI skills
Madeleine Barnes, Senior Talent Solutions Manager at Robert Half, highlights the increasing demand for AI talent across various sectors. She notes, “Gen AI talent are the new in-demand workers that are being sought after across a range of sectors”.
Barnes warns that the emergence of new roles may be hindered if employers do not broaden their perspective on the type of skills needed.
A recent survey conducted by Robert Half revealed that 44.5% of the workforce is keen on seeking AI-related upskilling through their employer over the next five years.
“Many of those in the workforce who consider themselves to be Gen AI talent are actually people with a passion for or interest in using these tools, rather than the technical skills to develop them,” Barnes added.
To address this growing demand, employers must recognize the potential within their existing talent pool and work towards building AI capabilities across all levels of their workforce.
