U.S. hiring managers prefer AI skills over experience: survey
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — A recent survey of 781 hiring managers by ResumeTemplates found that they would choose a less-experienced candidate with artificial intelligence (AI) skills in 2024.
Over three-quarters (77%) of hiring managers say AI skills are beneficial for resumes this year. That’s why 6 in 10 recruiters prioritize candidates with AI capabilities, even if they have less overall experience.
The study revealed that most companies are expanding their use of AI, with 73% definitely or probably increasing adoption in 2024.
In a choice between four hypothetical candidates, over half (56%) of hiring managers said they would prefer to hire someone with fewer years of experience but more AI skills.
Shockingly, 1 in 10 would opt for a candidate with expert AI skills but only 1 year of relevant work experience over someone with 10 years of experience.
“Possessing at least a basic understanding of a specific domain, in combination with having AI skills, can enable candidates to compete with more experienced counterparts,” says ResumeTemplates’ Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach Andrew Stoner.
He advised candidates to obtain in-demand professional or technical certifications and demonstrate skills through AI-generated work samples.
In relation to this, employers are willing to pay 47% higher salaries on average for information technology (IT) professionals possessing AI skills, according to a study by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Access Partnership.
