The race is on for AI talent

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast becoming a core technology for many companies, enabling them to automate tasks, gain insights from data, and improve their products and services. As a result, there is a high demand for AI skills in the job market, with an acute shortage of qualified candidates to fill the roles.

To recruit the right AI talent, experts at SPG Resourcing advise companies to have a clear understanding of the skills and experience required for the role and the traits that make a great AI professional.

According to a government study*, many businesses are concerned about the skills gap, with a third (35%) of respondents claiming that a lack of technical skills among current employees had stopped them from achieving their business objectives. While 49% claimed that technical skill gaps among job candidates had done the same.

SPG resourcing have shared these tips for companies looking to recruit AI skills:

 

  1. Understand the AI Skills You Need

Before recruiting an AI professional, it’s essential to identify the specific skills required for the role. AI is a broad field with various areas of expertise, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Understanding the specific AI skills needed will enable you to target suitable candidates and assess their suitability for the role.

 

  1. Look for Candidates with Relevant Experience

When recruiting for AI roles, looking for candidates with relevant experience in the field is crucial. Look for candidates who have worked on AI projects or have experience with AI technologies. Candidates with experience in data analysis, software development, or mathematics may also be suitable for AI roles.

 

  1. Assess Candidates’ Technical Skills

AI roles require strong technical skills, including programming, data analysis, and machine learning. Therefore, when recruiting for AI positions, it’s essential to assess candidates’ technical skills by conducting technical interviews and coding tests. It will help you identify candidates with the required technical skills for the role.

 

  1. Look for Candidates with a Strong Problem-Solving Mindset

AI professionals need to have a strong problem-solving mindset to develop and implement AI solutions. Look for candidates with a track record of solving complex problems in their previous roles or through personal projects. Candidates with experience in open-source communities, hackathons, or Kaggle competitions are likely to have strong problem-solving skills.

 

  1. Consider Cultural Fit

When recruiting AI professionals, it’s essential to consider cultural fit. AI professionals need to work closely with other teams, including product development, engineering, and data science. Look for candidates with experience working in collaborative environments who can communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.

 

  1. Build a strong employer brand

Having a strong employer brand can help you attract top AI talent. Promote your company’s culture, mission, and values to showcase why your organisation is a great place to work. Share success stories and case studies demonstrating how your company uses AI to drive innovation and solve complex business problems.

 

  1. Leverage AI tools for recruiting

AI can be used to enhance the recruiting process. For example, AI-powered chatbots can answer questions and provide information about the company and job openings. AI-powered resume screening tools can identify the most qualified candidates. Consider using these tools to streamline your recruiting process and improve the candidate experience.

 

  1. Assess AI skills through practical tests

AI skills are difficult to measure through traditional interview questions alone. Instead, consider using practical tests to assess candidates’ technical skills. For example, you can provide candidates with a dataset and ask them to build a predictive model or a chatbot. These tests can provide valuable insights into candidates’ problem-solving abilities and technical skills.

 

In any job market where demand exceeds supply, offering competitive compensation and benefits is essential. Stay up-to-date on industry standards for compensation and benefits, and consider offering perks such as flexible work arrangements, continuing education opportunities, and stock options.

 

*https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-the-uk-ai-labour-market-2020/understanding-the-uk-ai-labour-market-2020-executive-summary

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