Employers Hesitant to Offer High Salaries - Employee uses AI for Job Interviews
Pierre Dubois
In 2024, after two years of significant salary increases, employers are showing more restraint in offering above-average salaries. This change comes from the Salarisgids, a salary guide released by the recruitment and selection agency Michael Page. Economic growth was minimal in 2023, and a downturn is expected in the first half of 2024. As a result, companies are focusing more on cost control. Despite a tight job market, they're not keen on meeting the high salary demands of job seekers.
Job Seekers Turn to AI for Help
To improve their chances, job seekers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI). According to Joost Fortuin, senior managing director of Page Group NL, candidates are using AI to review and enhance their resumes. They're also practicing job interviews with AI, helping them prepare by simulating conversations, especially around salary negotiations. Indeed's research shows that 24% of employees use AI in their job application process, including crafting resumes (58%), preparing for interviews (52%), and writing cover letters (67%).
Employers Also Use AI in Hiring
Employers are also adopting AI in their hiring processes. A third of Dutch organizations currently use AI to find new employees, and this trend is expected to grow. The main uses are writing job descriptions (20%) and preparing for interviews (13%). However, a third of employees worry that AI might increase discrimination. Stan Snijders of Indeed Benelux emphasizes the importance of being critical of AI's use to ensure it's applied correctly.
Soft Skills Becoming More Valuable
According to Michael Page, employers are increasingly valuing soft skills in new hires, such as problem-solving abilities, flexibility, sensitivity, and critical and analytical thinking. The traditional checklist approach, focusing on resume-based qualifications like similar job experience and education level, is becoming less important. Due to the tight labor market, companies are more flexible in hiring candidates with the right skills and motivation, often opting to train them internally.
source: 'Business Insider'.