Why I Don’t Think a Robot Will Be Taking My Job (or yours)
A number of years ago I attended a recruitment conference. The theme was technology and the keynote speaker highlighted the impact of automation and AI on the recruitment industry. The speaker talked about the threat to the profession, as software would be able to better match CVs to jobs. The process would deliver results that would be error free, faster than any human could work, and the software would learn and adapt each time. Honestly, it made me a bit nervous. However, the reality is that new technology has always been a part of my working life. I don’t think a robot will take my job (or yours) and here’s why.
Technology makes things better
In many ways the ‘future’ of AI is already here. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, Clicks implemented CV parsing software with powerful semantic search, sourcing, and matching capability. I love it! It makes life easier for me and the team. It also allows us to work on more interesting, value-add things, such as supporting our clients’ diversity and inclusion initiatives. I embrace technology, as it enables work to be done more efficiently and effectively.
I love learning
Embracing learning allows me to continue to evolve as my profession does. My counterpart south of the border, Tamara Ryf, recently shared her thoughts on why we need to talk more about learning agility. To continue this conversation, I’ll share learnings in response to change through my career:
- How to operate a fax machine
- How to touch type and email
- How to Hotspot my laptop to my phone when there’s no Wi-Fi
- How to use Zoom and Teams (including taking myself off mute!)
As my career continues, I will add to this list and that excites me. Some foster my love of learning include:
- Curiosity about how things work
- Impatience if things don’t move quickly enough
- Willingness to take risks to drive meaningful outcomes
- Preference to work smarter not harder (something I’ve learnt over time)
Communication and collaboration are hard to replace
Communicating and working with my clients and my team is the part of my job I enjoy most. By employing my active listening skills and displaying empathy, I am able to get to the heart of what’s required in order to help my team and clients. This not only provides me with immense job satisfaction, these skills can’t yet conceivably be replaced by technology or AI. What’s more, I use associated skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and creative thinking – skills that are also more difficult to replace by technological advances.
The unexpected events of this year – namely COVID-19 – have accelerated the adoption of technology, moved businesses online and forced some organisations to think more deeply about automation. I don’t believe that’s a bad thing. By embracing technology, enjoying learning new things and investing in the right skills, our jobs will remain safe from the robots.
For contractor support or any hiring needs, please reach out to your Clicks Account Manager or me on 0438 355 792 to see how we can help.
Regional General Manager, NSW
