Key takeaways from the 2024 Beacon Hill Data Insights Report

Our expert team regularly collects and assembles industry and Beacon Hill data under a relevant topic umbrella to help you make smart hiring and job-seeking choices. In January 2022, we covered how staffing and the nature of work evolved during COVID.

The 2024 Beacon Hill Data Insights Report is focused on how jobs and artificial intelligence (AI) work together. Today, we will share key takeaways from that report which will help you move forward from an informed position whether you're an employer or a candidate.

For employers

AI can weight candidate fit incorrectly

Depending on how it's programmed, AI might weigh past information equally or more heavily than the most current information.

It's critical to understand what level of importance the algorithm places on different factors to ensure that it makes the right choices. Businesses have individual goals and they need to be balanced with what AI can do to serve them.

AI may develop biases against certain candidates

"A prominent example occurred in 2018 when Amazon sunsetted its resume screener tool because the company found it was biased against women; built on historical candidate data that skewed male, the tool began to devalue keywords such as 'women’s chess club' and 'women’s soccer team' [17]."

Patterns from the past can dictate the future if you're not careful! Don't let that happen to you. It could mean you'll miss out on top talent.

AI-generated messages to potential candidates must be overseen by a human

Using AI technology to generate messages to candidates can be very effective, but it's still better to deploy it alongside traditional human recruiting. In this way, you can guard against AI hallucinations and provide an opportunity for the recruiter to add valuable context to the role and the candidate’s potential fit.

If you use AI to vet candidates, check sources

"AI hallucination is a phenomenon wherein a large language model (LLM)—often a generative AI chatbot or computer vision tool—perceives patterns or objects that are nonexistent or imperceptible to human observers, creating outputs that are nonsensical or altogether inaccurate.," – IBM

Hallucinations in AI are real. Before endorsing a candidate it is vetted, verify the validity using trusted sources.

For job seekers

There are many great ways to use AI in a job search

1. Fill out applications via autofill and browser plugins
2. Use AI job search tools to find recommended jobs to apply to
3. Use job automation to apply to many jobs at once

Pro-tip: Do you want to learn more ways to use AI in your job search? There are many others in our report.

A blended approach to job-seeking can be a winning strategy

Using automated tools to facilitate the application process while still tailoring applications to highly sought-after positions is the way to go. It means you'll be able to project your personality and maximize efficiency.

Chatbots can help you prep

Chatbots can make you feel more confident by the time you're actually in the hot seat competing for a coveted position. They can do this by helping you research companies and simulating interviews.

Job seekers need to ensure that their resumes are machine-readable

To be found by ideal employers and perform better in applicant tracking systems (ATSs) more consistently:

1. Use plain-text word-processing software, such as Microsoft Word.
2. Conform to typical resume formats (chronological work history, job titles and employers).
3. Balance keyword inclusion with a personal voice.

For employers and job seekers

Job-searching or filling a role takes longer than you may think

Did you know that the average job search took 200 hours and an average of five months in 2023? Whether you're hiring or wanting to be hired, it's crucial to understand this time metric for planning and budgetary purposes.

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Our 2024 Beacon Hill Data Insights Report has even more information you can use to propel your business with and without AI. A brief glossary of AI terms and why they matter, Beacon Hill-specific metrics and additional examples of AI in the wild await.

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