Hello, and welcome to Tech Connects, Dice's podcast where we dig into the topics on tech hiring, recruiting and careers that matter to you. I'm your host, Nick Kolakowski.

Our latest guest has been on the show before: Katrina Collier, a recruiting expert who’s an author, speaker, mentor, and facilitator specializing in the human side of talent acquisition. Her passion is ensuring that recruiters and companies deliver a great candidate experience. Her latest book is titled “Reboot Hiring,” and it focuses on the ways that executives, managers, and other business leaders can effectively reboot a hiring process that’s only gotten more complicated and expensive in recent years.

As you’ll hear during our discussion, Katrina thinks that AI isn’t solving every issue confronting talent acquisition experts and recruiters right now. Instead, companies seeking to hire the best tech talent need to concentrate more than ever on the human side of things.

Here are some key takeaways from our chat:

First, the talent acquisition landscape has undergone significant changes due to the pandemic, economic fluctuations, and the rise of AI. Companies have over-hired and laid off staff multiple times, leading to a chaotic and uncertain environment. It may take some time for this situation to sort itself out, but it also creates opportunities for recruiters and companies who are willing to approach their hiring challenges with emotional intelligence.

Second, while AI offers potential benefits in TA, it can also introduce biases and challenges. It is important to use AI strategically and ethically, focusing on areas where it can add value, such as automation and data analysis. However, relying solely on AI can lead to suboptimal outcomes, especially when human judgment and emotional intelligence are crucial.

Third, despite the advancements in AI, human interaction remains essential for successful talent acquisition. Managers need to develop strong relationships with their TA teams, listen to their expertise, and collaborate effectively. By prioritizing human connection and understanding, companies can create a more engaging and effective hiring process.

Fourth, emotional intelligence is crucial for navigating the complex challenges of modern TA. Leaders must be willing to be vulnerable, admit their limitations, and seek guidance from their teams. By fostering a culture of collaboration and trust, leaders can create a more positive and productive work environment.

We’ve covered quite a bit in this episode, so give it another listen if there was anything you missed. We’ll see you next time, and remember—Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for tech professionals, the best place to grow your tech career.

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Our next ‘Tech Connects’ guest is Seth Robinson, who’s vice president of industry research at CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association. CompTIA offers education, training, certifications, and monthly research. If you read Dice’s articles and e-books, you know we cite their research pretty constantly, including their monthly analysis of the tech unemployment rate and job trends.

I wanted to talk to Seth because he recently wrote a whitepaper on how organizations are developing AI strategies, including what AI could mean for tech professionals both in the near- and long-term. Let’s listen to his key insights into AI and how it might impact your own journey through the tech industry.

There’s a lot of chatter right now about all things AI-related, so it’s great to step back and take a broader view on the technology and the industries it impacts. Here are some additional takeaways from our conversation:

• First, the AI hype train is slowing down. It's essential to recognize that while AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, it's not a magic solution. Instead, it's a tool that can augment existing workflows and processes. Understanding this distinction is crucial for setting realistic expectations and avoiding overhyped promises.

• Second, effective AI implementation hinges on robust data management. Companies need to prioritize data cleaning, organization, and analysis to maximize the value of AI tools. Additionally, core skills in areas like software programming, cybersecurity, and data analysis remain essential. AI is often integrated into existing tools and platforms, so proficiency in these areas is vital.

• Third, as AI becomes more prevalent, the ability to critically evaluate AI outputs will be increasingly important. Professionals need to develop skills to assess the reliability and accuracy of AI-generated information. This includes understanding the limitations of AI algorithms and the potential for errors.

• Fourth, successful AI integration requires collaboration across different departments and roles. Technology and business teams must work together to define goals, identify challenges, and allocate resources effectively. A holistic approach that considers the interplay of people, processes, and technology is essential for maximizing the benefits of AI.

Keeping these points in mind will help you and your company use AI more effectively. We’ve covered quite a bit in this episode, so give it another listen if there was anything you missed. We’ll see you next time, and remember—Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for tech professionals, the best place to grow your tech career.

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Our next guest on ‘Tech Connects’ has been on the show a few times before: Art Zeile, CEO of DHI Group, the parent company of Dice. It’s always great to talk with him about the evolution of the tech market. Art’s been publishing an article per week on LinkedIn in which he digs deeply in the future of work and how it’ll be impacted by the current revolution in artificial intelligence.

Here are some quick takeaways from this discussion with Art:

First, embracing AI isn’t really optional. The rapid evolution of AI demands immediate action from businesses. Similar to the impact of the PC or the internet, AI is fundamentally altering business models. Companies that fail to integrate AI risk losing market share to competitors who are already leveraging its capabilities.

Second, you can’t really wait to embrace AI. Technology professionals are already adopting AI tools at a rapid pace, and surveys indicate there’s already widespread use of AI, particularly in code generation and completion. To remain competitive, tech professionals must understand how generative AI can enhance their careers. Those who fail to adapt will find themselves at a significant disadvantage.

Third, upskilling is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to succeed in this new, AI-driven environment. The demand for AI talent far exceeds supply, and so companies are increasingly focusing on upskilling their existing workforce to meet AI demands rather than hiring externally. Learning Python and data engineering can provide a strong foundation for an AI career. Additionally, platforms like AWS offer numerous resources for upskilling in AI.

Fourth, as AI adoption grows, so do concerns about data privacy and security. Companies must establish strict policies regarding AI usage to protect sensitive information. Preventing data leaks to large language models is crucial. Furthermore, developing tools to monitor AI usage within organizations will become increasingly important to safeguard proprietary information.

More columns will roll out over the next few months, highlighting how AI will continue to impact the job market in massive and subtle ways for decades to come.

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