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Interview starts at 19:27
Duduzile Ramela: Applying for a job can be daunting enough knowing you're not the only one looking for a job. This can cause some anxiety, especially in countries where unemployment is very high or unemployment is high. But wait, the introduction of AI (artificial intelligence) doesn't stop there. AI-powered online recruitment tools are on the rise. However, there is still room for more traditional methods. So how do you differentiate yourself from the rest?
Advaita Naidoo is Jack Hammer Global's Africa doctor and joins us to share her tips. Mr. Advaita, thank you very much for your time this afternoon. So let's start with just that. How should we understand AI and the recruitment space? What is the relationship?
Advaita Naidu: So, I'm glad you asked, and I love that, but wait. There's always more to the world of AI. When ChatGPT first gave us democratic access to AI tools over a year ago, I think many people thought about all the opportunities that were opening up, without considering the risks and threats. Indeed, the chances are quite good.
You can use it to reduce the time it takes to complete certain tasks or to be creative. The same is true when looking for a job.
You can use it to first create your resume and then tailor it for each role you apply for. If you are still misguided and have an employer who wants a cover letter, you can use it to write your cover letter. You can also evolve further. There are tools you can use to analyze your LinkedIn profile, optimize it to be more appealing, and actually market yourself.
Duduzile Ramela: You're talking about misguided employers in terms of asking for cover letters, but is that a thing of the past, please say yes.
Advaita Naidu: I wish that was a thing of the past, but I also understand why they still want it. Because they want to make sure they can customize your application to the role they're considering. But at the same time, I think we need consensus. They need to be able to look at your customized resume and decide if this person is a good fit for the role. Alternatively, you can customize your resume individually for each role you're applying for. You may end up repeating the information in your cover letter, but that's a bit of a waste of time. However, it may be used to test your communication skills. I think there needs to be a bit of give and take on both sides.
This very strict requirement for cover letters should really be a thing of the past.
Duduzile Ramela: So let's get down to business. How can you defeat a bot and distinguish it from other bots?
Advaita Naidu: Yes, there are a lot of these opportunities, but on the other hand, as you say, you have to beat the bots. These tools mean that applications for positions are rapidly increasing, so you're less likely to get noticed. Many companies use filtering software to filter out resumes and applications that don't meet their keyword requirements, but since it's so easy to apply, you'll have to work harder to stand out.
Therefore, the first thing we recommend is to thoroughly optimize your LinkedIn profile.
First, you can use it with AI, but you have to maintain it diligently to stay relevant. Hiring managers check candidates on her LinkedIn, so customize it to the right degree for the role in your industry.
So looking right also means choosing your images well. Your LinkedIn profile has a lot of information to help you with your marketing efforts, so take advantage of it. Your LinkedIn profile can show you more than your resume, so why not put it to good use?
Duduzile Ramela: What about keywords? There is a concept that I recently learned about. The idea is to use keywords in your job profile to help the bot select you.
Advaita Naidu: So I'm happy to say it's not as prevalent in South Africa as it is in other markets. I think it really puts people at a disadvantage when recruiters and hiring managers use these Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically filter out resumes that don't include keywords. . However, whenever possible, make sure your resume is relevant and bring what they are looking for. Because even if they're not using software, they're also looking at your resume. If you're not using information or language that's relevant to that recruiter, you're less likely to get noticed. So if they're talking about a specific project, point out what in your experience fits into what the hiring manager is looking for.
Read: How to enhance your career potential in the age of AI
Duduzile Ramela: Patience, how important patience is, because when you look at your situation, you see how hopeless it is, and you see that nothing is going to work out for you. But let's talk about how to train your mind to just wait and rest.
Advaita Naidu: So I think it's probably important to note that no one is rejecting you personally, but finding the right role is just as difficult as appointing the right person. . So let's get our mindset right. There will be anxiety, and there will also be frustration. Just think positive and take it on the chin. I think there are a few things you can do beyond optimizing your LinkedIn profile and optimizing your resume.
If you're submitting hundreds of applications a week, you need to be very organized because it's easy to lose track of what you're doing when you're doing that amount of work. So create a spreadsheet and organize your way around. So if there is a follow-up, you can refer to that opportunity right away. It won't be cluttered and will look more professional.
Read: Use employment AI to close the pay gap
I think patience means more than just sending out an application and waiting for someone to respond.
We need to network, but we don't have to fall into the trap of thinking it's not what you know that matters, but who you know. It does not demonstrate nepotism, but rather an ability to communicate and manage stakeholders and leverage networks to make the system work to their advantage.
So go out and network, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Don't be transactional about it. Let’s relate to it.
If you rely on your network for referrals, work hard for them. Forward your resume or profile to that person and say, “Could you pass this along? Here's a link to my profile.” Don't expect them to say, “Oh, I'm going to make an introduction and I'll remember about it in three days.” In that case, you won't be proactive and will rely on others to help you find work.
Duduzile Ramela: How about keeping it short and sharp? For that matter, don't send more than 5 pages of your resume.
Advaita Naidu: Please do not send more than 5 pages. Again, make sure you relate to all appropriate roles and titles. Employers want to know what makes you different from others doing the same job.
So instead of just listing your roles and responsibilities (which unfortunately many executives still do), talk about what your successes were.
What have you personally done to contribute to the company's success? Talk about your accomplishments and be outcome-oriented rather than task-based. Then, sure, 2-3 pages of great information that makes you want to know more is enough.
Read: AI professionals have hot new jobs worth over $1 million
Duduzile Ramela: Advaita Naidoo, thank you so much for taking the time to share your insight this afternoon. Advaita Naidoo is an African physician at Jack Hammer Global.
