AI as a tool to help finding a job

Abstract

4TH CONGRESS OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS OF CATALONIA: TOWARDS A MORE DIGITAL AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY (2024)

THEMATIC AXIS: 4. HUMAN CAPITAL AND THE FUTURE OF WORK/The future of work in a world governed by artificial intelligence.
COMMUNICATION TITLE: "AI as a tool to help finding a job".

AUTHORS: Javier M. Asenjo Fernández (UOC), Manuel Murillo Rosado (UB)

JUSTIFICATION: AI is at the center of many debates. However, approaches are needed to take advantage of the opportunities and assess the risks of applying it to solve specific problems, in this case job search.

OBJECTIVES:
- Describe an overview of the process and a methodology for applying AI to job search and assess its risks and opportunities.
- To share various practical experiences carried out in this context (Porta 22 of Barcelona Activa, public institute, private university, professional college).

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION
AI is a set of computer programs that simulate human intelligence through statistical predictions and other techniques. Its origin dates back to the 50's with the work of Alan Turing (among others) and in November 2022, the open launch of the GPT Chat by the company Open AI is a catalyst for all previous contributions, opening a world of new opportunities and challenges at a global level.
This paper proposes the use of this technology as an aid to find a job, with all the pros and cons that this entails. A global vision of the process and an applied methodology based on conversational chatbots, note takers, multimedia generators (images, videos and audio) is described.

AREAS OF APPLICATION OF IA TO JOB SEARCH
There are three areas where AI can bring value to job search. Firstly, improving knowledge: one's own (personal SWOT) and others' (market, sector, company, job position). Secondly, the sharpening of tools: CV, presentation communication (letter, mail, LinkedIn post, Whatsapp), portfolio (web, blog, social networks...), interview, tests and group dynamics. Finally it can be applied to continuous improvement through reflection on the preparation and execution of the process (feedback).

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES
The authors have conducted several practical workshops in the context of this proposal. They have focused on training for the recruitment interview. Three phases have been worked on: script preparation (using chatbots), interview practice (with note takers for videoconferencing) and continuous improvement (chatbots and images). The aspects verified may be interesting for this area and extrapolated to others.

The workshops have been carried out mainly for Barcelona Activa (in Porta 22) both face-to-face and virtual. Also for educational centers: Palau Ausit Public Institute (Ripollet) and Mediterrani University School (Barcelona). Finally, two conferences for the Association of Economists of Catalonia.

CONCLUSIONS
In the first place, the initial balance is positive, it has generated interest and participation.  However, potential risks must be monitored: data protection, hallucinations, ethical aspects. Finally, this model is potentially transferable to other contexts and scalable to improve its impact on society.