New Hires Face 22% Role Shortage Amid AI Advancements

New hires are facing significant challenges as they enter the labor market, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and rapid advancements in AI. Jacqui Canney, chief people and AI enablement officer at a software company, highlights that more than 22% of open roles at the company are designated for those early in their careers, with plans to take on 530 interns this year. Canney emphasizes the importance of in-person presence in the office, noting that the best learning happens when people are in the same room. She advises new hires to be present in meetings, regardless of whether it's their job to solve the problem at hand, to gain a deeper understanding of how the company operates.

Canney also stresses the importance of younger workers constantly coming up with new ideas. The company hosts hackathons to encourage this group to think about AI and ways it can help the organization. She recommends that young people looking to be successful should not hold back when it comes to pitching new products or ways to make work more efficient. However, she cautions new hires against highlighting academic achievements over work experience, as early jobs can help build crucial soft skills that employers value.

Patricia Morais, the chief people officer of ServiceNow, has identified several key challenges that new hires often encounter. One of the primary pitfalls is the lack of a clear understanding of the company's culture and values, which can lead to misalignment with the organization's goals and expectations. Morais advises new employees to actively seek out information about the company's mission, vision, and core values, and to engage with colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational culture.

Another significant challenge is the overwhelming amount of information and tasks that new hires are often faced with. This can result in feelings of being overwhelmed and unsure of where to focus their efforts. Morais recommends that new employees prioritize their tasks based on the company's objectives and seek guidance from their supervisors or mentors. By breaking down their workload into manageable chunks and focusing on high-priority tasks, new hires can better manage their time and reduce stress.

Morais also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the organization. New hires often struggle to establish connections with their colleagues, which can hinder their ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to the team's success. She advises new employees to be proactive in reaching out to their colleagues, participating in team-building activities, and seeking opportunities for collaboration. By building a strong network within the organization, new hires can gain valuable insights, support, and mentorship that can help them succeed in their roles.

In addition to these challenges, Morais highlights the importance of continuous learning and development. The technology industry is constantly evolving, and new hires must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments to remain competitive. Morais advises new employees to take advantage of the company's training and development resources, attend industry conferences and workshops, and seek out opportunities for professional growth. By investing in their own development, new hires can enhance their skills and knowledge, making them more valuable to the organization and better equipped to meet the demands of their roles.

Overall, the insights provided by Canney and Morais offer valuable guidance for new hires looking to navigate the challenges of joining a new organization. By understanding the company's culture, prioritizing tasks, building strong relationships, and investing in continuous learning, new employees can set themselves up for success and make a positive impact on the organization.