Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made a huge impact on people and businesses worldwide and today’s employers have readily embraced the new technology and identified its benefits. 

As AI technologies continue to evolve, they will continue to reshape the job market, making it more important for graduates to understand its current and future potential. 

Embracing AI has become not just an advantage but a necessity with companies realising the advantages of keeping pace with digital advance. If you consider, for example, how giants like Netflix use technology to innovate business, the possibilities for AI seem endless. For graduates looking to stand out in the job market, adding AI on a CV shows employers that you recognise its capabilities and are prepared to embrace its potential for innovation, success, and progression. 

This article explores the reasons to master and add AI as a supplementary skill on your CV, showing HR and future employers that you’re comfortable with its concept, and are happy to embrace its capabilities in any line of work.

Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)

First of all, it’s important to understand what AI is, how it might support you as a graduate, and its widespread application across industries. AI is designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. 

Today, companies recognise the value in implementing AI. Indeed, it’s hard to avoid seeing AI in action on websites or in day-to-day business operations if you’ve been on a placement and worked online. Companies use AI software to talk to consumers via Chatbots that simulate conversations or to tick off routine tasks and save time with a virtual assistant. 

They use the tools as they emerge and adapt to streamline and improve areas of their organisation to become more efficient, cost-effective, and quicker. According to PwC’s 2024 Global CEO Survey, 84% of CEOs in a variety of sectors have adopted AI because of its power to increase productivity and, indirectly, add value to their business. In addition, 70% of CEOs think that AI will significantly change the way their company runs in the following three years.

Realising why AI matters to graduates

When it comes to graduates looking for a new job, it makes sense to look at the sector you’re interested in, and then work out how AI is making an impact there. When you look at which industries embraced AI the fastest in the UK, studies show that while IT and digital agencies may have embraced the tools quickly, fashion, electronics, and eCommerce retailers were first off the mark to upskill employees with AI skills. Indeed, the Government responded by announcing plans in January 2024 to encourage companies to embrace these emerging technologies.

Arguably, as 97% of organisations have already identified the benefits of AI, it seems clear that employers will continue to welcome applicants with AI knowledge and those willing to learn more, and keep updated on new applications. 

Highlighting AI skills to boost your CV

If you haven’t already familiarised yourself with AI concepts and terminology, there are some great online courses available and you can also list these skills and projects on your CV. In addition, think about supplementing your CV, work experience, and qualifications with AI skills. 

Demonstrating AI literacy as a graduate will show employers and recruitment teams that you’re forward-thinking and adaptable, in addition to being:

• Good at problem-solving and can solve complex problems efficiently.
• Able to make dat-adriven decisions and are analytical
• Showing the ability to innovate.

However, it’s important to use AI technology with caution and only if the task or project permits it. There are ethical considerations and issues around bias, privacy, and transparency. The University of Westminster welcomes the reasonable use of AI software to support students on their career journeys and platforms like CareerSet, can help graduates create brilliant CVs. Employers, though, value graduates who can navigate these complex issues responsibly. 

Keeping informed about AI developments

Keeping informed about AI is important for graduates especially if you’ve identified how the technology is being used in your field, profession, and sector of interest. Therefore, regardless of your degree, start to look out for potential AI applications that are relevant to your field and research how AI is being used in your industry. 

Having up-to-date knowledge can be valuable during interviews. It shows employers that you understand the practical applications of AI in your specific area of expertise. Likewise, you can also participate in AI-related projects to gain experience and experiment with the technology as it advances, either through internships, volunteer work, or personal initiatives. Highlighting these projects on your CV will also demonstrate your hands-on experience.

Meanwhile, with the technology there, use AI to optimise your job search. In addition to AI-powered CV tools like CareerSet, AI can help to highlight relevant keywords and create a well-written job application or cover letter. Lastly, if you’re actively searching for a job, check out AI-driven job platforms that match your skills and preferences as well as advertise job vacancies.

As AI continues to transform the job market, if you proactively embrace this technology you can give yourselves a distinct advantage. By learning AI basics, experiencing and learning its practical application, and applying AI knowledge to your degree or direction of study, you can enhance your CV and position yourself as a forward-thinking, adaptable candidate. 

With careful planning, continuous learning, and a proactive mindset, any new and lifelong skill is valuable both personally and professionally.

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Thank you to Dakota for writing this blog!

Dakota Murphey is an established freelance writer who regularly contributes to a number of authoritative resources online. She specialises in eCommerce, Digital Business, Marketing, Public Relations, Human Resources, Company Growth and Cybersecurity.

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