Software Engineers REAL problem with AI and Jobs

Internet of Bugs
19 Mar 202413:29

TLDRCarl, a 35-year software professional, discusses the impact of AI on the job market for developers. He refutes the notion that AI will replace software engineers and addresses the problem of AI tools flooding job applications, leading to difficulty in getting resumes noticed. Carl suggests that the old-fashioned method of networking, attending meetups, and contacting recruiters directly might be more effective in today's AI-dominated job market. He advises job seekers to learn about in-demand skills from recruiters and possibly work on side projects to highlight these skills.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 AI's impact on the job market for developers is significant, but not as a direct replacement for software engineers.
  • 📈 The use of AI tools for resume customization and job application automation is overwhelming the job market.
  • 💡 Employers are also using AI to screen applicants, which can filter out human-crafted resumes that don't match AI-optimized criteria.
  • 🚫 The current job hunting methods are not as effective due to the prevalence of AI in the process.
  • 👥 Networking and talking to humans is crucial in job hunting, as it circumvents AI-related issues.
  • 📍 Attending meetups, job fairs, and conferences can provide opportunities to connect with potential employers or co-workers.
  • 📞 Cold calling recruiters can be beneficial; they can offer insights into in-demand skills and job opportunities.
  • 🔍 Recruiters can be a valuable resource for understanding the job market and what skills are currently sought after.
  • ⚖️ Be cautious with recruiters; don't give them blanket permission to submit your application, but maintain open communication.
  • 🛠️ Use information from recruiters to identify valuable skills and technologies to learn or work on in side projects.
  • 🌐 While AI is changing the landscape, there remains a strong demand for software developers due to the ubiquity of software.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue Carl addresses regarding the job market for developers?

    -Carl addresses the issue of AI tools being used to automate job applications, which leads to an overwhelming number of applicants for job postings, making it difficult for human developers to get noticed by employers.

  • What does Carl suggest is the real impact of AI on the job market for developers?

    -Carl suggests that the real impact of AI is that it is creating a mess in the job market by causing an influx of automated applications and by filtering out human resumes that don't match the desired keywords as an AI service would.

  • How does Carl describe the current state of job hunting for developers?

    -Carl describes the current state of job hunting as slower and requiring more patience, due to the influence of AI tools on both sides of the hiring process.

  • What was the traditional method of job hunting that Carl mentions?

    -The traditional method of job hunting that Carl mentions is talking to people, either through meetups, job fairs, or conferences, to establish personal connections and find job opportunities.

  • Why does Carl suggest that contacting recruiters directly can be beneficial?

    -Contacting recruiters directly can be beneficial because it allows developers to have a real conversation about their skills and the市场需求, potentially leading to job opportunities that are a good fit and providing valuable insights into what skills are currently in demand.

  • What advice does Carl give for developers looking to stand out in the current job market?

    -Carl advises developers to learn about the skills that are currently in demand, as identified by recruiters, and to possibly work on side projects involving those skills to showcase their abilities and marketability.

  • How does Carl view the role of AI in the future of software engineering jobs?

    -Carl believes that AI will not replace all software engineers in the foreseeable future, and he has created a playlist of videos to discuss why AI cannot and will not take over all programming jobs.

  • What is Carl's recommendation for developers who are only interested in remote jobs?

    -For developers interested only in remote jobs, Carl suggests skipping to the chapter about voice calls in the video playlist, as remote jobs present additional challenges due to the difficulty of making personal connections over long distances.

  • How does Carl propose developers can gain an advantage in the job market?

    -Carl proposes that developers can gain an advantage by networking in person at relevant meetups, job fairs, or trade shows, and by contacting recruiters to understand the current skills in demand and tailor their skillsets accordingly.

  • What should developers avoid when dealing with recruiters?

    -Developers should avoid giving recruiters blanket permission to submit them for any job. Instead, they should express their interest in specific positions and make it clear that they are exploring other opportunities as well.

  • What does Carl suggest is the long-term solution to the AI-induced issues in the job market?

    -Carl does not claim to know the exact long-term solution but suggests that companies will need to hire and find alternative ways to navigate the issues caused by AI in the hiring process.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 AI's Impact on the Job Market for Developers

Carl, a software professional with 35 years of experience, discusses the impact of AI on the job market for developers. He refutes the idea that AI will replace all software engineers and highlights the real issue: the overuse of AI tools in job applications, leading to employers being overwhelmed with automated resumes and cover letters. This problem is particularly prevalent in developer positions due to the profession's propensity to use AI tools. Carl also addresses the double-edged sword of AI in resume screening, which both floods employers with applications and filters out deserving candidates. He criticizes the AI service industry for creating a money-extracting scam and suggests that the traditional way of job hunting, which involves human interaction, is more effective in the current AI-dominated landscape.

05:01

🤝 Building Networks and Connecting with Recruiters

Carl emphasizes the importance of networking and personal connections in the job search process. He suggests attending meetups, job fairs, and conferences to meet potential future coworkers and recruiters. He shares his belief that the old-fashioned way of job hunting, which involves talking to humans, is crucial in an AI-dominated job market. Carl also recommends cold calling recruiters to establish a direct line of communication and to gain insights into the skills that are in demand. He advises against giving recruiters blanket permissions to represent you and suggests using conversations with them to identify valuable skills and opportunities in the market.

10:02

🛠️ Adapting to the Changing Job Market

Carl concludes the video by offering advice on navigating the changing job market. He encourages submitting resumes online but warns not to rely solely on this method. He suggests focusing on hybrid or on-site jobs rather than remote ones for better networking opportunities. He also advises attending industry-specific events to make human connections and to contact recruiting firms to understand the skills in demand. Carl warns against giving recruiters unrestricted control over your job search and recommends using their insights to learn new skills and work on side projects. He ends with a message of hope, reminding viewers that despite AI's impact, there will always be a need for software development and that opportunities abound for those willing to adapt.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI impact on job market

The video discusses the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the job market for software developers. It addresses the common belief that AI will replace software engineers, which the speaker, Carl, refutes. The real issue, as per Carl, is how AI tools are being used to automate job applications, leading to a flood of resumes and cover letters that make it difficult for human recruiters to find suitable candidates.

💡Auto-customized resumes

Auto-customized resumes refer to the practice where individuals use AI tools to tailor their resumes to match the keywords in job postings. This is done to increase the chances of passing the initial AI screening process employed by many companies. However, this leads to a high volume of applications, making it harder for recruiters to identify the best candidates.

💡Job hunting

Job hunting in the context of the video refers to the process of seeking and applying for employment opportunities. Carl explains that the traditional methods of job hunting are not as effective due to the prevalence of AI tools that automate the application process. He suggests that job seekers need to be patient and consider old-fashioned methods of networking and direct human contact.

💡AI screening

AI screening is the use of artificial intelligence to filter through job applications based on specific criteria such as keywords, resume format, and other factors. Companies use AI to streamline the hiring process, but as the video explains, this can lead to the exclusion of qualified candidates whose resumes do not match the AI's criteria perfectly.

💡Networking

Networking refers to the process of building and maintaining professional relationships. In the context of the video, Carl suggests that networking is a traditional method of job hunting that can be effective in bypassing AI screening tools. By attending industry events and making personal connections, job seekers can increase their chances of finding opportunities that are not advertised or accessible through AI.

💡Recruiters

Recruiters are professionals who help match job seekers with employment opportunities. In the video, Carl suggests that despite the negative perception some may have of recruiters due to unsolicited emails or calls, they can be a valuable resource for job seekers. By reaching out to recruiters directly, job seekers can gain insights into the skills that are in demand and potentially find job opportunities.

💡Hybrid jobs

Hybrid jobs refer to work arrangements where employees split their time between working in the office and working remotely. In the context of the video, Carl suggests that job seekers might have better luck finding employment with hybrid or on-site jobs rather than purely remote positions, as the latter can be more affected by AI screening tools.

💡Old-fashioned job hunting

Old-fashioned job hunting refers to traditional methods of seeking employment that involve direct human interaction, such as attending job fairs, networking events, or making personal contacts. The video emphasizes the importance of returning to these methods in the current AI-dominated job market to stand out among automated applications.

💡AI services

AI services in the context of the video refer to the various tools and platforms that utilize artificial intelligence to assist in tasks such as resume screening and job application processing. These services are sold to companies as a solution for efficient hiring but also to job seekers as a means to get their applications noticed. However, Carl argues that these services often lead to a loss of efficiency and personal touch in the hiring process.

💡Remote jobs

Remote jobs are employment opportunities where the work is done outside of a traditional office setting, often from home or any other location with internet access. The video points out that remote jobs can be more challenging to secure due to the difficulty of making personal connections over long distances, which can be hindered by AI job services.

💡Meetups

Meetups are informal gatherings of people with shared interests, often organized through platforms like Meetup.com. In the context of job hunting, meetups provide an opportunity for professionals to network, share knowledge, and potentially find job leads. Carl suggests that attending meetups related to one's field can be a valuable strategy to circumvent AI screening and make meaningful connections.

Highlights

Carl, a software professional with 35 years of experience, discusses the real impact of AI on the job market for developers.

Contrary to popular belief, Carl argues that AI will not replace all software engineers.

AI tools are being used to auto-customize resumes and auto-generate cover letters, leading to a flood of applications for employers.

Employers are also using AI to screen applicants, leading to a double problem for job seekers as AI filters both incoming and outgoing applications.

Carl suggests that the AI services are creating a money-extracting scam for both job seekers and employers.

The traditional method of job hunting, which involved human interaction, has been disrupted by AI.

Carl shares his experience of getting jobs through LinkedIn and suggests that the platform's effectiveness has diminished.

He advises job seekers to return to the old-fashioned way of getting jobs by talking to people and building networks.

Carl emphasizes the importance of meeting humans who make the final hiring decisions, despite the prevalence of AI in the hiring process.

He provides a strategy for job seekers to find and attend meetups, job fairs, and conferences to meet relevant professionals and recruiters.

Carl suggests that job seekers should not view their peers at meetups as competition but as potential future coworkers.

He recommends cold calling recruiters and having direct conversations to understand the current market needs and trends.

Carl advises against giving recruiters blanket permission to submit your application, and instead, engage in specific discussions about potential job fits.

He encourages job seekers to learn about the skills that recruiters are having trouble filling, as these are opportunities to stand out.

Carl's advice is particularly aimed at the US market and may not be applicable to non-US job seekers.

He acknowledges that his strategies may not be as effective for remote jobs due to the difficulty of making personal connections over long distances.

Carl concludes by expressing optimism about the ongoing demand for software developers and the opportunities in the software industry.

He invites viewers to leave comments for further discussion and to explore his other videos on the topic.