Employers are more likely to offer job interviews and higher salaries to graduates with experience in artificial intelligence (AI), according to a study published in Oxford Economic Papers. Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University conducted an experiment using 21-year-old British applicants with a 2:1 degree. Some applicants had taken an ‘AI in business’ module which was mentioned in their cover letter. Male applicants with AI experience received interview invitations in 54% of cases compared to 28% for those without AI experience. Female applicants with AI experience had a 50% invitation rate compared to 32% for those without.
The study involved 1,360 applications from male applicants and 1,316 from female applicants to a total of 680 UK companies. Applicants with AI experience were more likely to be shortlisted for jobs with higher salaries. In large firms, those with AI experience were 36 percentage points more likely to be invited for an interview than in small-medium sized firms. Male applicants with AI qualifications were offered jobs with wages that were 12% higher on average, while female applicants with AI qualifications had job offers with wages that were 13% higher.
Lead author Professor Nick Drydakis emphasized the significance of AI knowledge and skills in job applicants. He mentioned that firms need to upgrade their workforces to meet the demands of AI in the workforce. He also explained that applicants with AI experience might possess skills related to data analysis, decision-making, creativity, innovation, and communication, which can enhance business operations and productivity. Larger firms, in particular, valued AI experience possibly due to their involvement in AI-based technological transformations and innovation.
The research highlights the growing importance of AI skills in job applications due to the significant advantages it provides in terms of interview invitations and salary offers. It emphasizes the need for job seekers to equip themselves with AI knowledge and skills to enhance their employability and access to higher-paying jobs. The study also indicates the changing landscape of the workforce with the increasing influence of AI, urging firms to adapt and upgrade their workforce to meet these demands. Overall, the findings suggest that AI knowledge and skills are valuable assets that can significantly impact job opportunities and career advancement.
