Recruiters are Valuing Analytical Skills Over AI Capabilities

Associations are interested in hiring employees with AI skills, but employers are actually placing a higher value on other things, like analytical and communication skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of the importance of engagement. Mark Athitakis writes about this trend for Associations Now. 

Corporate recruiters from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) released a new survey ranking valuable attributes on resumes, AI skills came in at 14 on the scale. The survey reveals the recruiters’ preferences for communication, critical thought, and engagement emphasis. Here’s a breakdown of each of those skillsets:

Successful communication:i Seamless teamwork requires strong, open communication. Specifically, the GMAC survey revealed that employers highly value verbal communication and presentation capabilities.  Active listening and conflict resolution skills are also important, but came in at lower spots on the list. Members should be able to communicate the information they’ve learned and strategize a path forward together.

Critical thinking: While AI is adept at regurgitating and summarizing information or processing data, it should not replace human critical thinking. Humans are able to interpret information and understand its place within the organization as whole and react accordingly.

Engagement emphasis: Organizations heavily demand people who understand the value of audience engagement. Association leaders must build their management strategies on this understanding—pivoting when new information emerges and tailoring plans to drive membership rates. Because this requires genuine emotional intelligence, AI cannot replicate it.

AI skills are becoming more relevant by the day, but association leaders value analytical capabilities and soft skills even more.