Why these soft skills are invaluable in the age of AI
The recent artificial intelligence boom has changed the way we interact with technology forever. The seemingly boundless capabilities of chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT allow everyday people to cut down on tedious busywork at the office and can supplement more advanced skills, such as writing computer code.
Despite all the excitement, it’s natural to be a little concerned about how AI will impact the future of work—and some industries are more likely to be affected than others.
But no matter how advanced AI becomes, it will always lack a certain human touch. In his latest article for Forbes, senior contributor John Hall argues that “developing and strengthening the unique skills AI can’t touch will be more crucial than ever” as workers seek to navigate this new landscape.
Sure, you can have a back-and-forth conversation with an advanced chatbot, but that’s simply not the same as being confident when talking with other people. Despite the fact that much of our communication with co-workers these days can be done via email or Slack, it’s still vital to build up strong interpersonal skills. In fact, as Hall reports in his story, research from Harvard Business Review found C-suite professionals rank interpersonal skills as a necessity for succeeding in the era of AI.
Work on improving your communication skills by actively seeking out colleagues to chat with in both casual and formal situations. Don’t forget to speak up in meetings—offer ideas and don’t fade into the background. Additionally, being competent in conflict resolution is a huge plus, and can often put your emotional intelligence on display.
And while AI can undoubtedly help you in many aspects of your work, it’s still important to improve on your critical thinking abilities. Everyday use of AI isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we can’t lose sight of the reality that chatbots often produce incorrect information. The ability to fact-check AI and recognize its flaws is an excellent way to prove you are a competent critical thinker. Seek out other potential issues like this to prove to your employer that you are a capable problem-solver. “If you can connect the dots and realize when something doesn’t add up, your chances of growing into new roles increase,” Hall writes.
Make sure to dig into the full article for more soft skills that will set you on a path to success, even as AI disrupts how everyday work is done.
If you get to the interview phase when searching for a new job, you have reached an incredibly important stage in the hiring process. This is your chance to make a lasting impression, and how you perform will play a big part in whether you land the job.
At Forbes, we have plenty of advice on how to answer specific interview questions, such as “How do you handle conflict?” or “What are you passionate about?” Practice is crucial so that you know what you are going to say and how you will frame your career history once the interview starts.
As contributor Sho Dewan recently wrote, it’s just as important to know what not to say during this process. Here are a few things to avoid during your next interview:
- Don’t Talk Badly About Your Boss: If you currently have a job, it’s possible—even likely—that an interviewer will ask why you want to leave your current position. Steer clear of any temptation to speak negatively about your manager or your company, as this can appear unprofessional. Instead, mention that you’re seeking out a new opportunity, or that the job you are applying for better aligns with your career goals.
- Don’t Say You’re Open To Any Role: Sometimes there are multiple job openings at a single company, but invest your time and energy into applying for the one that interests you the most. If you tell an interviewer you aren’t sure which position would be better for you, it could suggest that “you have not taken the time to assess your skills, strengths, and interests.”
- Don’t Say You Have Zero Questions: Every interview is likely to end with: “Do you have any questions for me?” A response like, “No, I think we covered everything,” not only suggests that you aren’t naturally curious, it also wastes an opportunity for you to learn more about the company culture so that you can make an informed decision about working there.
Dewan covers even more interview no-no’s in his full story, so be sure to give it a read.
