Jennifer Benskin’s Post

AI statistics can be alarming. The World Economic Forum predicts 85 million jobs replaced by AI soon. Resume Builder reports that a third of workers have already been impacted. But, as Tom Barnett from Jackson Lewis says, “We currently live in a narrow AI world.” AI excels at specialized tasks but falls short in roles requiring creativity, leadership, and diverse thinking. In finance and HR, AI enhances tasks like data analysis and compliance. Yet, the strategic decision-making in these fields still relies heavily on human insight. What about jobs replaced by AI? New roles will emerge. With 18+ years in recruitment, I’ve witnessed the job market evolve. My role is to identify these new opportunities and match the right talent to them. Despite AI's advancements, there will always be jobs. Understanding the synergy between AI capabilities and human expertise is crucial for the future of work.

The young adults who graduated this year are a unique group. They seek companies that align with their values and offer personal growth. They’re not necessarily gravitating toward flashy tech jobs but look for work that is rewarding and stable. In fact, they’re applying for more government jobs and avoiding companies with recent layoffs. They care deeply about employer reputation and read reviews before applying. They want jobs where they can come into the office, but don’t always have to. If you want to appeal to this demographic, working with a recruiter like myself can be a great way to connect with Gen Z new grads. For 18+ years, I’ve been studying the talent market, noticing trends, and helping hiring managers find the ideal candidates.

The happiest we’ve ever been at work? In the midst of a pandemic, believe it or not. Now, with the pandemic behind us, employee happiness is plunging, according to many surveys. Particularly unhappy industries, according to BambooHR, include healthcare and hospitality. The happiest in 2023? Construction! This industry’s net promoter scores have stayed consistently high. Technology is another field where employees are generally happy, but those scores have begun to slip, with a 145% rate of decline recently. How about you? Are you happy at work? My job as a recruiter at Benskin & Hott Talent Partners is to find people roles where they’ll thrive, and on the flip side, find the people who will thrive in the roles for my client companies.

“It’s a buyer’s market for brain and a seller’s market for brawn.” — Aaron Terrazas, chief economist at Glassdoor When you talk to recruiters like those of us at Benskin & Hott Talent Partners, you’ll often hear general statements about the state of the workforce and hiring. But the truth is more nuanced and granular. Right now, skilled labor is in hot demand, with roles in manufacturing and labor more available than white-collar information work. Economists refer to this as a “two-track job market” where conditions vary greatly between these sectors. Despite these differences, economists feel positively about the overall unemployment rate. Harvard professor and economic advisor Jason Furman even called it “reassuring.” As for me, I talk to many hiring managers and job seekers every day in my role as a recruiter, and I am feeling very positive about the job market right now.

Looking to attract the up-and-coming generation of professionals known as Gen Z? Here are some of the things they look for in a job, according to freelance talent platform a.team: - 4-day workweeks - Flexible work - A freelance lifestyle Do none of the above describe your company? Don’t sweat it. You simply need to work with a good, ahem, recruiter. Those of us in the hiring trenches everyday know that despite statistics and demographics, there’s a perfect candidate for nearly every job. You just need the right tools and resources to find that person. I’ve been helping align people with jobs for 18+ years, and I can help you find the right talent, too.

If you have your sights set on a remote job, beware of pitfalls in the hiring process for these roles. They include: Poor communication, which is unlikely to improve once you’re hired. Good remote work starts with good communication. Excessive communication that borders on micromanagement — this should be evident during the hiring process. Lack of remote onboarding: “You’re going to have to come here for orientation” signals that the remote setup hasn’t been fully worked out. Essentially, red flags in the remote hiring process typically lead to bad news in the remote job. To ensure you’re interviewing with a solid remote employer, it’s best to work with a recruiter experienced in this area. At Benskin & Hott Talent Partners, we have the expertise to help you navigate this tricky landscape. Reach out today for help finding a new remote role.

Beware the love bombers. They’re the hiring managers who shower job candidates with adoration and attention during the hiring process, only to lowball you when they make an offer or execute another sort of bait and switch. The love bomber glosses over the negative aspects of a role. They make the company culture sound like a perfect fit for you, even when it’s not. Or they act enthusiastic about your chances of landing the job, then never call you again. A recent survey by Greenhouse found that more than half of job seekers feel they’ve been love bombed during the interview process. Often, they’ve then been ghosted. Working with a recruiter like myself and those at Benskin & Hott Talent Partners is one way to ensure you will hear back after an interview. However, I cannot promise how the interview itself will go. It’s always a good idea to be aware of how an interviewer might present differently than they actually are.

When I began my career as a recruiter 18+ years ago, tattoos were still discouraged in the white-collar world. But things change rapidly. Now, when someone rolls up their sleeve or loosens their tie and a tattoo comes into view, no one really blinks. A University of Miami study found that tattooed people are just as likely, if not more likely, to land jobs compared to those without tattoos. If you hire within your role, do you have a point of view on this? To tattoo or not to tattoo? And if you already have a tattoo, is it best to hide it when interviewing and at work? Or is it perfectly acceptable these days to showcase your authentic body art?