How AI is likely to affect hiring

As AI tools get more advanced, hiring practices may start looking different. Roles that require creative thinking, decision-making, people skills and adaptability may be less likely to be replaced by machines.

For example, teaching professionals adjust their approach based on complex, individual student needs, and managers make quick decisions to benefit the business.

New ways to approach your hiring process may include:

• Adding work simulations or skills assessments to test how candidates handle real-world situations
• Designing interviews that focus on adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration and emotional intelligence
• Looking for candidates who demonstrate resilience and are curious about learning new skills

New roles may also emerge as current ones become irrelevant. For example, you would likely still need someone to oversee data entry and check for accuracy.

Why some roles may change

Jobs that involve repetitive tasks may be more likely to be affected by automation. They’re important roles, but they typically follow consistent patterns that machines can be trained to perform. Understanding how the workforce is changing helps you plan for reskilling employees, offering new training opportunities and transitioning workers into new roles. 

Examples of roles that may evolve or be automated

Here are some examples of job titles that may change or be replaced by automated systems over the next five years:

1. Order Picker

Order Pickers use serial numbers, barcodes and other identifiers to locate items in warehouses and get them ready for shipping. As AI tools for product identifiers become more common, an Order Picker role may shift to include tasks such as monitoring machines or handling exceptions. 

2. Tax Preparer

Tax Preparers help individuals and businesses file their tax returns. The process involves reviewing documents and entering information into software. Current AI tools can automatically import a lot of the same information without human input, so demand for Tax Preparers may decline as software becomes increasingly available.

3. Cashier

Cashiers scan merchandise, process credit card payments, give customers change and perform light customer service duties. Many fast food restaurants and retail environments now have self-service terminals, which means businesses may need to hire fewer Cashiers.

4. File Clerk

File Clerks typically manage and organize physical documents. As more companies implement the use of digital records, AI tools and software can automate the process in higher volumes and potentially in less time. File Clerks may transition into digital document management roles or perform broader office manager tasks. 

5. Outside Sales Representative

Some companies are using AI-powered systems that can place calls and deliver pre-recorded messages. These systems can handle large call volumes and eliminate some Outside Sales Representative tasks, potentially reducing how many you need to hire. Many roles rely heavily on relationship building and pivoting based on customer needs, areas where humans continue to perform better than AI. 

6. Legal Secretary

Legal Secretaries support law offices by preparing documents and managing communication. Digital tools can now automate contract analysis and other administrative functions, reducing manual effort. As roles shift, Legal Secretaries’ jobs may involve technology-enabled workflows. 

7. Assemblers

Assemblers use gears, screws and other components to create finished products. Robotics, AI tools and automation systems are increasingly used to make some assembly lines fully automated, reducing the need for human labor.

8. Travel Agent

Customers can now use online AI tools to search for attractions, compare hotels and find the best prices on airfare and lodging. Some tools make travel recommendations based on a customer’s budget, interests or preferred vacation type. 

Supporting employees through change

If your business includes roles that may evolve, you might support your team in the following ways:

• Offering professional development, upskilling programs and cross-training
• Helping team members understand their new role and why the change has taken place
• Communicating early about any changes and being reassuring
• Providing an anonymous way for employees to ask questions
• Creating opportunities for employees to share feedback and suggest improvements as a team

What skills will still be in demand? 

Automation can take over certain tasks, but people still have many strengths that machines can’t replicate. Examples of skills that might become more valuable include:

• Working with new technology
• Adapting to change
• Leading teams or projects
• Building trust and strong relationships with customers 
• Solving complex problems that require critical thinking
• Using soft skills and cultural awareness to connect with employees and colleagues

The future of work

Some roles may be phased out, but others will likely be created. For example, in the future you might need to hire:

• AI Input Specialists
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Data and analytics professionals
• User support and training teams
• Digital Operations Managers
• Digital Community Managers