The future of employment is shaped by AI

Approaching a group of strangers at a conference and not knowing anything about their background or professional interests, isn't fun for most founders, investors, or executives. Their busy schedules leave no time for pointless chatting.  Although online platforms have removed some awkward aspects of networking, existing platforms still aren't efficient enough. A lot of time and effort is wasted before you finally connect with the right person. 

The good news is that thanks to artificial intelligence professional networking platforms are set for disruption. Here are just a few recent trends proving that the AI revolution is coming. 

Reducing costs
With rising inflation and recession on everyone's mind, businesses are looking to cut costs by outsourcing work. Global hiring increased 145% in 2022 and continues to grow. Understanding and motivating foreign employees is hard, unless the company managers are coming from similar cultural backgrounds. Businesses with a long-term vision are heavily investing in AI, instead of work outsourcing. They know that technology could partially or fully replace their software engineers, HRs, and other staff members.

Read more: AI and data science is transforming safety into a workplace benefit

Outsourcing as a way to reduce costs is a temporary solution. Still, in the next few years, companies will be actively hiring remote and international employees. So building online connections across the globe is important. For tech professionals hoping to keep their job, or younger generations entering the workforce, my advice is to learn different AI tools. The future of work will be bright for people who can interact with a different type of intelligence. The rest of us, unfortunately, are replaceable, software engineers including.    

Still feeling a little metaversy? 
Offline events used to be the essence of business networking. But in 2022, 67% of event professionals say hybrid is their go-to format for events. This combines aspects of traditional in-person networking with virtual or digital components. We'll be working, and not just living, in a version of "Blade Runner." People meeting offline can later connect in the virtual space. Although the metaverse is now officially the worst performing sector in blockchain, the future still lies somewhere in between virtual and physical reality. So, if you're still feeling a little metaversy, you'll get to experience the merging of two worlds very soon. 

Read more: How Bank of America is mastering the metaverse

What's important is that AI can enhance the hybrid experience. For example, it can suggest that you attend the same event as your prospective client. Even if you're an efficient networker, always preparing before the physical event, technology can match you with the right people. More and more virtual parties and concerts are now hosted in the metaverse. By enhancing these virtual experiences with AI, professionals can grow their networks quickly and efficiently. 

AI as a tool to build trust
The amount of white-collars looking for side projects, in addition to their full time jobs, tripled in 2022. They're now joined by the recent casualties of layoffs and new graduates who used to see tech companies as a safe haven. This is a huge army of people, and they'll never find a high-profile, well-paid gig unless they build their network: 70-80% of job openings never even get published. Those positions are closed through personal connections. Traditional job boards aren't helpful either: they're focused on full-time employment. Most platforms for freelancers offer low pay and take a huge share of profits. Also, businesses often don't trust these platforms because of the high possibility of fake reviews and a huge amount of poor quality offers. 

Read more: Does AI generated imagery belong in employee communications?

Until recently, personal referrals helped freelance professionals to establish trust and build their side hustle that could turn into business. This is where AI takes the spotlight by helping you to connect with "friends of your friends." According to our research, 24% of people help others if they have mutual connections. In comparison, only 3% respond to cold pitches from complete strangers with "no friends in common." This means you're eight times more likely to get a response to your message if you have mutual connections with the person you approached.

Wanted: All things simple and stress-free
Post-pandemic burnout is taking a toll on all of us. Millennials have exhausted their capacity for all things complicated and want their relationships — both work and personal — to be simple and easy. GenZs, who are now entering the workforce, have a shorter attention span and lower commitment than previous generations.    

Networking as we know it — with a lot of effort to focus on self-presentation, research and pitching — now takes too much energy. Tech professionals, for example, normally struggle with describing their achievements, feeling awkward promoting themselves. The hardest aspects of building new connections — writing bios, intros and cold messages — should be delegated to AI so that we can focus on the joy of human connection and achieving our professional goals.