Nigel Williams, the global head of talent acquisition at BlackRock, has outlined how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the criteria for job applicants at the investment management firm. During an interview with Business Insider, Williams emphasized that proficiency in AI technology has become essential for candidates seeking opportunities at BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager.
Williams noted that while fluency in AI is crucial, it is equally important for applicants to possess strong interpersonal skills. “We want to hire people that are curious, that understand that AI is here,” he stated. This focus reflects the growing integration of AI in various functions within BlackRock, which employs approximately 24,600 individuals across more than 30 countries.
Shifting Priorities in Candidate Evaluation
The evolution of hiring practices at BlackRock is driven by the need for candidates to demonstrate both technical and soft skills. Williams highlighted that the most competitive applicants will be those who are not only digitally adept but also eager to explore the future capabilities of AI. He pointed out that many young professionals are proactively enhancing their skills to align with this trend, even those without formal computer science training.
“In this age of AI, the talent skills that I think we need more than ever are people that are curious, have a questioning mindset, and are willing to not just trust what the model puts out there,” Williams said. This perspective underscores the importance of critical thinking in evaluating AI outputs, a skill he believes is vital for navigating the complexities of modern workplaces.
Despite the emphasis on AI fluency, Williams clarified that the recruitment team is not using AI to screen candidates. Instead, the technology is currently employed for scheduling interviews. He mentioned that the team is still developing methods to assess applicants’ AI competencies effectively while ensuring that those from non-technical backgrounds do not feel intimidated by the process.
Balancing AI Use in Interviews
Williams also addressed a common pitfall for applicants: over-reliance on AI tools during interviews. He recounted instances where candidates appeared distracted, looking to their sides for prompts. “Our interviewing teams… will pick up on that and be able to say, ‘Hey, we do want to make sure that you’re staying focused,'” he explained. This observation highlights the fine line candidates must walk between showcasing their AI skills and maintaining genuine engagement during discussions.
BlackRock has recently launched Asimov, an innovative AI platform designed for its equity business. At the New York Times DealBook Summit held this week, BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, remarked on the potential for significant outcomes in AI technology, stating, “there will be some huge winners and huge failures.” This sentiment reflects the current landscape of AI in the finance sector and its implications for future hiring practices.
As the landscape of talent acquisition continues to evolve, Williams’s insights offer a glimpse into the future of recruitment at BlackRock. Candidates are encouraged to embrace AI while also cultivating the curiosity and interpersonal skills that are increasingly valuable in a technology-driven world.