LinkedIn unveils AI tools to transform HR & sales roles

According to LinkedIn's latest Work Change Snapshot, 10% of new job roles in 2024 did not exist in the year 2000.

The study highlights significant transformations in the workforce, noting that many positions, such as social media manager, data scientist, AI engineer, and sustainability manager, are relatively new phenomena. In a survey of over 5,000 global business leaders, 70% of Australian respondents acknowledged the increasing pace of change in workplace roles and skills.

LinkedIn's data suggest that by 2030, the skills required for jobs in Australia will have changed by 66% compared to those in 2016. This rapid skill evolution is partly attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Without AI's influence, the skill shift is estimated to be 50%.

Echoing this sentiment, 80% of Australian business leaders see potential in generative AI to benefit their teams, yet only 10% report that their organisations are leading in AI adoption. Adam Gregory, Senior Director of ANZ at LinkedIn Talent and Learning Solutions, stated, "Businesses are having to manage seismic shifts in the way work is done, and professionals are stepping into roles that didn't exist a decade ago, highlighting the need for continuous learning and the development of skills."

Gregory further emphasised the challenges of AI integration: "While artificial intelligence holds huge potential to improve day-to-day work, the majority of businesses are still figuring out how to best bring that potential to life. It's no surprise that leaders are leaning on their HR teams to help navigate these changes and make the most of the opportunities they present – but these professionals are often overstretched and overwhelmed with work. To provide the insights and support their organisations need, they must be equipped with the right tools and resources."

With HR teams under increasing pressure, 57% of Australian HR professionals report that workplace expectations have reached new heights. Nearly 39% of these professionals feel overwhelmed by daily decision-making duties, with 23% spending a quarter of their workweek seeking the right information.

In response to these challenges, LinkedIn announced the launch of new AI-powered tools designed to help HR professionals focus more strategically. One such tool is the Hiring Assistant, which aids recruiters by handling repetitive tasks, allowing them to invest more time in engaging with candidates and advising hiring managers. The Hiring Assistant is currently available to a select group of recruiters globally and will be rolled out more widely in the future.

Amy Schultz, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Canva, commented on the impact of LinkedIn's tools: "At Canva, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe individuals are far more than the bullet points on their resumes; understanding their true values, potential, and passions takes time and care. By leveraging LinkedIn's new Hiring Assistant to help streamline repetitive administrative tasks, we can give our hiring teams the space to focus on what truly matters – getting to know candidates as individuals."

Gregory added, "We are excited to trial LinkedIn's first AI agent, Hiring Assistant, to select customers in Australia. This AI-assisted hiring experience will streamline the recruitment process and enhance efficiencies. By freeing up talent leaders' time, they can concentrate on the most strategic and people-centric aspects of their roles."

Beyond HR, LinkedIn's AI tools are also proving valuable for sales teams. By automating time-consuming tasks, AI can liberate 11.5 hours per week for sales professionals, who can then focus on fostering stronger client relationships. This automation is part of LinkedIn's broader enhancements to its Sales Navigator, which aims to boost team performance and drive growth.