Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

AI Virtual Assistant Do for Me

What Will an AI Virtual Assistant Do for Me

There are many things an AI virtual assistant can o for you. If you are running a business, it can help with administrative tasks such as:

  • Scheduling meetings
  • Booking travel arrangements
  • Managing emails
  • Allowing better focus on essential tasks
  • Answering frequently asked questions
  • Provide personal recommendations
  • Quickly resolving issues.

An AI virtual assistant can analyze data and provide insights into:

  • Business performance,
  • Helping owners make more informed decisions. It can also
  • Automate repetitive tasks,
  • Do data entry,
  • Sending reminders, and
  • Generating reports,
  • Increase efficiency and productivity.

An AI virtual assistant would be able to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members by serving as a centralized platform for:

  • Messaging
  • File sharing
  • Project management.
  • Language translation services,
  • Communications with clients and partners globally

Overall, an AI virtual assistant can:

  • Save time
  • Streamline processes
  • Improve customer service
  • Enhance decision-making
  • Foster team collaboration

AI is an invaluable tool for any business owner.

Artificial Intelligence (AI ) Predicted Growth

AI will significantly impact education and training in the next three years. AI-powered tools will be able to personalize learning experiences for students, providing tailored feedback and support. AI will also be able to analyze data on student performance to identify areas of strength and weakness, enabling educators to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.

AI will also automate administrative tasks, freeing educators to focus on teaching and mentoring. This could include:

  • Grading assignments,
  • Scheduling classes
  • Answering common student questions

AI could assist with creating, curating, and sharing educational content, making it easier for

I see AI impacting education and training in developing new technologies and tools. AI-powered simulations and virtual reality experiences could allow students to explore complex concepts in a safe and immersive environment.

Integrating AI in education and training will significantly help students and educators. It will facilitate a more personalized, efficient, and engaging learning experience while also helping to improve educational outcomes and better prepare students for the future.

Artificial Intelligence Is Here

It should be no surprise that Artificial Intelligence is here. It has spent many years working for us. It is now integral to our lives, from Alexa, Siri, and your microwave oven, to collision avoidance on cars and much more. AI goes beyond just convenience and being a toy. AI can enhance productivity and streamline processes. It may give us enough new jobs to get a large sector of the unemployed working.

Every new technology is met with the bemoaning of how many might lose jobs because of it. Now with AI coming into much wider use, think of all the various jobs that will come about. If AI can boost productivity through automation, workers, and management, need to implement automation within the office or manufacturing floor.

The ability of AI to manage large volumes of data will make it easier to plan long-term needs. It allows for less overstocking and better use of personnel. Corporations should be able to make a more significant profit that can help better the wages and compensation of workers.

We have a new golden technology to help management, workers, and entrepreneurs. Al we have to do is embrace and use it.

Your Experience Makes You Valuable

As a professional worker at 50 or 60, you have a work-life of experience and skills to leverage to your advantage. While it may seem daunting to compete with younger job seekers, the truth is that your experience can be a significant asset in the job market.

One way to leverage your experience is to highlight it in your resume and cover letter. Focus on the skills and accomplishments that closely follow the job you are applying for. Use real examples to demonstrate your expertise and show how you have made a positive impact in your previous jobs.

A great way to leverage your experience is by networking with professionals within your field. Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with former colleagues on LinkedIn, help you to be seen as a professional within your field. These connections can help you learn about new job opportunities and provide valuable recommendations to potential employers.

It is essential to always stay up-to-date with your field’s latest trends and technologies. Take courses, attend workshops, and read industry publications to keep current. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to continuous learning and growth.

Consider exploring alternative work arrangements such as consulting or freelancing. This can be a great way to leverage your expertise while maintaining flexibility and autonomy.

As a 55 to 70-year-old job seeker, you have Great experiences and skills that can set you apart in the job market.

  • Highlight your expertise
  • Network with other professionals
  • Stay current with industry trends
  • Explore alternative work arrangements

You can leverage your previous experience and skill to find a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Hard Skills in Demand

People looking to hire hard skills today are looking at computer-related skills. The most in-demand are:

  • Computer programming
  • Data analysis
  • Machine learning
  • Web development
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud computing

With everything turning to automation, the skills listed are highly sought after by employers. The skills are needed to stay competitive in the modern digital economy.

Some related skills companies also need are:

  • Project management
  • Financial analysis
  • Digital Marketing

Soft Skills

Soft skills are some of the most sought-after skills in the modern workplace. Employers know that by hiring people with these qualities, they have better workers that will earn more for the company. It is in the company’s interest to find and hire people with soft skills.

Soft skills are not hard to learn and use. You can find training on YouTube, online, In books, or in local night classes. The desired skills include:

  • Strong communication
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Data analysis
  • creativity
  • working well with others

Other essential skills that are becoming increasingly important and will help you with employment include:    

  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Customer-focused mindset

How Many People Are Out of Work

One often asked question is how many people are out of work today. The truth is it’s hard to tell exactly how many are out of work because, for many reasons, accurate numbers lag by close to a year and a half.

The better question is, how many jobs are currently open?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are currently over 7.4 million unfilled jobs in our economy. That is more jobs than when the bureau opened in 2000. The number is probably higher because measuring all the Gig Economy jobs is hard.

Do not take this to mean there are plenty of jobs, and you don’t have to get one right now. These numbers do change. Also, some companies will take a while in the hiring process. If you want a job, get it as soon as you can.

What Questions?

Everyone will get nervous about what questions they will be asked. Here are a few thoughts to work on for responses.

Employers want to know what experience you have in the field? Be honest with what you can do.

What qualifications do you bring to the table? Any schooling, years of experience, and awards in the area, all play to making you look good.

They will want to know about past work experiences that may be relative. If you were in the service, that would play well to soft leadership skills.

Strengths and weaknesses are a question often asked. Be careful. Strengths are easy, and weaknesses are a trap. You cannot tell them you have no weaknesses because everyone does. It should be something small and explain what you are doing to be better at it.

Everyone should have long-term goals. When talking to the company, the plans to mention should not be ‘working for a competitor in two years.’

When you talk with the hiring board, know your availability and how you feel you will fit into their organization.

Don’t Be A Pest

It’s alright for you in a polite way to ask hiring managers, people at job fairs, and even people at a work agency who are trying to help you find work, how the process works, and roughly how long it would take. The one thing you do not want is calling them every week or every other week with the question, ‘Are there any jobs yet.’ Asking once is being inquisitive in showing interest. I think it becomes redundant. There is a significant danger you may consider a pest, and people within the company or workforce center will start to ignore you.

I’m not saying it’s right. I’m just telling you the realistic expectations and the thin line you absolutely do not want to cross. Who wants to hire a pest?

Recap the First 21 Days of January

This month I have been giving hints on how to get jobs. Today I just like to go over some of the things I have mentioned. Tomorrow we’ll start talking about what you hear on the news, whether to listen to it or not and how to place yourself in the best position to find work this year.

Make sure your resume and cover letter are always up-to-date, and tailor them for each job you are applying for.

Before applying, research the company and its job description to ensure you are a good fit.

When looking for a job, reach out to everyone you know. Jobs are often gained because people you know may know someone who’s hiring.

Be persistent. You deserve a job. Don’t give up on yourself until you have the job.

I do not know if you were a scout; however, your new goal is to be prepared. Practice interview questions and think of short stories that demonstrate your skills and experiences. Follow up by contacting hiring managers and directors 2 weeks after sending a job application to see if there is an interest or need. Do not make yourself a pest