How to answer "What are your thoughts on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on your field?" (with sample answers)

Why Employers Ask This

Automation and artificial intelligence have become buzzwords in modern workplaces. Organizations want to leverage these advanced technologies to streamline processes, reduce overheads, and improve productivity. However, these advancements are also introducing new challenges as well as opportunities. Therefore, hiring managers are genuinely interested in how candidates view these changes.

This question helps employers to determine whether job seekers have an understanding of how automation and artificial intelligence will impact their field, as well as their willingness to adapt to new ways of doing business. The responses can also reveal a candidate's critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to keep up with industry trends.

How to Answer the Question

When answering this question, job seekers should take a balanced approach and consider both the benefits and challenges of automation and artificial intelligence in their field. They should prepare to describe how they think these technologies will affect their work and if they have any ideas for how they can best leverage these changes for the benefit of their employer.

Job seekers can start their response by acknowledging the potential benefits of automation and artificial intelligence. They should be ready to state the advantages these technologies can bring, such as increased efficiency and reduced repetitive tasks. They can further note how these technologies will create new roles and new opportunities in the field.

Candidates should also address the challenges that come with the use of automation and artificial intelligence. They should be prepared to explain how their field may change with the introduction of these technologies and how they plan to upskill or retrain to meet the changing needs of their role.

Finally, job seekers should share their views on the implementation of these technologies. They should explain how they plan to support their employer's technological initiatives and how they will integrate these technologies into their work. It is critical to demonstrate an open and adaptable mindset, which shows the employer that the candidate is eager to learn and embrace change.

Sample answers

Good Answer: I believe that automation and AI will bring a significant positive impact on our field. It will help us to increase efficiency, enhance accuracy and reduce human errors. By automating repetitive tasks, we can free up more time to focus on high-level tasks such as analysis and strategy development. However, it is important to note that automation and AI cannot completely replace human skills. The human touch is still essential for critical thinking, and decision-making, especially in complex situations.

Bad Answer: I think AI and automation are terrible for our field, and we should avoid them at all costs. They will take away jobs from people, and the machines will malfunction, causing more problems than solutions. In my opinion, we are better off relying on human skills and old-school methods for a better outcome.

Good Answer: I think automation and AI have the potential to transform our field, but it also poses some challenges. With automation, many jobs will become redundant, and this will require re-skilling and up-skilling to remain relevant in the market. The fear of AI taking over jobs is real but not entirely accurate. While AI and automation machines can perform routine tasks, human skills such as empathy, creativity, and critical thinking are unique, and it is unlikely to replace them. Therefore, we should find ways to collaborate with automation and AI and maximize its potential while maintaining a human touch.

Bad Answer: I have never really thought about AI and automation in our field, but I believe it won't matter much. Our field will remain the same, and AI won't be necessary for us. Besides, I don't understand how it works, and I do not have an interest in learning about it.

Good Answer: AI and automation have already made a significant impact on our field and will continue to so. Currently, data analysis, machine learning, and robotic process automation have become key aspects of our work, and AI and automation will only increase efficiency in these areas. Additionally, it will enable us to develop new systems and models that can help us predict business trends and make better decisions. However, we need to be mindful of the ethical and social implications of AI, such as bias in machine learning algorithms and data privacy concerns, and take proactive measures to address them.

Bad Answer: I don't think AI and automation have any impact on our field. We already have the perfect systems in place, and there is no need for us to change or innovate. Furthermore, I don't see how AI and automation can improve or change what we do.