By Kimberly K. Estep

If you’ve been looking for a job in Tennessee, or know someone who is, you’ve probably noticed it’s more difficult than in years past. That’s because there are fewer job openings, and more employers are looking for candidates with a combination of degrees, experience and familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The current labor market has been described as “low-hire, low fire,” indicating that there are fewer openings for unemployed or underemployed individuals to apply for.

Earlier this year, Western Governors University released the results of a study titled “Workforce Decoded: AI, Skills and the Future of Hiring” that summarized the responses from 3,147 U.S.-based employers. One major takeaway from the study is that employers are not trading one qualification for another; rather, they are seeking candidates with the right combination of degrees, credentials and competencies.

Insights from employers

Nationwide, 68% of employers surveyed indicated that college degrees are important. While degrees are still valued, only 37% of employers said institutions of higher learning are preparing students with the skills needed to be successful in the workforce. Looking forward, 46% of employers said they plan to increase focus on hiring for skills over degrees, and 43% plan to place more emphasis on work experience through internships and apprenticeships.

How then are you supposed to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the skills they are looking for, beyond just claiming so on your resume? One answer is to earn a professional certificate, which by the way is quicker and cheaper to obtain than a two- or four-year degree.

Over 85% of employers see non-degree professional certificates as a credible way to demonstrate skills. These certificates are most desirable in fields such as IT, construction, healthcare and finance. Beyond job-specific skills, employers indicate that the skills that matter most are critical thinking, time management and adaptability.

In Tennessee, the industries with the most job openings are healthcare, logistics and transportation, manufacturing, professional and business services, construction, hospitality and tourism. The biggest needs in Nashville are in healthcare and professional business services.

The impact of AI on hiring also cannot be ignored. About half of employers nationwide are now assessing candidates’ AI fluency. About 39% of employers are evaluating candidates’ AI competency through real-world experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Python and ML libraries; and 32% are looking for AI certificates.

How to bolster your chances of getting hired

To stand out, job seekers should use several strategies to get hired.

  • Seek a combination of skills and credentials
    • Focus on building adaptable, transferable skills that AI cannot easily replicate (like critical thinking).
    • Prioritize continuous learning and upskilling.
    • Gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships or even volunteering.
    • Document your skills by earning professional certificates.
    • In many industries, a certificate or two-year degree can get your foot in the door.
    • If your ultimate goal is a two- or four-year degree, check if your certificates are stackable toward a degree.
  • Brush up on your AI skills
    • Look for free or low-cost tutorials on ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Gemini or other large language models (LLMs).
    • Practice using traditional AI to generate reports and summaries.
    • Practice using generative AI to create graphics, charts or designs.
    • Practice using predictive AI to make data-driven predictions.
    • You should also establish an understanding of ethical and unethical uses of AI. For example, know when and how to cite AI usage in your work.

The traditional perception that a college degree alone can get you a good job is no longer the case. To bolster your chances of landing a job, highlight your real-world experience in addition to your degrees and professional certificates. Additionally, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency, whether basic or advanced, with popular AI platforms.

Kimberly K. Estep, Ph.D., is Southeast regional vice president for accredited nonprofit Western Governors University, with over 14,000 graduates in Tennessee.