Hiring in the Age of AI: What Really Matters?

As someone who's spent years in the trenches of technology leadership, I’ve seen how quickly the landscape evolves. But nothing has accelerated change quite like artificial intelligence. From healthcare to logistics, AI is reshaping industries and, more importantly, how we think about talent. At Jahnel Group, where I serve as CTO, our hiring process has always been a cornerstone of our success. We’ve built our team by focusing on well-rounded individuals who bring both technical expertise and soft skills to the table. Now, in an era where AI is amplifying productivity and reducing the cost of knowledge, it’s worth revisiting what we value in the people we hire and why.

How AI is Changing the Game

AI is impacting everything and that’s no overstatement. With powerful AI tools, the baseline for technical output is rising for everyone. This shift doesn't make great engineers obsolete, it makes their non-technical skills like their judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate a huge differentiator. While AI can make tasks easier, it doesn’t replace the qualities that make someone a truly exceptional hire.

Consider this: if AI can help someone become proficient at a technical skill, doesn’t that make soft skills like communication, adaptability, empathy even more important? I believe for many roles the answer is yes. I am not down playing the importance of possessing true expertise, I am a HUGE advocate for pursing mastery of your craft. However we’re entering a time where what sets people apart isn’t just what they know, but how they think and how they interact with others.

Think of AI as the ultimate lever. A lever can help anyone lift more than they could alone, but it takes an expert to know exactly where to place it to move a mountain. AI doesn't create expertise, it magnifies it.

The Curious but Cautious: Waiting for the Right Moment

When I interview candidates, I often ask myself: if I were choosing between two equally talented individuals from a technical perspective, what would be the differentiator? For me, it’s always the intangibles. It’s who they are as a person. What motivates them? How do they handle challenges? How do they inspire those around them?

At Jahnel Group, our core values are Serve, Grind, Grow, and Inspire. They guide us in answering these questions. These values aren’t just words on a wall (yes we still put them on the wall) but they’re principles we live by, and they’re more relevant than ever in the age of AI.

• Serve: We look for people who genuinely care about others, whether it’s their teammates, clients, or the end users of our software. AI can’t replicate empathy or the ability to build meaningful human connections. That’s why a service-oriented mindset is non-negotiable for us.
• Grind: Mastery still matters. While AI can boost productivity, it can’t replace the drive to go above and beyond. We seek individuals who embrace challenges, roll up their sleeves, and put in the effort to understand a problem so deeply that they can effectively direct AI to help solve problems. 
• Grow: Technology is ever-changing, and so are the needs of our clients. We value people who are committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. Those who are willing to adapt, evolve, and continuously improve will always stand out.
• Inspire: Finally, we want people who inspire others and not just through their technical skills, but through their attitude and actions. In a world where AI can do so much, the ability to motivate and uplift those around you remains uniquely human.

Revisit Your Core Values

If you’re in a leadership position, now is the time to revisit your core values. Ask yourself: in an AI-driven world, what do you truly value in the people you hire? Are you prioritizing the traits that will matter most in the years to come? For us, it’s not just about hiring the smartest people. It’s about building a team of individuals who align with our values and contribute to a culture of trust, clarity, and mastery.

The Future of Hiring

AI is a tool, and when used effectively, it can elevate your entire team’s performance. But it’s not a replacement for human qualities like integrity, resilience, and creativity. As leaders, our job is to identify and nurture these traits in our teams. That starts with hiring the right people. Those who embody the values that define your organization.

At Jahnel Group, our hiring philosophy has always been about more than just technical skills. It’s about finding people who are exceptional both in what they do and in who they are. As AI continues to reshape the workforce, I believe this approach will only become more important. So, let’s embrace the opportunities AI brings, but let’s also remember the qualities that make us uniquely human. After all, it’s not just what we build that matters, it’s the people who build it.

Author Bios

Steven Zgaljic is the Chief Technology Officer at Jahnel Group, Inc., a custom software development firm based in New York. At Jahnel Group, we're passionate about building amazing software that drives businesses forward. We're not just a company - we're a community of rockstar developers who love what we do. From the moment you walk through our door, you'll feel like part of the family. To learn more about Jahnel Group's services, visit jahnelgroup.com or contact Steven at steven@jahnelgroup.