What is FOBO?

Federico Grinblat

Federico Grinblat

May 24, 2024

What is FOBO?

Introduction

Move over FOMO—there’s a new fear in town: FOBO, the Fear of Becoming Obsolete. In our rapidly evolving digital age, this anxiety has become a significant concern for many workers. According to a recent Gallup survey, there has been a 7-point increase since 2021 in U.S. workers who believe new technologies threaten their jobs. With experts predicting that 44% of skills will be disrupted within the next five years, it’s no wonder that FOBO is on the rise. Workers across various demographics, especially college graduates and those earning under $100,000 annually, are increasingly worried about becoming obsolete due to technological advancements, particularly AI.

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How to Overcome FOBO

FOBO is not just a fleeting worry—it’s a real concern that needs addressing. The key to overcoming this fear lies in adaptability and continuous learning. As AI and other technologies evolve, organizations are more likely to value employees who can save time and enhance efficiency using these new tools. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

  1. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Continuously updating your skill set is crucial. Enroll in online courses, attend workshops, and stay informed about the latest trends in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
  2. Develop a Diverse Skill Set: Having a broad range of skills will make you more adaptable. Combine technical skills with soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence to stay relevant.
  3. Leverage Technology: Use new tools to your advantage. Technologies designed to automate routine tasks can free you up to focus on more strategic and valuable work.

Organizations that foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability will thrive. Employees who proactively seek to upskill will not only survive but excel in the changing job market.

Introducing Brainner: Your Recruiting Ally in the Age of AI

Brainner is a prime example of how technology can complement rather than replace human effort. Designed to accelerate the resume screening process, Brainner saves recruiters significant time by handling manual, repetitive tasks. Brainner doesn’t make decisions; it follows the recruiter’s orders and displays the information, enabling recruiters to make decisions faster and smarter: Here’s how Brainner works:

  1. Customizable Criteria: Recruiters define the specific job criteria, such as years of experience in a particular position or proficiency in certain skills. The recruiter must be deeply involved in this part because the criteria definition is key to getting a good output.
  2. Automated Analysis: Brainner executes the analysis based on the defined criteria, scanning through resumes to check if candidates meet each one of the requirements. This automation significantly reduces the time spent on initial resume screening, performing the task in just 10% of the usual time.
  3. Actionable Insights: Once the analysis is complete, Brainner presents the results to the recruiter in an easy-to-use format. Brainner does not make hiring decisions; it displays the information, allowing recruiters to make informed decisions quickly. Recruiters can then dedicate their time to analyzing these results and making strategic choices, ensuring they don’t overlook great candidates due to time constraints.

This is a clear example of how a role can be transformed by the use of new tools. The role of the recruiter evolves from being a manual resume processor, dedicating 90% of their time to reading resumes, to becoming a strategic planner and analyst, focusing on defining clear criteria and analyzing the results extracted by this dynamic tool. This shift from manual tasks to planning and analysis enables recruiters to make smarter, faster decisions, ultimately enhancing the recruitment process.

Conclusion

The fear of becoming obsolete is a legitimate concern in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. However, by embracing lifelong learning, developing a diverse skill set, and leveraging innovative tools like Brainner, workers can not only overcome FOBO but also thrive in the evolving job market. Remember, technology is here to complement your skills and help you work smarter, not harder.


Save up to 40 hours per month

HR professionals using Brainner to screen candidates are saving up to five days on manual resume reviews.