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Cisco's Chief People Officer, Kelly Jones, has revealed that AI and machine learning operations roles are proving difficult to fill due to high demand and limited supply.
Jones said that these positions are “really hard” to hire for because “the qualified pool is so small, and the demand is so high.” She said everyone is hiring for similar roles because forward-thinking companies need AI both in products and internal technology teams.
Difficult roles and shifting expectations
Cisco described AI and machine learning operations roles as requiring “a slightly different level of specialization” because they typically involve automating and streamlining IT operations. The strongest candidates, according to the company, are those with experience in AI, machine learning and operations who have delivered successful products.
Jones highlighted the importance of track record, telling Business Insider: “We’re looking for people who have done this, who have been there, and have a good story to tell,” adding that she wants to understand “what they built.”
The company has also experienced confusion among candidates due to inflated claims in the market. Jones said there is “a lot of AI washing going on,” with companies “slapping AI on everything” without meaningful product innovation.
Execs on the phone to secure top hires
Cisco has adopted a direct engagement strategy to differentiate itself in the hiring process. Jones said that a “really big difference” comes from having the company’s leaders speak directly with candidates, stressing that it is not a reflection on recruiters, but a response to a competitive market.
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Executives, including Cisco’s President and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel, are asked to contact strategically important candidates. “If there’s someone that we are really strategically trying to hire, we will get him involved," said Jones.
Cisco is not alone in taking this approach. Citadel CTO Umesh Subramanian calls top entry-level candidates, OpenAI’s Sam Altman has reportedly contacted applicants directly, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has appeared in recruitment emails and hosted candidates for meals.
She said that Cisco focuses on both experience and behavioral qualities. “It’s not just about skills,” she added, saying the company seeks candidates who are “intellectually curious,” “intellectually and emotionally agile,” and capable of bringing teams with them.
Cisco also aims to naturally attract talent by building presence in the tech community online and in person. Jones said the company has tried to “insert ourselves into not just your typical talent branding, but going where that talent lives - in the forums that they’re on, in the hobbies that they have.”
