OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: Hiring Based on Ability, Not Age

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: Hiring Based on Ability, Not AgeSam Altman, the CEO of American artificial intelligence startup OpenAI, recently stated that his hiring strategy prioritizes talent over age. In an episode of the "The TwentyMinuteVC" podcast hosted by prominent blogger Harry Stebbings, Altman emphasized that companies should hire both young and inexperienced talent, as well as experienced individuals over 30

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: Hiring Based on Ability, Not Age

Sam Altman, the CEO of American artificial intelligence startup OpenAI, recently stated that his hiring strategy prioritizes talent over age. In an episode of the "The TwentyMinuteVC" podcast hosted by prominent blogger Harry Stebbings, Altman emphasized that companies should hire both young and inexperienced talent, as well as experienced individuals over 30. He believes that "a lack of experience does not mean a lack of value."

In the November 4th episode, Altman pointed out that those at the beginning of their careers with high potential should be given a chance in the hiring process, as they could eventually create immense value. However, he also expressed his reluctance to entrust a novice, inexperienced employee with risky tasks involving complex and high-cost systems.

Altman emphasized, "You need both types of people. I think the most important thing is to set a very high bar for talent, regardless of age." He believes that hiring only young people or only older people is a mistake.

The job market for big tech companies is currently exhibiting a clear polarization. While companies are fiercely competing to recruit AI talent at the executive level, the hiring outlook for mid-level and entry-level employees appears bleak.

In the ongoing AI race across the industry, big tech companies have been scrambling to secure top AI researchers. Recently, Google acquired AI startup Character.ai for $2.7 billion. The acquisition was reportedly motivated by the goal of re-hiring former Google employee Noam Shazeer. Similarly, Microsoft previously paid $650 million for a licensing agreement with AI startup Inflection, and poached its founders, Mustafa Suleyman and Karen Simonyan.

However, the battle for top-tier talent seems to have not benefited junior employees. The job market for entry-level positions appears to be even more competitive. Recent graduates have expressed facing a more challenging job-seeking environment. This situation is largely attributed to the rise of AI, offshoring, and large-scale layoffs in the tech sector, all of which have intensified competition for positions.

A recent survey of 750 employees struggling to find work in the US found that several recent college graduates reported difficulty finding technology positions, despite having relevant internship experience and degrees from top schools.

While Altman might be prioritizing talent over age at OpenAI, some older tech employees have expressed encountering age discrimination in their work. They claim to be more likely to be laid off or excluded from technology roles due to their age. Some Gen Z employees have also reported facing negative stereotypes of being "lazy" in the workplace. A 25-year-old employee stated feeling unable to advance based on their age.

Despite Altman's viewpoint emphasizing the importance of talent, the reality is that age discrimination persists in today's tech job market, with both young and older individuals facing distinct challenges. Breaking down this status quo and truly recognizing talent requires collective reflection and effort from the entire tech industry.