The new recruitment trap: candidates who master the AI discourse, but not the practice

The demand for artificial intelligence skills continues to grow at an accelerating pace, leading increasingly more organizations to strengthen teams with professionals capable of leading digital transformation projects. This trend is creating a new reality in the job market, where a recruitment trap emerges. Candidates who master the discourse on artificial intelligence, demonstrating theoretical knowledge and up-to-date terminology, do not always possess the practical skills necessary to effectively implement AI projects. This disconnect between knowing how to talk about AI and knowing how to do AI represents a significant challenge for companies seeking qualified professionals. The phenomenon arises in the context of growing demand for digital transformation leaders, but with difficulties in distinguishing candidates with genuine knowledge from those who merely master the vocabulary of the field.