AI in the Recruitment Industry: Transforming the way we get hired.

AI in the Recruitment Industry: Transforming the way we get hired.

By Tony Cutting, 27 May 2023 

I have been in or around the recruitment industry for over 30+ years, and the most exciting times are right now. Many, Employers and Recruitment Companies could be left behind as both new systems and the advancement of AI are set to make a massive difference in the recruitment/talent management marketplace.

Example: Most of us don’t even realise we are already using AI; as I write this, Grammarly checks my spelling and grammar for me. Copy AI helps me with my research and provides ideas on how to structure my copy. Facebook is using AI (Painfully at times) to try and halt the proliferation of AI-generated spammers hitting every popular Facebook Group on the planet….

Anyway, back to the recruitment industry.

AI Revolutionising the Recruitment Industry

The recruitment industry has come a long way from the days of manually sifting through stacks of paper resumes and conducting in-person interviews. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way companies recruit, making the process more efficient and effective.

In this blog post, we will explore the several ways AI is transforming the industry and how it is benefiting both employers and job seekers.

What is AI and How is it Applied in Recruitment?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. In the recruitment industry, AI is being applied in numerous ways, including automating repetitive tasks, analysing large datasets, and even conducting interviews.

I believe we will see some massive changes to the way both Employers and Job Seekers work. I suspect AI will help the freelance/contractor market explode. Surely, it will only be a matter of time before AI can help a manager plan a project, contact the people he needs and estimate how long that skillset is required. Experienced and (expensive) resources will be hired on a project by project basis, which will be great for both parties. Already I have seen a massive uptake of jobs being recruited as ‘ Flexible Location’ and ‘Work from Home’ if Covid did one thing for us it sped up time in that regard.

So, HERE ARE MORE Benefits of AI in Recruitment

1. Improved Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of AI in recruitment is the increased efficiency it brings to the process. By automating repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, recruiters can save time and focus on more strategic aspects of their job. This not only speeds up the hiring process but also reduces the likelihood of human error.

For the Recruitment Team or Hiring Manager, AI can help write sophisticated Job Descriptions and compelling job adverts. In some industries, it will provide a shortlist of available resources instantly based on the criteria a Hiring Manager sets.

2. Enhanced Candidate / Job Seeker Experience

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can help improve the candidate experience by providing real-time support and answering frequently asked questions. This enables candidates to get the information they need quickly and easily, resulting in a more positive experience overall.

No doubt, soon, Job Seekers will be using AI to determine which are the best companies for them to work for based on the criteria that they themselves determine. Mapping out your career and where you want to work will get easier. Developing a plan to become self-employed will also get easier. The virtual plug-and-play workforce is knocking at the door, and employers who do not tap into this will be the poorer for it.

In my humble view, this will be an exceptionally good thing.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

AI can analyse large datasets to identify patterns and trends that may not be apparent to human recruiters. This data-driven approach allows companies to make more informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right candidates for specific roles. Yes, there will be some teething problems, but sooner than we all think, that will just be a fact of life.

4. Reduced Bias

AI algorithms can be designed to ignore factors such as gender, race, and age, reducing the potential for unconscious bias in the recruitment process. By focusing solely on a candidate's skills and experience, companies can foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The power in most industries has already shifted to the Job Seeker, but many of them don’t understand that yet, but they will. Those who speak multiple languages will have a massive advantage of a worldwide marketplace to work in, and for many, there will be countless opportunities to work regardless of gender, race, or physical ability.

5. Innovative Interview Techniques

AI-powered video interviewing platforms can analyse candidates' facial expressions, body language, and speech patterns to assess their suitability for a role. This approach allows recruiters to gain a deeper understanding of a candidate's personality and cultural fit, leading to better hiring decisions.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite the many benefits of AI in recruitment, there are also challenges and ethical considerations to keep in mind. For example, AI algorithms can sometimes perpetuate existing biases if they are trained on biased data. Furthermore, the use of AI in recruitment raises questions about data privacy and the potential for job displacement.

To ensure the responsible use of AI in recruitment, companies should be transparent about their use of AI, regularly audit their algorithms for bias, and prioritise data privacy and security.

There is going to be a period of pain as systems learn, but I do believe the world is heading in the right direction, provided we use AI intelligently and keep a close eye out for the people trying to use these tools for nasty purposes. Anyway, an AI program will identify them to the right authorities as well.

Conclusion

AI is undoubtedly transforming the recruitment industry, offering numerous benefits to both employers and job seekers. By embracing AI technology and addressing the associated challenges and ethical considerations, companies can revolutionise their hiring processes and build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The world of AI is well underway, and I find that exciting.

More on this subject is coming soon. Hope you found this blog interesting.

ngā mihi (acknowledgements)

Tony C
This article was written for The Job Market NZ.