The rise of generative AI in recruitment is creating a divide among job seekers, with many expressing apprehension about the lack of human interaction in hiring processes. An April 23 report by Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll revealed that a significant 62% of U.S. job hunters might avoid applying to companies heavily reliant on AI tools.
Despite the widespread acceptance of AI for certain tasks, such as drafting resumes and cover letters or creating mock interview questions, there remains a significant concern. The survey found that 73% of job seekers believe the risks associated with AI in hiring outweigh its benefits.
Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, underscored the need for a balanced approach, stating, “AI is undeniably a powerful tool, but its role should be to complement human judgment, not replace it. Transparent communication with job seekers about AI’s use and benefits is crucial.”
A survey involving 1,000 U.S. job seekers highlighted the importance of human interaction. An overwhelming 87% stressed the need for human involvement during interviews, emphasizing that AI lacks the capability to assess soft skills like cultural fit and attitude effectively. Additionally, 84% expressed a preference for initial interviews and resume evaluations to be conducted by humans.
Interestingly, the report pointed out gender differences in attitudes towards AI. Women were less likely than men to believe that generative AI is suitable for tasks like drafting resumes. Over 40% of women reported not using generative AI during their job search, compared to 27% of men. This reflects a broader hesitancy among women regarding AI’s role in job applications.
A separate report by ServiceNow corroborated these findings, indicating that most job seekers are uncomfortable with employers using AI for resume reviews or decision-making. Instead, candidates prefer AI to act as a supportive tool for HR teams, particularly in areas like interview scheduling and candidate sourcing.
While AI has been credited with improving hiring efficiency, its impact on the quality of hires remains debatable. A LinkedIn report suggests that recruiters may need to take on additional roles as career coaches to enhance the process. The future of recruitment may well depend on striking the right balance between AI efficiency and human empathy.
For more insights on AI and other HR trends, visit hrtechtrend.com.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.hrdive.com/news/job-seekers-say-they-may-not-apply-to-companies-that-use-generative-ai-in-h/746602/. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.