Recruiting in the age of AI
Imagine a world where machines work alongside humans taking over mundane tasks and helping to increase our productivity. It sounds like life in the future, right? What if I told you this is already happening?
When you call an Uber, they are using this technology to match you with a driver and estimate your wait time. The SPAM filter in your email uses this technology to determine what emails may not belong in your inbox. Facial recognition to tag photos on Facebook or recommendations made on Netflix. Even the ability to deposit checks into your bank account using an app on your phone.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are literally taking over the world. It has far greater significance than fire, electricity, and all the advances that have come with them. It’s going to impact every aspect of living. There is no getting away from it.
Believe it or not, this has already started happening in recruiting. If you aren’t already, it won’t be long before you use an algorithm to find better candidates. Artificial intelligence will take over many Recruiter responsibilities.
Before you go into defense mode and begin smashing every computer in sight, consider a few things. All the mundane, time-consuming aspects of your role could go away. You would have the time you need to focus on things like strategy, relationships, and experience. All the higher value, more critical elements we sometimes struggle to make happen.
Emotional intelligence and creativity are human aspects of recruiting that can never be replaced by machines. Recruiter jobs will still exist. They will just look different. So, how does this work? Let’s break it down and look at how it’s being applied.
Think of AI (Artificial Intelligence) as the new electricity. Andrew Ng, a leader in the AI field, said, “Just as electricity transformed almost everything 100 years ago, today I actually have a hard time thinking of an industry that I don’t think AI will transform in the next several years.”
Machine Learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that uses large data sets to identify patterns and predict outcomes. It essentially allows our computers to learn. These algorithms give our technology the ability to act and make decisions in ways a human might act or decide.
Natural Language Processing is an aspect of AI that focuses on how computers interact with the human language. This includes speech recognition and the ability to understand and process the words it hears or sees.
Imagine your computer being able to proactively source passive candidates knowing the exact traits necessary for success. Your ATS would review resumes to shortlist candidates in the same way. Chatbots contacting candidates not only to schedule interviews but to first manage the entire prescreen interview process to determine their fit. Before you ever meet a candidate, you will know everything you want (or need) to know about them.
All of this can, and is being applied to recruiting!
You don’t necessarily need to understand the technical details to see how the recruiting landscape is changing. However, you do need to get involved so you aren’t left behind.
Recruiters are getting conversant in the pros, cons, and limitations. They are investing time to understand the basics and begin identifying where it can impact their own processes and workload. You need to be informed to stay ahead of it and lead your organization through the changes to reap the benefits.
While AI cannot completely replace humans, it will make you a more human Recruiter.