MIAMI, UNITED STATES — As the digital landscape evolves, job search portals continue to expand their reach, connecting countless job opportunities with potential candidates. However, despite this technological boon, the recruiting industry faces new challenges. Large recruiting firms are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of applications, making individual review a daunting task.
Greenhouse, a leading U.S. recruiting firm, reported a staggering 71% increase in sales inquiries in the past year alone. In response, many companies are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the hiring process. AI systems, equipped with algorithms that analyze specific keywords, are now key to distinguishing promising candidates from the rest.
Alex Neuman, a technology specialist and host of the Voice of America segment “Digital Life,” emphasizes the sophistication of these AI tools. “These systems allow HR staff to efficiently handle a multitude of applications, resumes, and other employment-related inquiries,” he explains.
However, this reliance on AI is not without its pitfalls. Many candidates have become adept at optimizing their applications with AI-friendly keywords to increase their visibility, prompting some in the industry to question the effectiveness of AI in recruiting. Simon Castillo, director of the Americas at Hogan Assessments, points out AI’s limitations in assessing deeper qualities like resilience and adaptability in unpredictable environments. “This is where interviews and personal tests become invaluable,” Castillo points out.
Despite the benefits of face-to-face interactions, the reality of modern recruiting often relies heavily on technology, including advanced platforms like ChatGPT that can simulate detailed conversations across a wide range of topics.
The innovations also extend to video communication tools like Skype, Zoom, or Teams, where new AI capabilities can simulate eye contact, allowing a speaker to read notes without appearing distracted. “With AI, I can appear to be maintaining eye contact while actually reading from a script,” Neuman adds.
In light of these advances, Castillo advises recruiting professionals to stay abreast of technological trends to effectively improve their recruiting processes.
As recruiting continues to evolve, many HR professionals recognize the need to balance technology tools with traditional recruiting methods, recognizing that sometimes technology must take a backseat to human judgment.