How is AI impacting the recruitment industry?

The recruitment industry has changed drastically over the years, with new technologies and processes impacting the way consultants work with clients and candidates alike.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is arguably one of the biggest developments we’ve seen in recent years, and is already impacting the recruitment sector, with tools helping to reduce time taken completing administrative tasks, speed up candidate screenings, and also supporting a positive candidate experience.

While AI most definitely has it's pros, there are cons too. Consultants are likely to see a rise in CVs and cover letters created using AI tools such as Chat GPT, which could be problematic.

Faster screening will likely save consultants a lot of valuable time, but it could also impact the efficacy of the screening.

Here, we explore how AI is set to impact the recruitment industry, and the pros and cons of adopting this technology.

Let’s start with the positives!

AI could help streamline the screening process

AI recruiting software can help to pre-screen candidates, saving consultants a considerable amount of time.

It can help reduce administrative tasks

From writing job descriptions and email responses, to identifying relevant skills and experience on a candidate’s CV or cover letter, AI is a great way to reduce the admin load. These important but sometimes mundane tasks can take up a lot of time, so using AI to support allows recruitment consultants to focus on other elements of their role.

AI could help remove bias and diversify your talent pool

Using AI screening tools can help remove the human bias from the process. AI tools will only look for the requirements of the role whereas unconscious bias can impact manual decision making.

It could enhance the candidate experience

AI tools could help to streamline the recruitment process, meaning a speedier experience for candidates. Long hiring processes can cause frustration, meaning candidates could drop out or accept offers elsewhere.

Utilising tools such as Chatbots can also improve communication throughout the process, providing candidates with basic updates on their application to keep them informed and engaged.

While there are many positives, AI can also pose risks and challenges.

Candidates using AI tools to create CVs and cover letters

While there’s nothing wrong with candidates making the most of generative AI, it could mean their CVs or cover letters are embellished or ingenuine. Recruitment consultants will need to thoroughly review applications and ensure screenings are conducted to back up information included in CVs and cover letters.

AI tools can reduce the ‘human touch’

Here at Gleeson Recruitment Group, people are everything. We really value our relationships with both candidates and clients, and our consultants frequently meet our contacts face-to-face to maintain relationships. The introduction of AI tools could limit human interaction during the recruitment process. While Chatbots could help improve communication while providing candidates with regular updates, consultants should still aim to check in with candidates where possible to maintain much-valued human interaction.

Consultants could miss out on some quality candidates

As with all technology, it can’t be relied on 100% of the time. On the occasion your AI tool of choice doesn’t work, or if there is a glitch in the system, you risk missing out on quality candidates who could be the perfect fit for your role.

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