Is AI Changing the Future of Getting Hired?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of ChatGPT, however, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly changing the world, and the search & recruitment industry is no exception. In the past, the process of finding and hiring new employees was largely manual, time-consuming, and less efficient. However, AI is quickly transforming the field, making it faster and more data-driven.

One of the most significant ways that AI is changing the hiring process is through the use of machine learning. Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyse large amounts of data, such as resumes, cover letters, and social media profiles, to identify if you’re a good fit for a particular job. AI can also be used to evaluate responses to problem solving tasks, often used in IT & Tech recruitment. This helps recruiters save time and resources by quickly narrowing down the pool of candidates.

Some search consultants and recruiters are using AI to automate everyday tasks. For example, AI-powered chatbots can answer candidates' questions, schedule interviews, and provide feedback throughout the hiring process. This can free up time to focus on more strategic, high-value tasks, such as building relationships with clients and developing talent strategies.

AI is also being used to improve the accuracy of the hiring process. For instance, AI-powered predictive analytics tools could provide insights into your skills, experience, and potential, whilst simultaneously assessing data on previous hiring decisions - identifying patterns and trends. This information advises search consultants & recruiters on who is most likely to succeed in a particular role.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of using AI in recruitment:

• Speed: AI can automate many of the tasks involved in the process.

• Accuracy: AI-driven data can identify candidates that will succeed in a specific role.

• Efficiency: Increased efficiency allows recruiters to focus on more strategic and high-value tasks.

• Diversity: AI can help to identify a more diverse pool of candidates. This can help organisations build a more inclusive workforce.

At Moon’s IT Practice, we strive to build strong relationships with our partners, making life as easy as possible for them. So, these benefits are valued, however, there are drawbacks to an AI-driven approach, for example:

• Lack of transparency: AI algorithms are complex and often difficult to comprehend for clients who want to understand the process. From our experience, the most successful approach is fully transparent for the company and candidate alike.

• Impersonal: Artificial intelligence cannot replicate a thriving personal network and proven track record. Human instinct is built up through years of experience and can't be recreated artificially. To make holistic decisions, recruiters must understand the individual circumstances of both client and candidate in a personal way.

• Bias: AI algorithms can be biased, resulting in discrimination in the hiring process.

• Compatibility: Candidate databases are not always compatible with AI tools, and AI tools are not always compatible with the specification of a vacancy. 

AI is undoubtedly an incredible resource that is likely to revolutionise many industries in the near future. However, it has clear limitations. AI must be utilised alongside a person-centred approach. Gemma Wilks, Head of Moon’s IT Practice, has unearthed and placed one-in-a-million candidates through personal networks and talent searches, demonstrating the enduring value of more traditional methods. In the current climate of a candidate-driven market, and intense competition for top talent, Gemma has specialised in targeting candidates that are not actively searching for new opportunities. By using experience and industry knowledge, Gemma gives our clients access to an exclusive pool of candidates, building long-lasting relationships with key contacts that strengthen our network. 

In the IT and tech field, trends and developments shift rapidly, sometimes week-to-week. Keeping a finger on the pulse is at the core of what we do in Moon’s IT Practice, and it takes a human sensitivity to monitor and react to these changes as they happen.

The algorithms of AI-driven tools must be constantly updated to factor in such trends, but to stay ahead of the curve, a human-led approach is key. The capabilities of AI are clearly impressive, however, placing too much faith in them could result in missing out on the perfect candidate. To be fully harnessed, AI must be used alongside our tried and tested search methods, adding speed and efficiency to human intelligence.

As AI improves it will become increasingly incorporated into the world of Tech recruitment. By automating tasks, improving accuracy, and making the process more efficient, AI is helping finding talent faster and easier than ever before. But, for the most important roles, those that will make or break the future of your company, a human-led approach is vital. In tech fields where skillsets are highly specific, and particularly in leadership roles, where soft skills and personality traits are such key factors, a thorough and dedicated person-led approach is worth the effort—fortifying your business for the complexity of the challenges ahead.

Searching for the best IT & Tech talent? Get in touch with our dedicated team and find out how we can help.

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