Ask an HR Pro: How Can AI Help With Recruitment?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has exploded in popularity recently with the release of programs like ChatGPT. AI can be a beneficial tool for many professions, and it can even help job seekers with difficult aspects of searching for a job – but what about for employers? Are there ways AI can help with hiring?

In this Ask an HR Pro, we talked with Vickie Krolak, iHire HR Consultant, to discover how AI can help with recruitment, AI hiring tools available right now, and what you should be cautious of when using AI to help you hire.

How AI Can Help With Recruitment

“Overall, AI can really help with efficiency in the recruiting process,” Krolak began. “It can help with research, building job ads, and streamlining processes like applicant screening and possibly with blind hiring initiatives.”

As a hiring manager or recruiter, research can require many hours to narrow down the right candidate persona. But with the advent of AI-powered chatbots, that research can be cut down to just a few minutes.

“ChatGPT is great for pulling the data you need into one place versus sifting through results in a search engine and having to read all the information,” Krolak explained. “The AI summarizes everything for you, making it easy and efficient. For example, when recruiting for a unique role or a position I have not recruited for in the past, I will use AI to learn more about what the position does and any certifications, licenses, or degrees that would be required or helpful for they role.”

Krolak said you should still verify the information the AI is giving you is correct, but it can be a great starting point.

Additionally, recruiters can use AI to source and target applicants in the areas where the most candidates are likely to reside.

“The use of AI marketing campaigns for sourcing candidates is also an effective way to reach and connect with potential candidates for a role you are trying to fill. These automated features can save time and quickly source quality candidates.”

AI for Job Ads and Screening Candidates

Writing a job ad that attracts high-quality candidates is easier said than done, but with AI tools, it can become much easier.

“AI hiring tools, like iHire’s Job Ad Builder, can do most of the heavy lifting for you,” Krolak said. “These tools take the guesswork out of writing a job ad by suggesting ways to optimize your posting to follow job ad best practices. All you have to do is input the specifics of your position when prompted by the builder, and it creates the ad as you go.”

Krolak said AI can also help with screening candidates or blind hiring.

“Blind hiring has become more popular recently as companies strive to further their DEI initiatives, and there are ways AI can help streamline those processes. iHire’s Bias Breaker™ feature, for example, automatically hides resume details like a candidate’s name, college, address, hobbies, and more so that you can focus solely on their qualifications.”

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What to Be Aware of When Using AI for Hiring

Krolak said that while AI can be useful, there are definitely things to keep in mind when using AI for hiring. Do not take everything an AI gives you as an absolute truth.

“All this being said, AI sounds great on the surface but it’s not perfect,” Krolak cautioned. “Remember, you should always verify that the information an AI is giving you is correct when using it for research purposes. These programs also tend to lose the human touch, so if you are using AI for job ads or to communicate with candidates, you should read over anything that AI creates and add your own voice to it.”

Krolak also warned that using AI for hiring can come with legal consequences.

“There are some legal or discrimination implications that may arise when using AI to help with recruitment. Be sure to only use AI that helps with eliminating biases and do so in a way that respects the candidates’ privacy. If you are unsure about using AI for hiring, it is best to err on the side of caution.”

Finally, Krolak advised keeping up with any local or national laws related to AI in hiring to ensure you stay in compliance and avoid legal snags. Consult with a legal team periodically to be extra safe.

For more answers to your HR questions, head to our Employer Resource Center.