Gi Group, UK’s top HR and recruitment specialist, explains the impact AI can have on the future of recruitment and why it shouldn’t go unnoticed.
AI is increasingly being discussed in the business world. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said at a Labour Business Summit recently that attracting “incredibly smart people” would help to prepare the UK for AI. Both HR professionals and job candidates can now access new AI systems. But what do they really mean?
In the industry, AI use has risen so dramatically that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published its Responsible AI in recruitment: Guidance. The industry is facing a new wave of challenges, from fake job ads to AI resumes and recruitment bias.
Rebecca Napier is an IT Business Partner with Gi Group. She says: “It wasn’t long before AI was being used on both sides of recruitment. But, as with any tech shift, both candidates and HR professionals need to understand the pros, and cons, of integrating AI.
From a candidate’s perspective, AI is increasingly being used to create CVs and cover letters, as well as in some cases, complete recruitment tests. This may seem to save candidates time, but recruiters end up with an overwhelming number of incomplete resumes that make it difficult to identify genuine applicants.
According to reports, about half of applicants use tools like ChatGPT for the recruitment process without editing. This could add thousands of applications of poor quality to a labour market that is already saturated.
Rebecca added: “Further, since AI has become more common in the industry, candidates have been met with an increasing number of fake job advertisements.” It’s not just a problem for the genuine candidates, but also for recruiters who have to maintain their integrity and authenticity.
Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows that 4,1 per cent of the UK population is currently unemployed. This accounts for approximately 1,44 million people (16-64 years old). The ONS also highlights that the UK’s unemployed are in competition for 857,00 job openings (from June to August 2024). These statistics show how important it is for recruiters and employers to find the best candidate for each job. However, with AI becoming more prevalent this task has become even more difficult.
The new technologies can also be a source of risk, such as discriminatory advertising, targeting and job exclusion. They may even perpetuate existing bias. Experts report that AI tools incorrectly screen some of the most qualified candidates for jobs, as fears grow about the software removing the best applicants. This can be very damaging to a recruiter and shows the importance of a human touch.
Rebecca continued: “Aside the discrimination risk when personal data are input into an AI platform there is also a serious threat to privacy.” Transparency and transparency are key elements in data protection, and this type of collection and analysis can be invisible. Unknowingly, individuals can share their personal data without realizing that it will be analysed and saved by AI technology.
The introduction of AI technology can make it difficult for HR professionals to guarantee a fair, honest and transparent process of recruitment.
“I think many people underestimate the power of AI technology and the challenges it poses. This will lead to future recruitment issues and great risks. There is still much to be done in developing AI technology.
It is important to acknowledge the shortfalls of AI, even though it’s clear that it will be a leading force in many industries. AI can help increase efficiency, and could also lead to advancements for workers. Humans are empathetic, and their personal approach is important for both candidates and HR professionals.
Gi Group UK has its headquarters in Chesterfield, in the Midlands. In 2024, the business will employ close to 500 employees and serve nearly 1500 clients in 87 locations (26 branch offices and 61 sites). Gi Group UK has a unique commitment to creating social and economic value both for employers and candidates. Gi Group Holding places one person every 90 seconds in work in the UK.
Visit uk.gigroup.com for more information on Gi Group in the UK.
The first time this post appeared was on HR News.
