The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hiring process has sparked important conversations among job seekers and recruiters alike. While some embrace the potential advantages of AI in streamlining the recruitment process, others express concerns about its impact on candidate selection and fairness.

Recruiters appreciate AI’s efficiency, objectivity, and scalability, enabling them to sift through large amounts of applications and identify potential matches. On the other hand, job seekers might feel apprehension about the potential lack of personalization, the risk of bias, and the challenges of navigating an increasingly automated process.

Current perspectives on AI in the hiring process

Despite the validity of these concerns, the use of AI in the hiring process has only picked up speed, with 65 percent of recruiters already using it. Of that 65 percent, 67 percent say it has improved the hiring process. As far as leadership buy-in goes, 96 percent of senior HR professionals believe AI will greatly enhance talent acquisition and retention. AI utilization has even gone so far as to make hiring and firing decisions.

So, we’ve established that using AI in the hiring process is great for recruiters and employers. What about job seekers?

Those same statistics tell us that 95 percent of recruiters believe AI will help candidates with the application process. However, while recruiters are optimistic, job seekers are not so easily convinced. According to Pew Research Center, people are generally wary and uncertain of using AI in hiring and assessing workers, specifically regarding DEI. In fact, 20 percent of Black adults who believe racial bias in hiring is a problem feel that employers’ expanded use of AI would worsen the issue, compared with about 10 percent of Hispanic, Asian, or White adults.

While recruiters happily employ AI as a time-saving tool, does this adversely affect job seekers? As a job seeker, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of AI in the hiring process is crucial for effectively navigating the job market, and we’re here to help you do just that.

The advantages of AI in the hiring process

• Enhanced efficiency and speed: AI-powered recruiting tools are meant to accelerate the initial stages of the hiring process, such as resume screening and candidate matching. In fact, an Acara LinkedIn poll discovered that 44 percent of job seekers have found accelerated resume screening to be the most significant advantage of AI in the hiring process. This means that instead of waiting weeks to hear back about an application, you should receive quicker responses and be more likely to be considered for well-suited opportunities in a timely manner.
• Improved job matching: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including job descriptions, requirements, and candidate profiles. This capability enhances the likelihood of matching job seekers with suitable positions that align with their skills, qualifications, and experience. With AI, job seekers have a higher chance of finding job opportunities that are a good fit, maximizing their chances of securing a position that aligns with their career goals.
• Minimized bias: AI algorithms are designed based on objective data and predefined criteria, reducing the risk of unconscious bias during the initial screening process. This can level the playing field for job seekers, as AI focuses on qualifications and merit rather than personal characteristics. By leveraging AI correctly, employers can make more informed decisions based on objective evaluations, promoting fairness and diversity in the hiring process.
• Expanded access to opportunities: AI-driven recruitment platforms and job boards have the potential to reach a broader range of job seekers, irrespective of their geographic location. Online platforms powered by AI can match job seekers with remote or freelance opportunities, opening up access to a wider pool of jobs that may not have been previously available. This expansion of opportunities allows job seekers to explore diverse career paths and overcome traditional geographic limitations.

• • Related blog from Aleron Group Partner Broadleaf Results: 8 Tips to Write an AI-Friendly Resume

Disadvantages of AI in the hiring process

• Limited personalization: AI lacks the human touch and cannot fully evaluate subjective qualities such as interpersonal skills, cultural fit, or growth potential. Job seekers may find it challenging to convey their unique strengths, aspirations, and character through automated processes. The reliance on AI can lead to missed opportunities for those with exceptional qualities that algorithms do not capture easily.
• Potential for technical glitches and errors: AI systems are not flawless and can encounter technical glitches or errors during the screening process. These glitches may result in false negatives, where qualified candidates are mistakenly excluded from consideration. This can be incredibly frustrating for a job seeker whose application is disregarded due to technical issues that prevent their qualifications from being properly assessed.
• Lack of transparency: AI algorithms often operate as black boxes, making it difficult for job seekers to understand the selection criteria and decision-making process. The lack of transparency can lead to uncertainty and frustration, as job seekers may not know why they were not selected for a particular opportunity. Transparent communication and employer feedback become even more critical when AI is involved in hiring.
• Ethical concerns: AI algorithms are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. If the training data contains biases, it can perpetuate unfair practices and discriminatory outcomes. Job seekers may face challenges if the AI systems used by employers inadvertently favor specific demographics or perpetuate existing biases in the hiring process. Ensuring ethical AI implementation is crucial to prevent unfair disadvantages for job seekers.

We can all agree that AI has revolutionized the hiring process, transforming how employers evaluate and select candidates. As a job seeker, it’s essential to be proactive in understanding and adapting to the advantages and disadvantages of AI in the hiring process. By staying informed about the utilization of AI, job seekers can tailor their strategies to navigate the job market more effectively to position themselves for success and increase their chances of landing their dream job.

Check out Acara’s job seeker resources here.

This blog was written by Lanee Davis.