Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the board, including how companies hire. However, it also introduces new hiring challenges that can impact fairness, efficiency, and candidate quality. Successfully integrating AI with human insights can help employers overcome these issues and avoid hiring mishaps.
Using AI in the Screening Process
Hiring managers can use AI to handle practically all aspects of the job candidate screening process. This includes effective, streamlined reviews of a candidate’s employment history, financial and credit status, driving records, drug screenings, compliance reviews, and more.
Using AI can streamline processes, but AI is a developing innovation that companies are still learning to channel effectively. Take, for example, Google Gemini’s launch. When Google released its AI, it was quickly exposed for amplifying racial and gender stereotypes in its outputs. The only way to identify the limitations of AI is through real-world use. For this reason, human oversight is critical. Should a candidate be unfairly discriminated against, the consequences can harm a company’s brand.
Integrating human expertise ensures that the data aligns with each company’s specific hiring needs and helps employers identify candidates best suited for key positions. For now, finding the right balance between technology and human insight is the only way to enable companies to make more informed hiring decisions and avoid any issues.
According to a recent Fast Company article, Employers are increasingly looking to AI to help with hiring decisions. Up to 70 percent of businesses in a recent survey said they expect to use the technology as a vital part of their job searches by the end of 2025, with 82 percent reporting they already use AI to make an initial screening of submitted resumes. However, applying AI without a structured framework can create more problems than it solves.
Here are two foundational principles that can help companies maximize the benefits of AI in hiring while minimizing risks:
Balancing AI with the Human Touch
AI is an invaluable assistant for handling large numbers of applicants, especially for positions that attract hundreds of applications. However, AI can miss the nuance that a human eye can catch, especially regarding soft skills and cultural fit. Companies should integrate human insights with AI to find the right blend of skills and characteristics.
Ensuring the Ethical Use of AI
AI can unintentionally introduce bias in resume screening algorithms. Employers using AI in their hiring should implement safeguards to ensure its fair and unbiased use. Even after safeguards are implemented, employers must conduct regular reviews to ensure the outcomes align with the company’s ethical standards.
As HR leaders navigate the balance between human judgment and AI, they can create a streamlined process that helps them save time and find the right candidates quickly. By following these foundational principles, companies can make AI an integral part of their hiring process.
