With headlines warning of robots taking over our work, Artificial Intelligence and automation have often been portrayed as threats to traditional jobs. In recruitment specifically, there has been a concern that such technologies could replace human recruiters, turning the hiring process into a cold impersonal experience.
However, from my perspective as a Talent Acquisition and Operations Associate at Ivy Tech, AI and automation are not the enemy. Instead, they are powerful allies that enhance the recruitment process, allowing recruiters to focus on what truly matters: the human connection.
One of the most valuable AI-driven tools we use at Ivy Tech is Fireflies, an AI-powered notetaker that records and transcribes interviews in real time.
This multitasking can detract from our ability to engage deeply with the candidate.
With Fireflies, I no longer need to worry about missing key points or accurately documenting the conversation as the transcript will be automatically generated. This allows me to stay fully present and focus entirely on the candidate.
A 2023 IBM Research shows that 42% of companies were using AI screening “to improve recruiting and human resources”. Fireflies frees me from administrative distractions, enabling a better, more personal interview experience for both me and the candidate.
Another example of AI-driven efficiency in our recruitment process is Calendly, an automated scheduling tool. In the past, scheduling interviews required endless back-and-forth communication between candidates and recruiters. Finding a suitable 30-minute slot could take days, leading to delays and frustrations for both parties.
Calendly eliminates this hassle, allowing candidates to schedule their interviews at a time that suits them, directly through the platform. This speeds up the process and empowers candidates, giving them more flexibility and control over their schedules. For recruiters, it removes administrative work and ensures we can focus on preparing for interviews and evaluating candidates.
In fact, 85% of job seekers find interview scheduling software useful (Yello Candidate Experience Survey, 2019). By automating scheduling, we can focus on what truly matters—ensuring the best fit for the role.
AI and automation, therefore, are not about replacing human interaction but about reducing inefficiencies and enhancing the personal touch. AI automation of monotonous and lengthy tasks allows hiring professionals to invest more time in comprehending applicants at a more profound level. As a result, they ensure a more significant and tailored recruitment experience.
As can be seen, AI helps human recruiters instead of replacing them. The technology is a powerful tool that can streamline processes. However, it remains the responsibility of recruiters to make human-centred decisions.
In a world where 53% of job seekers report having had at least one negative experience during a hiring process in the past 12 months (Careerplug 2024 Candidate Experience Report), tools that improve efficiency while enhancing the candidate experience are more valuable than ever.
The role of AI in recruitment is growing, and not just through tools like Fireflies or Calendly. Recent reports suggest that 38% of companies plan to increase their use of AI over the next few years. Particularly for tasks like candidate screening, resume sorting, and even cultural fit assessment (Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends, 2020).
These tasks, while essential, can be time-consuming and prone to human bias when done manually. By automating them, recruiters can focus more on building relationships and making more informed, data-driven decisions.
At Ivy Tech, we envision a future of hiring that thrives on the synergy between technology and human understanding. By leveraging AI and automation, we can enhance our efficiency, focusing on the most crucial aspect of recruitment: individuals.
To conclude, rather than seeing AI as a danger to human hiring professionals, let’s embrace it as a resource for promoting a more streamlined and human-centric recruitment process. AI serves as a partner, enabling us to excel in our core strength of building connections with people, while also helping us more effectively and thoughtfully pinpoint the right candidates.
