In recent years, organizations have been utilizing and taking advantage of artificial intelligence to alter their hiring process. This has resulted in changes as to how candidates are discovered, reviewed and even interviewed. As a job seeker, it is important to understand how these technological changes can affect the hiring process to ensure that you are prepared and well-adapted so you land your dream job.

Resume Screening

A great number of companies have turned to AI to assist with their resume screening process. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies and assist these large organizations in sifting through hundreds of resumes. Often times, only those that pass a preliminary screening will make it into the hands of a hiring manager. So what does this mean for job seekers? If these systems are being used, it’s beneficial to tailor your resume to the job you are applying to. Often times, these algorithms search resumes for keywords mentioned in the job posting to evaluate a candidate’s skills and experiences. Also, these systems can increase the value and importance of a human connection. If you are interested in a position, it can never hurt to call the hiring manager and express your interest, in order to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Video Interviews

For a variety of reasons, many large corporations have begun to utilize video interviews with preset questions to evaluate candidates. Companies such as Unilever, IBM, and Dunkin’ Donuts have already begun to take advantage of this software. Since this software utilizes AI, these interviews have the ability to measure candidate’s facial expressions, posture, and language to add additional levels to their evaluation. While this system adds convenience to both the applicant and the employer since the interview can be recorded and reviewed at any time, the thought of using AI to measure our facial expressions for a job is distressing to many. For employers trying to hire quickly and effectively, this tool has proven useful.  In addition, this tool helps to increase diversity. When participating in a video interview, remember that someone will be watching, so be sure to maintain eye contact, great posture and be attentive like you would in a face-to-face interview.

Faster Selection Process

While AI doesn’t have the power to take the place of human connection and interactions in recruitment, it can help speed up the hiring process. 96% of senior HR professionals believe that AI has the potential to greatly enhance talent acquisition and retention. Additionally, these managers say that the automation process can help them save up to 14 hours a week. Applicants are frequently frustrated by employer’s lack of reply or speed in the job search process. AI can help speed up the recruitment process from months to days, allowing employers to fill positions faster and applicants to hear back sooner.

Passive Job Searching

Currently, 45% of people who aren’t actively looking for work would be open to job offers. This, along with the increase in technology, has led to a growing trend of passive job searching. A passive job seeker is an individual who is currently employed, and while they are not actively seeking or applying to job openings, they would be open to taking a new position. Companies can utilize AI to take advantage of this trend by sourcing candidates and assessing their skills and potential. While searching for passive job seekers used to be a time-consuming job, by analyzing social media, LinkedIn and other professional sites, all-star candidates can now be quickly identified and sent personal messages. As a result, it is important that you keep your online profiles and resume up-to-date for new opportunities. 

AI is becoming a powerful tool for both companies and job seekers alike, drastically changing the ways the job process works. It is important to be aware of the effects this technology can have so that you can best prepare your resume and yourself for the hiring process. In conclusion, while AI cannot replace human judgment and efforts, combining the two has the ability to speed up and improve the hiring process for everyone involved.

 

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