The recruitment industry is changing. With the rise of artificial intelligence (also called artificial intelligence or AI), recruiters will soon be able to automate many of the tasks currently done by humans. Are you prepared?

Artificial intelligence is here to stay. As a result, companies will save time and money, while also improving the quality of their new hires (quality of hire). Artificial intelligence is already having a major impact on recruitment. Companies that do not adapt to these changes are likely to be at a disadvantage in the future. Curious about the future of AI in recruitment? Then read on!

A changing world

The world of work has changed dramatically in recent years. As has the way we recruit new employees. Paper newspaper vacancies, internal recruitments, referrals, and word of mouth used to be the methods to find the right candidates. However, these methods are no longer adequate in today's competitive world. With social media and online job boards, employers now have access to a global pool of talent. As a result, recruiters and hiring managers now have to be smarter and more selective in finding the right candidate for the job.

Screening candidates more thoroughly through technology

Technology has also made it possible for employers to screen candidates more thoroughly. In the past, organisations mostly relied on CVs and interviews to get an idea of a candidate's qualifications. Today, however, numerous tools can help recruiters assess a candidate's skills and abilities.

For instance, online assessments and tests can give employers a more accurate picture of a candidate's suitability for the job. Furthermore, background checks and evaluating online assessments have now become commonplace in recruitment.

Ultimately, old-fashioned recruitment methods are of course familiar and simpler, but no longer effective in the ever-changing workplace. To remain competitive, employers must be prepared to adapt their recruitment practices to keep up with the times. We have now entered a time where social media and online reviews are complemented by a fantastic robot: AI.

How artificial intelligence is changing recruitment: a fantastic robot

The new generation of digital natives has grown up with access to information at their fingertips. As a result, it is no longer about being good at one particular field or specific skill. Instead, you want to have expertise in multiple areas that can help solve the business challenges organisations face.

This is large as a result of advances in technology over time - creating bigger talent shortages than ever before. This has led to companies looking for upgrades when recruiting individuals who will fill these roles. There are plenty of opportunities here!

Certain predictions for a good match

The use of artificial intelligence in recruitment departments has led to some big changes for organisations. Automating tasks like checking education and work experience, and simplifying routine processes can all be traced back to artificial intelligence innovations. These smart robots also put future behavioural predictions at the heart of their work. They create predictive analytics, something that will certainly make the recruitment process much more efficient than before.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, it is no surprise that many people are interested in entering this field. But what is perhaps even more surprising is how much change is likely to come for recruiting talent within these aspiring sectors. Artificial intelligence is one of the means by which we can propel desirable applicants into roles of future success!

Artificial intelligence & its applications in recruitment

Artificial intelligence is a term that encompasses a range of computer-assisted technologies designed to perform certain tasks that usually require human intelligence. Some examples? Consider decision-making and pattern recognition.

In the context of recruitment, AI can be used to automate repetitive tasks - such as screening candidates and sorting CVs. This leaves recruiters with more time for more strategic tasks and decisions in process improvements. Moreover, AI can be used to make recommendations on candidates who are a good fit for a particular job, based on data collected from previous hiring decisions.

AI is already having a major impact on the recruitment industry. Moreover, its use is only expected to increase in the future. As organisations rely more on AI-assisted tools to find top talent, those that are able to use these tools effectively will have a significant competitive advantage.

3 types of artificial intelligence:

ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence) is the first level of AI that can beat a human in one specific task. An example is an AI that can beat the world chess champion at chess, but that is all it does.
AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is AI that reaches and then surpasses the intelligence level of a human. Think of artificial intelligence that can plan, solve problems, and more.
ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) is an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brain in practically every field.

Human recruiters are still needed in recruitment

Now be honest: will artificial intelligence take over the human recruiter? No, there are so many qualities in the human brain right now, including emotional skills, that AI cannot yet replace. The recruitment industry is one area where AI will probably never be able to fully fill the human talent.

AI tools can efficiently screen CVs and identify candidates with the necessary qualifications. Only, they lack the ability to gauge intangible qualities like personality and cultural fit. Moreover, AI-based recruitment tools are often biased when it comes to underrepresented groups. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the workplace. Therefore, human recruiters will also continue to play an important role in recruitment, where ANI plays a complementary role.

Artificial intelligence predictions: what can we expect within recruitment?

But what changes will AI bring? Here are some specific ways AI is changing recruitment:

1. Screening candidates

AI-powered screening tools can quickly and efficiently identify which candidates possess the required skills and experience for a particular job. This helps save time and ensures that only the most suitable candidates move on to the next stage.

2. Sorting CVs

Sorting CVs is often a time-consuming task for recruiters. AI-based CV sorting tools can help by identifying CVs that meet the desired criteria. They are then pushed to the top of the pile. This saves valuable time in the process. It thereby helps in administrative tasks and automatically matches candidates with a vacancy.

3. Giving recommendations

Based on data collected from previous recruitments, artificial intelligence can make recommendations on which candidates are a good fit for a particular job. In addition, artificial intelligence provides external data to recruiters and it generates team reports. This helps recruiters focus their efforts on promising candidates, increasing the chances of a successful hire.

4. Digital interview platforms

As the pandemic hit our global economic and social order, digital interview platforms have become commonplace when applying for jobs. Robotic video interviews, such as asynchronous video interviews (AVIs), and automated assessments are on their way to becoming an integral part of recruitment processes. They make things more structured and can assist in large-scale recruitment processes.

5. Enhanced candidate experience

Small perks like flexible working hours or free coffee are insufficient to retain employees for a long time. To offer the employee an enriched experience, job postings should be comprehensive and targeted, while they should also include practices on recruiting and onboarding new employees. Artificial intelligence is going to constantly optimise the candidate experience in the future.

6. Proactive workforce planning

The need for a proactive approach to workforce planning is clear. Without it, you are left wondering what your business will look like in the future and whether there is room for the employee. AI-driven software can give organisations real-time information on the current state of workforce planning. AI can then use this data to make smarter hiring decisions.

Challenges in implementing AI in the recruitment process

While artificial intelligence has great potential to streamline the recruitment process and reduce our human bias (see: bias in recruitment), there are also some challenges to consider. One challenge is ensuring that the data used to train the AI system is representative of the diversity of the talent pool. If the data is somehow skewed, artificial intelligence makes wrong decisions (see: Amazon scraps secret AI recruiting tool that showed bias against women).

Another challenge is that AI systems can be expensive to develop and maintain. This can put them out of reach for smaller companies. Finally, it is important to ensure that AI systems are constantly evolving as the needs of the business change. With these challenges in mind, companies should carefully consider the suitability of AI for their recruitment needs.

As relevant as AI is becoming, it cannot yet replace the human brain in recruitment. Do you currently have open roles that need to be filled? Then let experts help you find the best match for your Life Sciences organisation here!

---

Also published on Frankwatching.com

---

Want to stay informed about current Life Science and recruitment news on a regular base? Then register here for free.