The shape of the current job market in the UK is an alarming prospect for job seekers, and it is not showing any signs of improvement in the near future.
This year, the unemployment rate increased to 4.5%, yet the number of employers expecting to hire more staff in the next three months had fallen to a record low. This is leaving many in a desperate situation as they are not able to find work in their field.
From a business perspective, the hiring process has become overwhelming. With so many applications flooding in, many of them not having any relevance to the job role itself, recruitment has become an incredibly time-consuming process that recruiters simply do not have the resources for.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed traditional recruitment processes over recent years, and this trend is only expected to continue upward. HR software with AI functionalities is becoming a game-changer for recruiters, not only saving them time but improving the quality of their hires.
How AI Can Be Used to Find New Talent
With so many AI tools out there to choose from nowadays, recruiters are able to use the technology to their advantage and improve the quality of their hiring processes.
Here are some of the main ways AI can be used to source new talent:
Screen applications to find the best matches
With the job market being so competitive, many companies find themselves faced with hundreds, or even thousands, of applications to get through.
There are AI tools available which can analyze a vast number of applications in as little as seconds, shortlisting candidates based on their suitability for the role. By scanning for keywords and skills that are relevant to the job description, the top candidates are then presented to the employer so they can look through what are considered to be the best applications.
Although keyword matching tools have been around for some time, AI tools are more advanced in the way that they are able to understand context – avoiding shortlisting candidates who have used keyword-stuffing techniques in an attempt to fit the ideal candidate persona.
Source potential candidates who haven’t applied
For employers who are looking to fill unique roles which require specific specialisms, often posting a job online is not enough. Many of the best candidates are not actively looking on job boards, so if a recruiter wants to get their attention, they need to reach out directly.
There are various recruitment tools which use AI to find potential candidates who fit their unique criteria. By scanning the web and LinkedIn profiles, they are able to create a list of prospects in the local area, and this can be used by recruiters to get in touch to see if they are interested in new opportunities.
Remove unconscious bias from the equation
Bias is a huge problem when it comes to recruitment, and many recruiters don’t even know they are contributing to it.
AI can help create a fairer landscape by allowing recruiters to select candidates based purely on their suitability for the role. It removes information such as the candidate’s name, date of birth, gender, and address so unconscious bias is not able to creep in.
Embedding these AI tools into recruitment practices not only creates a fairer landscape for candidates but also helps businesses create more diverse teams with a wider range of talent.
Carry out AI-powered first-stage interviews
Interviews are a huge consumer of time for recruiters. The process of selecting candidates, arranging interviews, and carrying out various stages quickly eats into company time and can lead to rushed decisions.
Nowadays, AI-powered interviews are becoming a popular choice for businesses when carrying out the first stage of interviews. The candidates will receive a web link which takes them to an online platform that records their responses to a range of preset questions. Since it can be carried out from the comfort of their own home and at a time that suits their schedule, it is a more convenient option for both parties.
From the perspective of the recruiter, being able to access the video responses of the top candidates means they can get a good understanding of each applicant and shortlist those they wish to invite to the next stage of the process.
Is AI Going to Become a Necessity for Recruiters?
As the UK job market becomes tougher and tougher, employers are having to quickly adapt their approach. The traditional processes that once worked well are now becoming impossible to keep on top of, as the number of job applications that come in is unmanageable.
By onboarding new HR software which includes various AI features, recruiters are able to better manage the process and ensure they find the top talent.
From screening hundreds of applications in seconds to carrying out the first round of interviews using AI technology, not only does the process save hours of time, but it also means a business can make smarter hiring decisions.
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