AI interviews in the corporate world: the new normal?

AI Interviews in the Corporate World: The New Normal?

In an evolving recruitment landscape, businesses are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the hiring process, altering traditional interview methods. This shift is exemplified by Ishan Shah, a junior at DePaul University, who encountered AI technology firsthand when applying for a summer internship in banking at Deloitte.

Instead of the conventional interview with a human resources representative, Shah found himself facing an AI system designed to evaluate his suitability for the role. This system was provided by Hirevue, a prominent firm specialising in AI-driven recruitment solutions. Hirevue’s technology records, analyses, and assesses candidates’ responses to determine their potential value to the company.

Initially intrigued by the innovation, Shah appreciated the comfort of speaking to a camera rather than a live interviewer, particularly as he was relatively inexperienced with interviews. However, as the process progressed, he found the lack of human interaction increasingly dissatisfying, missing the relational aspect inherent in traditional interviews.

His experience reflects a broader trend in the corporate world, where companies of all sizes are adopting AI for various business processes. This trend extends to networking sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor, which have incorporated AI into their application review and profile management systems.

Despite the apparent benefits, including cost reduction and increased efficiency, the adoption of AI in recruitment has faced criticism. Experts like Tim Cole, an associate professor at DePaul’s College of Communication, express concerns over the impersonal nature of such technology. Cole, who specialises in communication dynamics, emphasises the emotional and empathetic connections fostered by human interaction, which are absent in AI-driven environments.

Cole notes that while technology facilitates connection, it often lacks the depth necessary for meaningful engagement, potentially alienating individuals who value personal interaction. This sentiment is echoed by David Avdul, interim vice president of human resources at DePaul, who acknowledges the challenges AI presents to human resource professionals. With a background in corporate HR, Avdul recognises both the efficiency AI offers and the impersonal barrier it can create.

Shah’s concerns also highlight a potential downside for companies relying heavily on AI. Candidates who do not fit the AI’s criteria may be overlooked despite possessing valuable skills and qualities. He worries applicants may feel like mere ‘cogs in the wheel’, questioning the values of the companies using such systems.

Nevertheless, in certain sectors like finance, AI interviews are becoming common. Shah himself underwent multiple Hirevue interviews for positions at prominent financial institutions, including EY, KPMG, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Avdul admits that the integration of AI into recruitment processes is unavoidable. He foresees organisations necessitating adaptations in their hiring procedures to accommodate this technological advancement.

As AI continues to transform recruitment, businesses face the challenge of balancing technological efficiency with the need to maintain a personal touch, ensuring candidates feel valued beyond algorithmic assessments. As firms embrace this innovative approach, the implications for job seekers and hiring professionals alike will be significant, marking a pivotal shift in how talent acquisition is conducted globally.

Source: Noah Wire Services