Employers, job seekers increasingly using AI in the hiring process

Employers and job seekers in Canada are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in the hiring process as the country's job market remains competitive. AI tools are being used to streamline recruitment, evaluate candidates, and even conduct initial interviews. BES Executive Search, an executive recruitment firm based in Toronto, utilizes AI to help employers manage their time, rank, sort, and summarize job applicants.

Meanwhile, Ribbon, a Toronto-based company, has developed an AI-powered interviewing platform that employs a conversational bot to interact with candidates, replacing traditional first-round interviews. Ottawa-based Knockri offers a similar service, analyzing candidate responses to recorded interview questions using AI technology.

Ontario recently introduced new rules requiring employers to disclose when AI is being used to recruit or screen job candidates. Supporters argue that AI hiring tools can reduce human bias by focusing on job-related competencies rather than subjective impressions. For example, Jahanzaib Ansari, Knockri's CEO and co-founder, explained that the technology is designed to avoid penalizing candidates for characteristics unrelated to job performance.

Critics remain skeptical, with some job seekers speculating that automated systems rejected their applications before a human reviewer did.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential for AI technologies to make the hiring process less effective if not used correctly. Jason Murray, president and managing partner at BES Executive Search, emphasized the need for careful implementation of AI tools in recruitment. On the other hand, some job seekers are turning to AI tools to help them prepare resumes, tailor cover letters, and generate interview answers in real time during virtual interviews. These applications aim to automate large portions of the job application process.

When it comes to AI-assisted interview tools, Ansari compared them to using a calculator during an interview, suggesting that there should be a point where applicants should rely solely on their own thinking skills. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into the recruitment process, both employers and job seekers are debating the appropriate balance between embracing technology and avoiding overreliance on it.

Despite differing opinions, there is a consensus that AI is playing an increasingly influential role in hiring, and its presence is expected to grow.