Employers, job seekers increasingly using AI in the hiring process

As the job market in Canada continues to pose challenges for many job seekers, both employers and applicants are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence in the hiring process. AI tools are being utilized to streamline recruitment, evaluate candidates, and even conduct initial interviews. Jason Murray, president and managing partner at executive recruitment firm BES Executive Search, noted that employers employ AI to manage time, rank, sort, and summarize applications.

Some companies, such as Ribbon in Toronto and Ottawa-based Knockri, have developed AI-powered interviewing platforms. Ribbon uses a conversational bot to replace traditional first-round interviews, while Knockri employs artificial intelligence to analyze candidate responses to recorded interview questions.

In response to the growing use of AI in recruitment, Ontario introduced new rules requiring employers to disclose when AI is used to recruit or screen candidates. Supporters argue that AI hiring tools can help reduce human bias by focusing on job-related competencies. Jahanzaib Ansari, Knockri's CEO and co-founder, stated that the technology is designed to avoid penalizing candidates for characteristics unrelated to job performance.

However, critics and job seekers remain skeptical about AI's role in the hiring process. On professional networking sites like LinkedIn, candidates often speculate that automated systems rejected their applications before a human made the decision. Murray emphasized the importance of using AI technology carefully, as improper use could potentially hinder progress.

On the other hand, job seekers are also leveraging AI tools to their advantage. Applications can assist in crafting resumes, tailoring cover letters, and generating interview answers during virtual interviews. However, employers may have differing perspectives on the extent to which AI should be used in the hiring process, comparing certain AI-assisted interview tools to using a calculator during an interview.

As AI becomes more deeply integrated into recruitment, employers and candidates will need to determine the appropriate balance between embracing technology and relying on it excessively.