HR leaders have a new nightmare: Job seekers asking ChatGPT what employees really think of their company

Good morning! HR leaders face a new challenge: job seekers using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to research companies. Indeed's new data reveals that 70% of job seekers now utilize such AI platforms for employer research. When candidates inquire about company culture, 40% of sources cited on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed originate from third-party review sites, not company career pages.

This situation presents a challenge for HR professionals, as AI shapes candidates' perceptions of employers using information they don't control directly. Polished career pages may present a favorable narrative, while employee reviews on third-party sites present a different picture. When asked by chatbots, this information can be pieced together to form a comprehensive impression.

However, it's important to note that AI isn't discovering anything it hasn't already found online. Taylor Meadows, principal advisor at Glassdoor, advises HR leaders to tackle this issue head-on. Meadows suggests conducting an AI audit by asking various LLMs "What is it like to work at X company?" and then reverse-engineering the problems that arise.

He also recommends publishing Q&A sessions that address genuine questions from employees and candidates on social media and review sites. Meadows emphasizes that these should cover the good, the bad, and the ugly to provide a balanced perspective. Companies should also create content showcasing the experience of working in different departments, as culture can vary team by team.

Encouraging employees to share authentic experiences, even during offboarding, can also be beneficial. Departing employees may leave reviews that later surface in AI searches, making their final impression of the company crucial. Meadows stresses that this approach is about informing and influencing, not about achieving perfection or controlling the narrative.