Surge in AI Adoption by Employers for Hiring University Graduates and School Leavers, Report Finds
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly popular among employers for hiring university graduates and school leavers, according to a report by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE). The survey, conducted between July and August and involving 169 student employers, revealed that more than one in four (28%) employers have integrated AI into their recruitment process. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, where only 9% of employers reported using AI for recruitment purposes.
The report highlights that AI is predominantly used in online psychometric assessments, enabling employers to efficiently evaluate candidates. It is also utilized in pre-screening applicants and providing updates about the overall recruitment process. In addition, AI technology assists in analyzing video interviews.
The adoption of AI in recruitment processes has demonstrated several benefits for employers. According to the survey, 83% of respondents reported that AI improved the speed and efficiency of their recruitment procedures, while 64% stated it facilitated the analysis of large amounts of data. The integration of AI has undoubtedly transformed traditional recruitment practices, allowing employers to approach hiring in a more effective manner.
Despite the advantages AI offers, the survey revealed that 70% of employers still prefer a more human-centric approach to the recruitment process. While AI enhances efficiency, concerns regarding ethics and the removal of human interaction persist. As AI technology evolves and improves, confidence in its application is likely to increase, easing these concerns over time.
Georgia Greer, the Head of Insights at ISE, commented on the findings, stating, AI is creating opportunities for employers to do things differently in a more effective way. With the rise in job applications, the increased speed and efficiency is particularly attractive. It should improve the candidate experience too. Greer acknowledged that AI tools such as ChatGPT may be used in interviews, requiring candidates to respond and review their experiences. However, she clarified that AI is primarily employed for assessing candidate performance, with applicants often unaware of its usage or unable to prepare specifically for it.
This surge in AI adoption in recruitment signifies a significant shift in hiring practices for university graduates and school leavers. While the benefits of AI technology in facilitating efficient evaluations and processing large volumes of data are apparent, employers must strike a balance between utilizing AI and preserving a human-centric approach. The ongoing evolution of AI and increased confidence in its application is likely to shape the recruitment landscape in the coming years, offering both candidates and employers new possibilities and enhanced experiences.
