Putting AI in its Place – Artificial Intelligence Should Be Part of the Recruiting Process, But it Can’t Replace the Human Touch, According to Korn Ferry Survey

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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As big data and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to transform the recruiting industry, a new survey by Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) shows that professionals have less trust in AI than in human recruiters.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Survey results at bottom of release

While nearly three quarters of those surveyed (72 percent) said AI should be used during the recruitment process, more than two-thirds (68 percent) said it wouldn’t be fair if AI alone chose who should be interviewed without the input of a human recruiter.

In addition, nearly half (41 percent) said they feel uncomfortable dealing with AI instead of a human recruiter as part of the process, and 76 percent said they trust AI less than a person to guide the job search process.

“AI, when coupled with machine learning, is an incredibly strong tool in the journey to source and select the most qualified candidates, but it’s just that, a ‘tool,’” said Matt Heckler, general manager, Global Client Platform Solutions, Korn Ferry. “The best recruiters use big data and AI to free time by automating tasks such as sourcing. This gives the recruiter more time to focus on what matters: creating and filling roles that help organizations fulfill their strategic agenda.”

The top benefit of working with a recruiter, according to the survey, is the ability to build strong relationships. While 90 percent of respondents said technology cannot replace the human interaction required to recruit effectively, respondents did cite benefits of using AI in the recruiting process. When asked what they value most from AI being used in recruiting, 30 percent said it makes the process go faster; and a quarter believe it helps take bias out of the equation.

“As AI continues to become part of our everyday lives, we can expect to see an increase in the adoption and integration of this emerging technology to help talent acquisition professionals be even more efficient and effective,” continued Heckler. “From freeing up time for strategic thought and relationship building to helping talent acquisition professionals better understand their markets, the intelligent use of technology provides an exciting path for the recruiter of the future.”

About the survey

The survey of 431 professionals across a wide range of industries took place in late May 2018. (note: due to rounding figures may not equal 100 percent).

 

Do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used during the recruitment process?

Yes   72 percent
No 28 percent
 

When you do know it’s an Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiter vs. a human recruiter in the recruitment process, how comfortable do you feel in dealing with it?

Very comfortable   15 percent
Somewhat comfortable 44 percent
Somewhat uncomfortable 28 percent
Very uncomfortable 13 percent
 

In the initial stages of the recruitment process (e.g. discussing your interest in a potential role) can you tell when you’re not dealing with a human in recruitment situations?

Yes, it is always obvious with chatbots   25 percent
Yes, I think so 58 percent
No, I don’t think so 16 percent
No, definitely not 1 percent
 

Would you think it fair for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiter to judge your resume instead of a human, determining whether you are interviewed or not?

Yes, it would be fair   32 percent
No, it would not be fair 68 percent
 

Would you trust an Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiter more or less than a human recruiter when it comes to finding you a job?

I would trust an AI recruiter a lot more than a human recruiter   4 percent
I would trust an AI recruiter somewhat more than a human recruiter 20 percent
I would trust an AI recruiter somewhat less than a human recruiter 48 percent
I would trust an AI recruiter a lot less than a human recruiter 28 percent
 

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “Technology cannot replace the human interaction required to recruit effectively.”

Strongly agree   43 percent
Agree 47 percent
Disagree 8 percent
Strongly disagree 2 percent
 

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “Recruitment needs major change through the adoption of new technology.”

Strongly agree   21 percent
Agree 58 percent
Disagree 19 percent
Strongly disagree 2 percent
 

Is there a point in the recruitment process where you would prefer to stop dealing with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiter and start dealing with a human?

I would prefer to deal with a human recruiter throughout the entire process 23 percent
After initial contact, I would prefer to deal with a human recruiter 52 percent
From an interview onwards, I would prefer to deal with a human recruiter 23 percent
When negotiating my package, I would prefer to deal with a human 3 percent
 

Do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in recruitment work?

Yes, automated recruitment works all the time   2 percent
Yes, automated recruitment works most of the time 35 percent
No, I don’t think automated recruitment works most of the time 52 percent
No, I don’t think automated recruitment works all of the time 11 percent
 

What would you value most from dealing with human recruiters?

I can build a personal relationship with them   28 percent
I feel I can trust a human 11 percent
I believe they care about the job they’re doing 17 percent
They are more subjective when selecting candidates 22 percent
They really know what I want from a role 21 percent
 

What would you value most from dealing with Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiters?

I believe they’re unbiased and more fair   25 percent
I believe they are more efficient than human recruiters 22 percent
A better candidate experience 7 percent
A faster recruitment process 30 percent

I believe they are more accurate in finding job opps that work for me

17 percent

 

Have you seen the impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can have on the speed of recruitment process yet?

Yes   26 percent
No 74 percent
 

Have you seen the impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can have on the quality of recruitment process yet?

Yes     17 percent
No 83 percent
 

Are you concerned about the impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has on the recruitment process and the way you interact with recruiters?

Yes   66 percent
No 34 percent
 

Does the use of  Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the recruitment process impact the reputation of an employer?

Yes, it has a positive impact   23 percent
Yes, it has a negative impact 35 percent
No, it has no impact 42 percent
 

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We help clients synchronize strategy and talent to drive superior performance. We work with organizations to design their structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people to bring their strategy to life. And we advise them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their people.

Korn Ferry
Tracy Kurschner
612.309.3957
Tracy.kurschner@kornferry.com

Source: Korn Ferry

Released June 28, 2018