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.