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If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely heard of generative AI, or GenAI, by now. It’s a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that can be used to create content including text, images, audio and synthetic data. More importantly, it does this without requiring specific programming for each task.
The ability to do these things has been made possible by neural networks and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), which were introduced back in 2014 by Ian Goodfellow and his colleagues. GANs are a type of machine learning framework where two neural networks play against each other to create new data.
None of that technical information likely means much to you as a talent acquisition professional—nor does it have to, luckily.
What does, though, is what GenAI is able to do for you. And that’s quite a lot.
GenAI in Talent Acquisition
Think of all the stages in the talent acquisition process where you need to read, synthesize or create content of some kind. It doesn’t take long to see where GenAI might come in handy. The time-saving potential reduces costs related to talent acquisition. It also frees up time to focus on more strategic-level activities.
As Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Resume Worded, says: “Resume screening used to be a ‘paper-cutathon,’ a time-sucking black hole in the hiring process.” But now, she says, “those hours spent squinting at resumes are gone.”
Tyler-Smith says that GenAI can “parse resumes lightning-fast, extracting key skills and experiences with uncanny accuracy. It weeds out the fluff, identifies hidden gems and delivers me laser-focused candidate pools.” She says it’s not perfect but adds, “It’s given me back precious time—and unearthed some true superstars I never would have found on my own.”
GenAI can be used to:
- Create job descriptions, job postings and candidate outreach
- Review and summarize resumes received—even comparing them against job criteria
- Screen and pre-select candidates for interviews
- Schedule interviews and send invitations and feedback to candidates
- Synthesize and summarize content from candidate interviews and other input
Parker Gilbert, CEO and Co-founder of Numeric.io, uses GenAI to help streamline hiring, specifically ClayHR. Doing so allows the company to “quickly pull in relevant data points on candidates, the position that is the best fit and our company to create compelling messages.” In addition, Numeric.io uses AI for “summarizing interviews with candidates into high-level points, pros and cons, so that each interview actively moves the conversation forward.”
GenAI can also streamline processes and improve decision-making in higher-level applications.
GenAI for Recruitment Marketing: Beyond the Basics
Tim Green, COO of TeamUp, oversees the company’s administrative and operational functions. He also works closely with the HR team to “implement strategies and policies to achieve our business goals.”
GenAI can definitely come into play for talent acquisition, he says, offering thiese specific examples:
- Skill gap analysis: “By comparing the skills of successful employees with those of prospective candidates, GenAI can identify gaps and suggest targeted training programs,” Green says. “This proactive approach ensures that new hires are productive from day one, significantly reducing the time to hire.”
- Cultural fit assessment: An evaluation of data from successful hires, Green says, can be used to identify patterns and characteristics that align with a company’s culture. “This predictive modeling helps recruiters identify candidates who are likely to thrive in the company’s environment.”
- Enhancing candidate experience: “By analyzing feedback and engagement data, GenAI can identify areas for improvement in the recruitment process,” Green says. “This leads to a smoother, more efficient process, which not only reduces time to hire, but also enhances the company’s employer brand.”
Cris Grossmann, author of “The Rise of the Frontline Worker” and CEO and co-founder of Beekeeper, says: “As the competition for talent intensifies, incorporating digital solutions, staying updated on hiring trends, and focusing on diverse and effective recruitment methods are critical for companies aiming to secure and retain a resilient workforce.”
There will be many more ways to use GenAI for talent acquisition, especially as the technology continues to develop and evolve. It’s fair to say that GenAI definitely has a place in the talent acquisition process.
Key Considerations When Choosing GenAI Applications
There are a wide range of GenAI tools and applications on the market already, with the field growing rapidly.
Not all are created equal so exercise caution in your selection. Ensure the tools meet your needs and avoid any issues related to bias or data security.
As Grossmann points out, “any AI tools used for hiring purposes must be in line with data protection regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines, ensuring the ethical and secure handling of candidate information throughout the recruitment process.” In addition, he says, “to mitigate biases in hiring trends, AI technology needs to be specifically calibrated to eliminate discriminatory patterns, allowing for fair evaluation of all candidates.”
Lastly, it’s important to recognize that GenAI does have its downfalls—and glitches. In fact, the term “hallucination” is used to refer to the tendency of GenAI to occasionally “make up” information. That’s why it’s important to ensure that there are still humans involved in the process. At a minimum, you need to review and validate information generated via GenAI tools.
Still, the potential is apparent. If you’re not already using GenAI as part of your process, 2024 is the time to start.For a comprehensive collection of the top-rated AI tools for recruitment marketing, as well as plenty of other products to help your recruitment marketing efforts, visit our marketplace now. Happy hiring!
