Generative AI has become a significant tool in the hiring process, with many job seekers in Canada leveraging it to enhance their applications. However, despite AI’s growing role, job seekers still prioritize human interaction in key stages of the hiring journey. A recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey highlights the concerns and preferences of Canadian job seekers when it comes to AI in the recruitment process.
Job Seekers’ Preferences and Concerns
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AI Use in Job Applications:
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78% of job seekers are comfortable using AI for generating mock interview questions.
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72% are willing to use AI to draft resumes and cover letters.
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62% use AI to create work samples.
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53% are open to using AI for completing online assessments or tests.
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Desire for Human Interaction:
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89% of job seekers believe AI is inadequate for assessing soft skills like cultural fit and attitude.
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87% prefer a human to conduct the initial interview for answering basic questions.
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85% want a human to review their resume and cover letter rather than AI.
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75% of job seekers feel that the benefits of using AI during the hiring process are not worth the potential risks.
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Gender Differences in AI Usage:
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Female job seekers are less likely than males to use AI in various stages of the application process:
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27% of females use AI to draft resumes, compared to 41% of males.
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13% of females use AI for creating work samples, compared to 25% of males.
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9% of females use AI for assessments, compared to 14% of males.
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51% of female job seekers have never used AI during their job search, significantly higher than the 40% of male job seekers.
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The Role of AI for Hiring Managers
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Adoption and Benefits:
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52% of hiring managers report that their companies use AI in the hiring process.
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55% believe AI enhances customer service and frees up employee time.
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52% use AI for analyzing resumes and cover letters.
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51% report that AI improves process efficiency, and 47% say it helps in closing the skills gap.
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Growing AI Adoption:
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34% of companies are already using AI or automation as an alternative to filling open positions.
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39% plan to aggressively adopt AI in the next five years if faced with challenges in filling roles.
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32% plan to replace a significant portion of their workforce with AI or automation in the same timeframe.
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Striking the Right Balance
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The Importance of Human Interaction:
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While 73% of hiring managers see the benefits of AI in recruitment, 66% emphasize the risks of overusing AI without human involvement.
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88% of hiring managers stress the importance of human participation to accurately assess soft skills.
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CEO Bill Stoller’s View:
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Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, advocates for AI complementing human judgment rather than replacing it.
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He underscores the importance of transparent communication with job seekers about the benefits and role of AI in the hiring process, balancing AI’s efficiency with human empathy to foster trust in recruitment.
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As AI continues to reshape the hiring process, it’s clear that job seekers and employers alike must find the right balance between technological efficiency and the human touch that’s essential for evaluating soft skills and building trust. While AI is a powerful tool, preserving human interaction remains crucial for a positive and effective hiring experience.
