Blog
AI

The Ultimate Guide to AI Recruiting

Recruiting will never be the same again

November 30, 2023

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform every facet of human work. It can help augment or even replace the tools we use every day, streamlining our work and increasing productivity.

Recruiters can benefit from letting AI take on time-consuming tasks like candidate sourcing and screening. And while this technology can help take your hiring process to the next level, there are both pros and cons to consider.

What is AI Recruiting?

First, we should probably take a step back and define AI itself. Quoting Vishal Maini from DeepMind, artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of agents that perceive the world around them, form plans and make decisions to achieve their goals.

One of the most important aspects of AI is its ability to learn. For instance, an AI can look at a set of decisions a human has made based on certain information, and learn how to make decisions based on similar future information.

It’s exactly this feature of AI that holds the most promise when it comes to recruitment.

With that in mind, AI in recruiting is an attempt to use AI to automate certain stages of the recruiting process. This can refer to analyzing large sets of data or using machine learning to mimic decisions made by human recruiters.

How Can AI Recruiting Help Your Business?

In the hands of an experienced recruiter, AI can make your company’s hiring process faster and more cost-effective, while improving the quality of new hires.

There are three main areas where AI recruiting can be used:

Sourcing

There are two approaches to AI recruiting that can help you connect with potential candidates faster.

The first one is by collecting candidate data from job boards, employee databases, or social media platforms like LinkedIn. By automating this process, recruiters can save a lot of time and effort and focus on picking the best candidate.

The second one is actively reaching out to potential candidates. AI chatbots can contact potential candidates, ask questions and use the answers to determine if the candidate would be a good addition to your team.

Screening

This is where the decision-making process we described earlier comes in. AI can parse candidate resumes and point out the relevant skills and experience.

Combining data from a resume with a skill test can also help AI predict a candidate’s performance. This can provide useful insight, speeding up the hiring process and helping recruiters find the best fit.

Engagement and Interviews

One of the ways AI can be used in interviews is to analyze the candidate’s facial expression, voice, and word choice and predict personality traits. While this approach is used by companies such as Google and Facebook, the results are still somewhat unreliable.

The second way is to have an AI chatbot ask preliminary questions and analyze the candidate’s answers. You can use the data recorded in this pre-interview to give more context to the impression the candidate leaves during the interview itself.

The Pros and Cons of AI Recruiting

Like any new technology, AI recruiting has the potential to make life a lot easier for recruiters, but there are also downsides to keep in mind.

Pro: Both More Efficient and Effective

The main benefit of using AI recruiting is just how much faster it can make the hiring process.

To illustrate, a recruiter can take up to 23 hours to take a candidate through the entire hiring funnel, including application, screening, shortlisting, and interview.

An AI, on the other hand, can analyze thousands of applications instantly, comparing them to a list of job requirements and sending the recruiter only the most qualified candidates.

AI can also increase the pool of potential candidates. Aside from helping recruiters with the initial job applications, it can also reach out to other qualified candidates on social media.

This also allows for remote interviews, hiring, and onboarding, making the hiring process more efficient.

Pro: Lower Costs

According to findings by SHRM, the average cost per hire is $4,129 for a single open position. Using AI to help with candidate screening can save you up to 30% of this cost per candidate.

There is also the matter of long-term costs. Hiring the wrong candidate can be an expensive mistake, costing as much as 2.5 salaries. AI can help mitigate this by reducing bias during the hiring process and making sure your recruiter has the best candidates to choose from.

Pro: Better Candidate Experience

AI chatbots and similar online tools can help make the hiring process more convenient for both recruiters and candidates. They do so by automatically scheduling interviews and letting recruiters interview candidates remotely.

AI chatbots can also be designed to answer any of the questions a candidate may have, at any time. This quick access to information will also be useful once you fill out the position since the new hire can also be onboarded remotely.

Con: Requires a Lot of Data

The main downside of machine learning, in general, is that it requires huge data sets to make decisions properly. Machine learning algorithms will need thousands or millions of data points in order to successfully mimic human decision-making.

This means that, depending on the type of solution you choose, the process of setting up AI recruiting can be expensive and time-consuming.

Con: AI Can Still Learn Bias

One of the main selling points of AI recruiting is the potential to eliminate bias from the hiring process.

It’s a part of human nature that we have an easier time connecting with people that share a similar look and background to ours. This can lead to unconscious bias in recruiting, which AI promises to fix by only focusing on the most qualified candidates.

However, we already mentioned that AI learns by analyzing decisions made by hiring professionals. If these decisions already contain a dose of unconscious bias, AI can learn to replicate these biases while screening candidates.

Con: New and Uncertain

Finally, there’s the question of the future of AI in recruiting.

It seems that hardly a day goes by without some new technology or a piece of software promising to make the hiring process easier and more efficient. Because of this, some recruiters might be reluctant to embrace AI, seeing it as just another passing fad.

Some hiring experts may even be concerned that as AI recruiting grows more and more sophisticated, they may wind up being out of work.

The Bottom Line

AI recruiting can help streamline the hiring process by taking care of time-consuming tasks like screening and interviewing candidates, saving you time and money in the long run. But, like any other technology, it also has its downsides.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if AI recruiting is right for your business. If you’re interested in using AI in your hiring process, Humanly can offer outstanding solutions for sourcing, screening, and engaging potential candidates.

More Resources

View all
Sort
5 Ways AI Enhances Diversity Hiring in the Recruitment Process
Fostering diversity through hiring is no longer just a "nice-to-have"—it's a crucial element of creating a thriving, innovative, and resilient workforce
September 30, 2024
A Checklist for Evaluating AI Vendors: Key Questions to Ask
When considering an AI vendor, you need to ensure their tech aligns with your value, protects your data, and is tailored to your needs.
September 26, 2024
Just as Humans Are What We Eat, AI Is What It’s Fed
Bias in data is not just an abstract concept—it’s a real-world problem that affects everything from the design of safety equipment to how we hire and promote employees.
September 25, 2024
Humanly Placed in Will Reed's Top 100 Workplace Culture Ranking
Humanly a top 100 culture award recipient
September 10, 2024
Humanly Placed in Will Reed's Top 100 Workplace Culture Ranking
Humanly a top 100 culture award recipient
September 10, 2024
Humanly Named Top AI Recruiting Software By Select Software Reviews
4.7/5 rating and a "must buy" for mid-sized teams already using an ATS
January 1, 2024
Humanly Named Top AI Recruiting Software By Select Software Reviews
4.7/5 rating and a "must buy" for mid-sized teams already using an ATS
January 1, 2024
Humanly Named Geekwire 2022 Best UX Design Of The Year
GeekWire Awards judges said they “We were impressed with their focus on diversity and this was apparent in several areas and features of the platform.”
October 11, 2022
Humanly Named Geekwire 2022 Best UX Design Of The Year
GeekWire Awards judges said they “We were impressed with their focus on diversity and this was apparent in several areas and features of the platform.”
October 11, 2022
Humanly Named 2022 HR Tech Awardee For Talent Acquisition
We welcome this large step for our quickly growing organization.
September 19, 2022
Humanly Named 2022 HR Tech Awardee For Talent Acquisition
We welcome this large step for our quickly growing organization.
September 19, 2022
Humanly Wins Multiple Placements In G2 Winter 2024 Reports
Our journey in shaking up talent acquisition just hit new heights, nailing spots in both Recruiting Automation and Chatbot sectors.
January 1, 2024
Humanly Wins Multiple Placements In G2 Winter 2024 Reports
Our journey in shaking up talent acquisition just hit new heights, nailing spots in both Recruiting Automation and Chatbot sectors.
January 1, 2024
TheKey
10x decrease in application time with TheKey
April 21, 2024
Moss Adams
5x hiring team productivity with Moss Adams
April 23, 2024
There are no other white papers at the moment
Mr Meaningful Work and Arkesh Mishra
Tim and Arkesh Mishra - Head of People @ Walmart U.S. Tech - explore how AI is reshaping the future of work, the importance of skills-based approaches in talent management, and the critical role of empathy and well-being in driving performance.
July 9, 2024
Mr Meaningful Work and Tim Sackett
In this episode Tim Sackett shares his view on the evolving landscape of recruitment and leadership in the age of AI. Delving into the importance of embracing AI and technology, focusing on data-driven decisions, and enhancing organizational talent.
June 25, 2024
Mr Meaningful Work and Guests Kick Off What's Humanly Possible
Join Mr. Meaningful Work, Tim O'Leary and the Humanly team as we kick off our podcast "What's Humanly Possible"
June 11, 2024
Mr Meaningful Work and the Queen of Hearts
In our second episode of "What's Humanly Possible" Tim - Mr. Meaningful Work - O'Leare meets with Chief Heart Officer at Vayner Media Claude Silver. The pair talk through the role of empathy in building high performing teams as well as the whole lifecycle of hiring and talent acquisition
June 11, 2024
Efficient, Equitable & Empathetic Candidate Conversations with Katrina Collier and Prem Kumar
Katrina Collier, author of The Robot-Proof Recruiter, and Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly, dive deep into the evolving role of AI in recruitment
October 2, 2024
Efficient, Equitable & Empathetic Candidate Conversations with Katrina Collier and Prem Kumar
Katrina Collier, author of The Robot-Proof Recruiter, and Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly, dive deep into the evolving role of AI in recruitment
October 2, 2024
Chisel Presents: Learnings From Building AI Products
Featuring Humanly CEO Prem Kumar
September 16, 2024
Chisel Presents: Learnings From Building AI Products
Featuring Humanly CEO Prem Kumar
September 16, 2024
The Role of AI in Modern Recruiting [Podcast]
Listen in as Prem explores the potential of AI to match candidates, manage high applicant volumes, and improve communication, and highlights the need for data protection and trust in AI systems.
August 15, 2024
The Role of AI in Modern Recruiting [Podcast]
Listen in as Prem explores the potential of AI to match candidates, manage high applicant volumes, and improve communication, and highlights the need for data protection and trust in AI systems.
August 15, 2024
AI in Hiring: From Microsoft to Humanly's Recruitment Solutions | Episode 14
AI in hiring podcast chats with Prem Kumar on Humanly's approach to high-volume hiring using conversational AI
August 6, 2024
AI in Hiring: From Microsoft to Humanly's Recruitment Solutions | Episode 14
AI in hiring podcast chats with Prem Kumar on Humanly's approach to high-volume hiring using conversational AI
August 6, 2024
How Can Technology Optimize the Hiring Proceess? With Prem Kumar
In this Endevis "Talent Tide" podcast episode, Chris discusses the benefits of using AI in the hiring process with Humanly CEO Prem Kumar.
October 18, 2022
How Can Technology Optimize the Hiring Proceess? With Prem Kumar
In this Endevis "Talent Tide" podcast episode, Chris discusses the benefits of using AI in the hiring process with Humanly CEO Prem Kumar.
October 18, 2022
Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly.io: $5.5 Million Raised to Build the Conversational Hiring Category
Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech’s most innovative B2B founders. In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly, a recruiting tech platform that has raised $5.5 million in funding.
November 7, 2023
Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly.io: $5.5 Million Raised to Build the Conversational Hiring Category
Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech’s most innovative B2B founders. In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Prem Kumar, CEO of Humanly, a recruiting tech platform that has raised $5.5 million in funding.
November 7, 2023
Transforming the Recruitment Process with Humanly's Prem Kumar
HR Tech Spotlight discusses Humanly.io with a focus on conversational AI for high-volume professional hiring.
September 6, 2022
Transforming the Recruitment Process with Humanly's Prem Kumar
HR Tech Spotlight discusses Humanly.io with a focus on conversational AI for high-volume professional hiring.
September 6, 2022
Firing Squad: Humanly's Prem Kumar
It's not often we get a Y Combinator company to pitch on Firing Squad, so let's start with 'you're welcome, listeners.' So, who's up? CEO Prem Kumar brings his A Game.
October 17, 2023
Firing Squad: Humanly's Prem Kumar
It's not often we get a Y Combinator company to pitch on Firing Squad, so let's start with 'you're welcome, listeners.' So, who's up? CEO Prem Kumar brings his A Game.
October 17, 2023
HR Tech Insights Featuring Markellos Diorinos, Prem Kumar And Rob Catalano
This interview is part of a new series called HR Tech Insights for the Workology Podcast, sponsored by UpSkill HR and Ace the HR Exam.
August 10, 2021
HR Tech Insights Featuring Markellos Diorinos, Prem Kumar And Rob Catalano
This interview is part of a new series called HR Tech Insights for the Workology Podcast, sponsored by UpSkill HR and Ace the HR Exam.
August 10, 2021
Deck Review: Humanly
Humanly's founders communicated a big opportunity on a level investors could easily understand
November 18, 2020
Deck Review: Humanly
Humanly's founders communicated a big opportunity on a level investors could easily understand
November 18, 2020
A Chat with Prem Kumar, CEO of the HR Tech Company Humanly.io
Favorite podcasts, AI-augmented recruiting, parenting app wishlists, and more.
October 14, 2020
A Chat with Prem Kumar, CEO of the HR Tech Company Humanly.io
Favorite podcasts, AI-augmented recruiting, parenting app wishlists, and more.
October 14, 2020
The New Age of Hiring: AI Is Changing the Game for Job Seekers
Automation, algorithms and machine learning are taking over recruitment and hiring. How do we compete with the rise of robots?
June 9, 2023
The New Age of Hiring: AI Is Changing the Game for Job Seekers
Automation, algorithms and machine learning are taking over recruitment and hiring. How do we compete with the rise of robots?
June 9, 2023
SAP.iO Foundry San Francisco Future of Work Cohort
Meet the startups joining the Spring 2021 Future of Work Program at the SAP.iO Foundry San Francisco
April 14, 2021
SAP.iO Foundry San Francisco Future of Work Cohort
Meet the startups joining the Spring 2021 Future of Work Program at the SAP.iO Foundry San Francisco
April 14, 2021
All the companies from Y Combinator’s W20 Demo Day, Part I: B2B Companies
Y Combinator’s Demo Day was a bit different this time around.
April 24, 2020
All the companies from Y Combinator’s W20 Demo Day, Part I: B2B Companies
Y Combinator’s Demo Day was a bit different this time around.
April 24, 2020
Product Manager To CEO | Using AI To Increase Equity When Hiring
Today’s job application experience often falls very short of that world. Candidates find themselves repeating the same steps without feedback, positive or negative, while key questions are left unanswered until late in the process.
January 29, 2024
Product Manager To CEO | Using AI To Increase Equity When Hiring
Today’s job application experience often falls very short of that world. Candidates find themselves repeating the same steps without feedback, positive or negative, while key questions are left unanswered until late in the process.
January 29, 2024
Recruiting automation startup Humanly lands $12M as it doubles down on AI
GeekWire’s in-depth startup coverage tells the stories of the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene.
September 13, 2023
Recruiting automation startup Humanly lands $12M as it doubles down on AI
GeekWire’s in-depth startup coverage tells the stories of the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene.
September 13, 2023
GeekWire Awards: How this startup CEO adapted to the pandemic, economic downturn and his own fatigue
Geekwire covers the founding story of Humanly and the challenges surmounted by CEO Prem Kumar
September 20, 2023
GeekWire Awards: How this startup CEO adapted to the pandemic, economic downturn and his own fatigue
Geekwire covers the founding story of Humanly and the challenges surmounted by CEO Prem Kumar
September 20, 2023
From Artificial Intelligence to Human Intelligence
A once in a generation opportunity to revolutionize HR with AI
March 20, 2024
From Artificial Intelligence to Human Intelligence
A once in a generation opportunity to revolutionize HR with AI
March 20, 2024
Humanly Acquires Teamable, Introducing an AI-First End-to-End Recruiting Powerhouse
Raising the Bar: Putting Candidates First, With Recruiting Teams in the Driving Seat
May 28, 2024
Humanly Acquires Teamable, Introducing an AI-First End-to-End Recruiting Powerhouse
Raising the Bar: Putting Candidates First, With Recruiting Teams in the Driving Seat
May 28, 2024
Empowering the Future of Hiring: Humanly Raises $12M Series A to Fuel Innovation and Growth
$12M to Innovate Hiring, Promising a Future Where AI Leads the Way.
November 29, 2023
Empowering the Future of Hiring: Humanly Raises $12M Series A to Fuel Innovation and Growth
$12M to Innovate Hiring, Promising a Future Where AI Leads the Way.
November 29, 2023
Ask the Question: What’s Beyond What You Already Think and Know About Hiring?
The future of recruiting is build on transparent relationships
November 29, 2023
Ask the Question: What’s Beyond What You Already Think and Know About Hiring?
The future of recruiting is build on transparent relationships
November 29, 2023
What's AI Sourcing?
Discover how Humanly's AI-powered sourcing tools can revolutionize your candidate sourcing process, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient.
September 10, 2024
What's AI Sourcing?
Discover how Humanly's AI-powered sourcing tools can revolutionize your candidate sourcing process, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient.
September 10, 2024
What's AI Referrals?
Employee referrals can be your secret weapon, even in times when hiring is competitive.
September 10, 2024
What's AI Referrals?
Employee referrals can be your secret weapon, even in times when hiring is competitive.
September 10, 2024
Transforming Hiring with AI
Join Humanly CEO Prem Kumar in conversation with recruiting innovator Anthony Rotoli, CEO of InterviewAI
September 4, 2024
Transforming Hiring with AI
Join Humanly CEO Prem Kumar in conversation with recruiting innovator Anthony Rotoli, CEO of InterviewAI
September 4, 2024
Ethical AI Governance and Best Practices for AI-Powered Recruiting
How leading HR teams are navigating AI governance to ensure ethical practice and compliance in a rapidly-evolving landscape.
August 29, 2024
Ethical AI Governance and Best Practices for AI-Powered Recruiting
How leading HR teams are navigating AI governance to ensure ethical practice and compliance in a rapidly-evolving landscape.
August 29, 2024
SHRM - Ethical HR to Talent Trends, AI in HR
Explore the future of ethical AI in HR with SHRM and Humanly.
March 1, 2024
SHRM - Ethical HR to Talent Trends, AI in HR
Explore the future of ethical AI in HR with SHRM and Humanly.
March 1, 2024
Empowering Skills-First Hiring using AI
iMocha, Bryq, and Humanly explore merging soft skills and technical expertise to build future-ready teams
April 23, 2024
Empowering Skills-First Hiring using AI
iMocha, Bryq, and Humanly explore merging soft skills and technical expertise to build future-ready teams
April 23, 2024
Ensuring Responsible AI: Humanly's Governance and Safety Measures
How Humanly Implements Industry-Leading AI Governance and Guardrails
September 16, 2024
Building Trust with Ethical AI in Recruitment: Humanly's Approach
Empowering People, Amplifying Potential with Responsible AI Solutions
September 16, 2024
Navigating Candidate Overload and Drought: Sourcing Tactics For Recruiters
Traditional candidate sourcing faces numerous limitations. See how we're solving sourcing with AI that keeps smarter human conversation at the center of hiring.
July 19, 2024
What Does Equitable AI For Hiring Look Like
The risks and what you can do about them
April 24, 2024

Book a demo with us

Humanly is trusted by Fortune 500's and quickly-growing startups alike.