NEW research has found that 22% of professionals in Scotland use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during the job application process.
The Hays research, based on a survey of nearly 12,000 professionals and employers across the UK, including almost 500 responses in Scotland, found a that a significant number of people are using AI to help write their CV for instance, with 22% of respondents also planning to do so in the future. A further 24% of workers say they have used an AI tool in their current role.
However, the uptake in the use of AI by employers to evaluate applications is lower, with only 9% of organisations currently using AI tools to scan CVs or score candidates. 29% of organisations expect to increase their use of AI to evaluate job applications in the future.
Hays director, Keith Mason, is keen to point out the importance of transparency when it comes to the use of AI in a job application. He said, “Whilst a candidate might use AI in an application, it’s important that they’re also authentic and not over-reliant on the technology. Of course, the job application is only one part of the recruitment process. AI can also be efficiently used by employers in the initial sift if there are multiple applications, as this should overcome any bias and reduce the time taken to screen applicants.
“However, there’s no substitute for an effective interview, conducted with some competency-based questioning. This is, arguably, the best way to truly assess someone’s potential and people skills.”
When it comes to transparency, the research shows that 81% of professionals would prefer to be informed if a hiring organisation uses AI to assess job applications. Across the UK, only 54% of employers currently do this.
Mason added, “It’s positive to see how AI tools might support both candidates during the job application process and professionals in their day-to-day roles. But it could be cause for concern if this becomes the norm as we don’t want the next generation to lose the art of good communication and the ability to articulate a balanced written debate. Again, a good interviewer will see beyond this and hire for potential based on the interview.
“Whilst machine learning is advancing at a rapid pace, in most jobs people will work with other people every day, so soft skills are key. AI will never replace the human element of getting to know someone as part of the recruitment process. Good people skills will always shine through.”
