Recruitment leaders unconvinced of the benefits of new technologies

Latest findings have revealed that although AI and automation are changing the face of recruitment, many leaders still remain sceptical about the benefits.

According to the recent research from The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), just28% of recruitment firms are currently using AI & automation and a further 33% of businesses plan to introduce this technology within the year.

When asked about what the greatest benefits of using AI and automation in the recruitment process is, the top three identified across the board were:

• Greater efficiency (73%)
• Positive impact on time-to-hire (56%)
• Reduction in human error (40%).

However, the research also identified several concerns associated with incorporating AI and automation into the recruitment process:

• 59% said ‘a less personal experience for candidates’ could be a disadvantage.
• 56% said the ‘level of financial investment required’ was a barrier to implementation.
• 43% believed ‘the complexity of layering new technology with existing systems’ could be a challenge.

When asked if they had recorded a rise in demand for candidates with experience in AI and automation over the past year, 39% said ‘yes’. Among businesses in the highest turnover bracket, this figure increased to 56%.

In addition, one in four of those surveyed (24%) revealed that they had noted the emergence of new job titles for professionals to work within AI and automation within the past 12 months. For companies with the highest turnover, this figure stood at 44%. Examples given included, ‘AI Data Scientist’, ‘Automation Consultant’, ‘VP of Platforms’ and ‘Knowledge Engineer’.

Samantha Hurley, Operations Director at APSCo, commented, “At a time when experts predict that 47% of all jobs will be automated by 2034, it is no surprise that rapid technological advancements are not only impacting the way that recruiters work today – but also the nature of the roles we are recruiting for.

“However, our results suggest that, while the potential associated with AI and automation is no doubt exciting for recruitment leaders, we are still a long way from universal adoption. It seems that the plethora of options available – coupled with scepticism around the capabilities of tools currently on the market – mean that many firms, while aware of the benefits of new technologies, are yet to take the plunge.

“That said, AI and automation are already beginning to relieve consultants from mundane and repetitive tasks. In doing so, technology is freeing up valuable time which can be better spent engaging with clients and candidates in a way which no machine could. Recruiters are vital to ensuring that businesses have the skills they need to navigate the future of work – and they must call on the technology at their disposal to make it happen.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.