HireVue, a leader in Human Potential Intelligence, has released a new AI survey revealing changing perceptions about the role of artificial intelligence in hiring processes.

The survey, which included responses from 3,100 workers and 1,000 HR professionals in the U.S. and the U.K., shows a growing acceptance of AI tools. Sixty-four percent of candidates believe that AI is as fair or fairer than humans in evaluating applicants, while sixty-seven percent of HR leaders think AI is as effective or better at identifying well-qualified candidates.

“It’s always been important for candidates to understand how they’re being evaluated in the hiring process, but the widespread use of AI-backed tools makes it even more critical that companies are transparent about how decisions are made,” said Dr Lindsey Zuloaga, Chief Data Scientist at HireVue. She emphasised that clear communication about AI use can help companies leverage these technologies while maintaining candidate satisfaction and fairness.

Embracing AI for Efficiency and Fairness

Ensuring candidate comfort with AI is crucial for companies looking to protect their employer brand and reap the benefits of AI in hiring. According to the survey, forty-one percent of HR leaders using AI report increased productivity, and seventy percent are also currently using or planning to use AI for hiring within the next year.

As more companies adopt AI tools, there is a significant shift from fear to fear of missing out (FOMO). This shift is evident as some HR leaders implement generative AI technologies like ChatGPT without waiting for corporate guidelines. Thirty-three percent of HR professionals admitted to using AI before receiving corporate approval, highlighting the urgency and eagerness to incorporate AI into their hiring processes.

The rapid adoption of AI in hiring raises important questions about ethics, data authenticity, and regulation. Dr Zuloaga advises companies to partner with vendors who validate their claims with audits and fairness documentation. “Customers need to be wary of lofty promises from new AI vendors. Hiring is a high-stakes domain, and talent teams should prioritise partnering with companies that validate their claims with audits and fairness documentation,” she said.

Key Insights from the AI Hiring Survey

The survey also provides several notable insights into HR professionals’ and workers’ perceptions of AI in hiring:

  • HR Professionals’ Perceptions:
    • Seventy-three percent trust AI systems to make candidate recommendations.
    • Sixty-six percent have a more positive attitude towards AI in the workplace compared to one year ago.
    • One in three have implemented some form of AI, such as ChatGPT, before receiving corporate approval.
  • Workers’ Perceptions:
    • Forty-nine percent believe AI could help address bias and unfair treatment in hiring.
    • Twenty-five percent think AI will ultimately be more helpful than harmful.
    • Three in four workers are opposed to AI making the final hiring decisions.

AI Integration in the Workplace

As more vendors incorporate AI into their products, businesses must act quickly to establish clear guidelines around AI use. Forty-two percent of HR professionals also report waiting for corporate guidelines to allow the use of generative AI. Dr Zuloaga underscores the importance of thorough validation and compliance. “Remember, these tools are remarkable, not magic. Be wary of anyone overpromising results without the ability to back up their claims.”

The new HireVue report highlights the evolving landscape of AI in hiring, with increasing trust and acceptance among both HR professionals and candidates. The focus on transparency, ethical use, and clear guidelines will be crucial as AI continues to shape the future of work.