Artificial intelligence (AI) is a newer phenomenon circulating the job search world as means to reduce hiring time. These are understandably raising concerns among job seekers, lawmakers and privacy experts. Is it right to rely on these algorithms to make such complex decisions?
As a staffing business who introduces employees to new workplaces on a frequent basis, there are inherent risks. The businesses are expected to keep their client’s best interest at heart and that extends to employment-related practice matters. Employment practices liability insurance is more important than ever. Today’s staffing and workplace environment has been further complicated by updated tech standards that can be very difficult to interpret, which causes staffing firms to be faced with even more exposure to potential claims.
In the World of AI and Recruitment
Technology continues to gain traction in the workplace, which comes with its perks, but it also seems to bring a flurry of new questions. There is currently no federal government tracking or oversight of AI in the staffing realm, however surveys of human resource executives have provided some insight into AI’s usage in the job market. There is a large majority of recruiters and hiring managers that use AI applications to help them save time and it becomes increasingly likely that job candidates will encounter AI during a job search.
AI programs analyze resumes and job applications to screen candidates. Some are even interactive, although applicants may still not know they’re engaging with an algorithm. There is currently lots of controversy around AI programs, particularly ones that use a video interview, where candidates are taped via webcam as they respond to recruitment questions. AI tools can then even examine facial gestures and vocabulary to select candidates whose word choices and expressions best match high performers.
AI Recruitment: Growing Concern
AI companies claim their programs save time by weeding out low-quality applicants and singling out the best potential hires. But artificial intelligence has its limitations and probably isn’t more accurate at predicting job performance than tried-and-true methods.
AI also creates risks by moving an excessive amount of personal data to tech firms and placing a greater reliance on applications that lack transparency. There are very serious concerns regarding ethics and biases of this technology and the issue of AI in hiring is gaining more attention from lawmakers. Since AI can certainly affect a job search, job applicants are perhaps justifiably nervous about dealing with these programs in a job interview.
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage, we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.