AI Takes the Helm in Job Interviews: Are Human Recruiters Outmatched?

The world of human resources is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) steps into roles traditionally reserved for seasoned recruiters. A groundbreaking international study recently unveiled that a staggering 80% of job seekers prefer AI over human interviewers, illustrating a dramatic change in recruitment dynamics.

AI Outsmarting Human Interviewers?

Collaborative research conducted by economists Brian Jabarian from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Luca Henkel from Erasmus University Rotterdam, alongside PSG Global Solutions, explored the burgeoning AI influence. Their study centered around over 70,000 Filipino call center applicants competing for positions at top Fortune 500 and leading European companies. These candidates were randomly assigned to undergo human interviews, AI voice interviews, or a mix of both.

When the data was analyzed, AI triumphed in hiring efficiency and candidate retention. An impressive 9.73% of AI-interviewed applicants were offered jobs, compared to 8.7% from human interviews. Moreover, those interviewed by AI showed an 18% higher employment rate and a 17% increase in retention after 30 days. The success of AI was attributed to its structured approach, comprehensive coverage, and ability to extract detailed responses, leading to higher evaluations from HR professionals.

The Dual Nature of AI Preferences

When applicants were given the freedom to choose, a remarkable 78% leaned towards AI interviewers, expressing satisfaction levels akin to those interviewed by humans. However, not everything was seamless—5% withdrew upon discovering the AI nature, and 7% faced technical glitches during the process. Despite minor setbacks, the structured design of AI interviews proved beneficial in enhancing both efficiency and candidate experience.

Researcher Luca Henkel cautions that AI is swiftly reshaping workplace dynamics. As society learns to adapt to AI’s rapid integration, the study aims to facilitate this transitional phase.

Transforming the Hiring Landscape

AI’s reach in recruitment is undeniable, touching every aspect from resume creation to application screening, and now, interview execution. Scholar Emily DeJeu from Carnegie Mellon University predicts that AI video interviews will soon become standard practice, driven by corporations’ desire to expedite talent acquisition while cutting costs. Former Benchmark partner Victor Lazarte boldly declares that AI will soon surpass humans in interviewing capabilities, urging HR professionals to stay vigilant.

While AI offers undeniable advantages, not everyone is convinced of its supremacy. Some executives raise concerns about overly embellished resumes crafted through AI, potentially obscuring genuine talent. Hatim Rahman, a professor at Northwestern University, describes the recruitment marketplace as a “cat-and-mouse” game between humans and AI, prompting some companies to seek more “human-touch signals” to balance technology and authenticity.