The use of AI in recruitment raises questions about the fairness of the hiring process in Australia
Employers are progressively relying on AI to assist in making hiring decisions
Anisa, armed with two degrees and a wealth of experience, was initially confident that her qualifications and hard work would pay off in the job market. However, after applying for countless entry-level positions in her industry, she found herself caught in a relentless cycle of job applications and rejections, totaling 350 applications before securing a job 18 months later. She attributes much of this struggle to the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in screening job applications in Australia.
The rise of AI-driven digital application forms has become a significant hurdle for jobseekers like Anisa. Despite its relatively recent adoption in Australian recruitment, AI is now playing a pivotal role in tasks once handled by humans, such as resume screening and initial interviews.
This transition to AI has led to concerns about fairness and bias in the hiring process, with studies revealing biases against women and cultural minorities. While some see AI as a way to streamline recruitment, others worry about the lack of transparency and potential discrimination. Jobseekers are advised to align with employer expectations, present clear strengths in their applications, and maintain a favorable online presence to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven recruitment.