Beyond the technological considerations, there are four challenges that must be addressed:
1. Defensibility. Standardized 'plug-and-play' AI systems are available, but they won’t differentiate your employer brand. If your competitors use the same systems, you’ll all be chasing the same talent. Also, these systems use 'deep learning networks' that learn as they go. This sounds promising, but actually it makes it difficult to explain why a candidate was accepted or rejected. These systems can lead to selection decisions you can’t defend, which leaves you vulnerable to litigation. Only custom AI systems offer the ability to make transparent and defensible selection decisions.
2. Time. Custom AI systems mirror human behavior and replicate the best practices of your assessors and raters. To achieve this, you have to pre-feed the system with relevant information. It can take up to six months to 'train' an AI system to assess candidates in the same way that your assessors and raters would. Managing this lead time can be a major challenge.
3. Ethics. There is an ethical question around how much support to take from an AI system. For example, are you happy for an AI system to reject your candidates? Or would you prefer it to flag unsuitable candidates so you can review and check their details? How to use AI ethically will be a key consideration for many employers.
AI’s role should be restricted to providing additional information and enhancing efficiency. Recruiters should always set the objectives when hiring. AI can then deliver useful information, at various stages of the selection process, that will support a final decision.
4. Data handling. AI excels at analyzing massive amounts of data, but the results can be misinterpreted or even deliberately abused. Good data-handling practices will be essential not just for confidentiality but also for maintaining your organization’s reputation. AI should be used carefully and honorably to help you predict which candidates will be effective in the role and engaged in your organization.