HR Adopts 'Retro' Hiring Tactics Amid Rise of AI-Generated Résumés
With artificial intelligence tools flooding the job market with automated résumé creations, hiring managers are shifting back to more traditional recruitment methods. Experts at Korn Ferry observe that in-person interviews are making a strong comeback as organizations seek to identify genuinely qualified candidates.
Some companies are also conducting proctored interviews and skill assessments via Zoom to ensure candidates themselves are completing evaluations. Benjamin Frost, a senior client partner at Korn Ferry, highlights this trend as a key focus area for recruitment teams.
Testing Candidate Skills With and Without AI
To better assess applicants, recruiters are increasingly testing candidates' capabilities both with AI assistance and independently. Bryan Ackermann, Korn Ferry’s head of AI strategy and transformation, notes that many recruitment processes now include evaluating proficiency in AI tools alongside traditional skills.
Why the Retro Approach?
This return to old-school methods comes amid a surge in AI-generated applications. Recent data shows 40% of jobseekers use AI to write or polish their résumés, while 26% rely on it to mass-apply for jobs. This surge has made HR leaders cautious about the authenticity and quality of applications.
Tim Manasseh, a senior partner at Korn Ferry, points out that employers are more wary than ever of résumés crafted by AI. The volume of applications has overwhelmed HR teams, with a report revealing that sorting through irrelevant applications now takes an average of over nine days per role.
- 73% of employers report receiving AI-generated résumés containing false information.
- 65% observe an increase in underqualified applicants.
Balancing AI Use in Recruitment
Interestingly, while AI-generated content is causing challenges, about 25% of HR leaders are incorporating AI tools to screen candidates more efficiently. Job van der Voort, CEO of Remote, emphasizes that rejecting AI outright isn’t the solution. Instead, strategic use of AI can streamline hiring, verify skills, and help connect with the right talent faster.
HR professionals looking to sharpen their understanding of AI tools in recruitment may find value in dedicated training resources. For example, Complete AI Training offers courses that cover practical AI applications relevant to HR and talent acquisition.
Key Takeaways for HR Teams
- Reinstate in-person or supervised digital interviews to verify candidate authenticity.
- Include assessments that measure both AI-assisted and independent candidate skills.
- Leverage AI screening tools strategically to manage large applicant volumes without sacrificing quality.
- Stay informed about AI trends and upskill recruitment teams to use AI responsibly.
As AI continues to influence job applications, balancing technology with human judgment will be essential for effective hiring.
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