AI Hiring Tools: How Job Seekers Can Regain Control

AI Hiring Tools: How Job Seekers Can Regain Control

Artificial intelligence is transforming how companies hire and evaluate employees. In her new book "The Algorithm," investigative journalist Hilke Schellmann reveals how AI hiring tools are propagating bias and failing at finding the best candidates.

Schellmann went undercover as a job seeker to test AI hiring software, like resume screeners, video interviews, and personality tests. One tool rated her as a top match for a job she wasn't qualified for. A personality test gave her inconsistent scores based on her social media profiles. While companies claim AI hiring removes human bias, Schellmann found little evidence the tools improve outcomes. They can do more damage than a single biased human.

Vendors often don't allow audits of their "black box" AI systems and claim the tools have no bias. But the tools are trained on potentially biased data, like current employees. An AI tool gave higher scores to candidates with "baseball" and "basketball" on their resumes, likely favoring men. Tools that analyze facial expressions, voices, and social media to assess personality and fit can replicate the pseudoscience of physiognomy.

However, job seekers can fight back against biased bots. They can use AI to optimize their resumes and prepare for interviews. ChatGPT can help write resumes and practice interview questions. Applicants should also directly contact recruiters and use resume checkers to optimize their resumes for both human and AI screeners.

Policymakers and nonprofits need to mandate more transparency and testing of AI hiring tools. But individuals can take action now to overcome algorithmic obstacles and get a fair shot at their dream jobs. Don't let flawed AI be the reason you don't get hired. Take control of the process and make sure the human on the other end sees the real you.