How to choose the right AI recruiting software

Artificial intelligence seems to be optimizing everything lately, and the recruitment process is no exception. Finding, screening, and identifying the best candidates for an open role is a significant undertaking that involves a lot of people, a ton of information, and a long list of tasks — and the stakes are high, since employee turnover is expensive and a series of bad hires can have a lasting impact on company culture.

AI recruiting software is changing the way organizations attract and identify top talent by eliminating some of the more costly and time-intensive pain points of the hiring process. Supporting your hiring team with AI recruiting tools that improve productivity and enhance hiring decisions can positively affect the performance of your entire organization.

What is artificial intelligence recruiting software?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiting software is a specialized type of HR technology that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize and automate various aspects of the recruitment and hiring process. AI recruiting software is also commonly referred to as AI-powered applicant tracking software (ATS) or AI recruitment tools.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning excel at performing repetitive tasks, organizing information, and analyzing data quickly and accurately, which helps streamline talent acquisition workflows and facilitate collaborative efforts involved with hiring new employees.

Key features of AI recruiting software

AI recruitment software is designed to assist HR professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers in sourcing, screening, and selecting candidates more efficiently and effectively.

Helpful features and functionalities of AI recruitment software may include the following:

• Candidate Sourcing: AI recruiting software can automatically search and source candidates from various online platforms, job boards, social media, and other sources by using AI algorithms to match job requirements with candidates’ skills and qualifications.
• Resume Parsing: The software can parse and extract relevant information from resumes and CVs submitted by candidates, such as work experience, education, skills, and contact details. This makes it easier to organize and analyze applicant data.
• Candidate Screening: AI algorithms can analyze and assess candidate qualifications against job requirements, shortlisting the most suitable candidates for further consideration. It can identify key phrases, skills, and experience mentioned in resumes to gauge a candidate’s fit for the role.
• Automated Interview Scheduling: Some AI recruiting software can handle interview scheduling by coordinating with candidates and interviewers, reducing the need for manual back-and-forth communication.
• Candidate Engagement: AI-powered chatbots or automated communication tools can engage with candidates, answer frequently asked questions, provide updates on the application process, and maintain candidate interest throughout the recruitment journey.
• Bias Reduction: Advanced AI recruiting software is designed to minimize unconscious bias in the hiring process. By focusing on skills and qualifications, rather than demographic factors, it aims to promote a more diverse and inclusive candidate selection.
• Predictive Analytics: AI-driven recruitment tools can analyze historical data to identify patterns and trends in successful hires, helping HR professionals make data-driven decisions and improve the quality of hires.
• Onboarding Assistance: Some AI recruiting software extends its capabilities to support the onboarding process, providing a seamless transition from candidate to employee.
• Continuous Improvement: The AI algorithms in the software can learn from recruitment data and user interactions, continuously improving their recommendations and matching capabilities over time.

Using AI tools for recruitment can reduce human error, improve the candidate experience, and lead to more confident hiring decisions based on data.

Related: AI, ChatGPT and the human touch in hiring

The importance of AI recruiting software

In the past, making a good first impression was primarily a concern for candidates. However, in today’s competitive job market, organizations need to be putting their best foot forward, as well.

As technological advances continue to reduce time-to-hire, the ability to screen applicants, schedule interviews, make hiring decisions, and communicate quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in the quality of hires.

The recruitment process is continuously evolving due to changes in technology; failing to incorporate AI tools for recruiting into your strategy gives your competitors an unfair advantage.

How to choose AI recruitment software

Investing time and money into implementing a new system is often a little anxiety-inducing, even if you’re confident that it will be an overall improvement. Making changes to an already-existing workflow and getting buy-in from stakeholders can present a host of challenges, making it even more important to choose the right AI recruiting tools the first time.

Get stakeholders involved early on by asking which steps of the current workflow feel cumbersome and/or which features are most likely to benefit your organization. Consider the following as you research your options for AI recruiting software:

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, these questions may help you select the right AI recruiting tool for your organization:

• What specific AI features does the software offer for candidate sourcing and screening?
• Can the AI algorithms be customized to match the organization’s unique job requirements and preferences?
• How accurate and reliable are the AI-driven candidate matches and recommendations?
• What data sources does the AI software use for candidate sourcing and how comprehensive is the candidate database?
• How does the software handle candidate data privacy and security?
• Can the AI recruitment software integrate with the organization’s existing HR systems and tools?
• Does the software provide real-time analytics and insights on the recruitment process? What metrics does it track?
• How does the software handle candidate engagement and communication throughout the recruitment process?
• Does the AI software have the capability to reduce bias in the hiring process? How is this achieved?
• What kind of support and training does the vendor provide for the HR team during implementation and ongoing usage?
• Can the AI recruitment software support high-volume hiring and accommodate peak recruitment periods?
• How does the software handle international recruitment and multilingual capabilities?
• What is the pricing model for the AI software? Are there any additional costs or hidden fees?
• Can the AI recruitment software support both active and passive candidate sourcing?

Furthermore, HR professionals should also consider requesting a live demo or a trial of the AI recruitment software to evaluate its user-friendliness, interface, and overall functionality. Additionally, reading reviews from unbiased sources or seeking references or feedback from other organizations that have used the software can provide valuable insights into its performance and effectiveness.

Taking the time to thoroughly assess the AI recruitment software ensures that your choice will meet the organization’s specific needs and will contribute to a more successful and efficient hiring process.

Using AI recruiting software offers numerous benefits, including time savings, improved candidate matching, enhanced candidate experience, data-driven decision-making, and increased efficiency in the overall recruitment process. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, HR professionals can focus on strategic talent acquisition while letting the software handle repetitive tasks and streamline recruitment workflows.