|
On average, there are around 250 applicants for every job posting. Of course, this varies depending on whether it is an entry-level position, the industry, location, and the skills required.
As reported by Emily McCrary-Ruzz-Esparza in a recent Inc. article, “According to applicant tracking system Greenhouse, the number of applications per role has nearly tripled since 2021, thanks to the ubiquity of AI tools that let job seekers multiply their applications with little effort. Greenhouse’s customers received an average of 222 applications per role in 2024. Gem, another ATS, reports that recruiters manage 56 percent more open roles than they did three years ago.”
On the candidate side, depending on the factors above, people who are job-hunting need to submit, on average, 100–200 applications. Is it no wonder that, according to hiringthing.com, 76% of job seekers want to know how long it will take to fill out an application before they apply. This translates to 60% of job candidates stopping their application process mid-way because it takes too long or is too complicated.
What if You Do Get an Interview?
The odds are good that if an applicant does get through to an interview, they may, initially, be taking part in an AI-powered interview. The Inc. article explains, “Proponents of using AI to screen job applicants tout the technology’s ability to vet more candidates than humans can assess on their own. If a human recruiter can screen a dozen applicants, an AI recruiter can screen thousands. “With AI, almost everybody can get a shot,” says Tigran Sloyan, co-founder and CEO of CodeSignal, the technical assessment platform that simulated my sales interview. “Almost everybody can actually get to that interview stage, get an opportunity to talk about their skills, their experience, and have a better shot at getting a job they deserve versus just being locked behind their résumé.”
AI Interview Pros and Cons
Tess Martinelli, writing in Business Insider, reveals her experience with an AI-powered interview.
“In a typical human interview, when I ask for feedback, I'm told it'll be shared with HR, but it never reaches me. It's a frustrating reality. So, receiving an instantaneous analysis of my performance was helpful. It gave me the chance to know my strengths and weaknesses going forward.”
Another advantage, as explained by Ms. Martinelli, is revealed when she explains "I received a detailed evaluation of my performance immediately after the interview. To my surprise, the AI ranked my technical knowledge along with my engagement, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, and attire. My evaluation felt extremely accurate, but I underestimated what the AI was capable of scoring me on, so I didn't think to wear a collared shirt. Although I was ranked highly on technical skills, the report said that I was not professionally dressed and that my usage of eye contact was 'occasional', which was true.
The biggest con is that the interview wasn't bidirectional, meaning I didn't have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions. For example, it asked me how I would manage conflicting priorities between stakeholders. If I had the opportunity, I might've asked if I could share a past instance to make my response more impactful and understandable.”
The Next Evolution
Most candidates report that the audio-only AI-powered interview process feels quite normal. However, this is not the case for AI-powered video interviews. Although they are designed to mimic face-to-face conversations, the experience is far from seamless. The video avatars can be jerky, with facial expressions and mouth movements noticeable out of sync with their speech.
Employers want to collect video of candidates to ascertain their presence, how they will appear on a sales call, or in meetings with clients. However, when the avatar is not sufficiently realistic, it can be distracting and not provide an accurate portrayal of a candidate’s social skills.
Be Ready for an AI-powered Interview
Being interviewed by AI requires many of the same strategies you would use when interviewing with a person, including:
· When using video, be sure to maintain eye contact, dress professionally, and act naturally.
· Be concise and specific.
· Be genuine.
· Ask questions (if the opportunity is provided).
· Prepare and practice.
· Be technically ready. Ensure your internet connection is stable, your device is charged, and your microphone is working properly. Poor audio (or video) quality can negatively impact the AI’s ability to analyze your performance.
How Can ASN Help?
Our professionals understand the complexities of today’s hiring process and are ready to assist in navigating the changing recruitment and hiring landscape. Just give a call. We would love to talk.
|
