Using AI for recruiting amid lack of skilled labour

Yet, finding the perfect match is becoming increasingly difficult. In Germany, 43.1 per cent of companies lack qualified professionals. "Despite the weakening economy, many companies are still desperately looking for suitable employees," said Stefan Sauer, a representative of the Ifo Institute for Economic Research at the presentation of the Business Survey in August. The situation is being exacerbated by demographic change, said von Strombeck. "By 2035, we will lose around 1,000 employees every single working day." Efficient recruiting is becoming increasingly important and so is AI. Yet, the use of AI as such is nothing new, she said, adding: "Matching recommendations on job portals such as Xing have long been based on AI models. And these models are constantly being improved and further developed."

Moreover, AI will definitely not replace the personal job interview, von Strombeck stressed. However, a chatbot could certainly be used as a preparatory tool. "A chatbot can take over classic ping-pong questions e.g., about the application procedure, entry opportunities or employer benefits. This leaves more time for individual questions in the actual interview." And AI can help to personalise application processes, she pointed out. During active sourcing, recruiters approach as many potential applicants as possible directly on various channels and try to win them over for vacant job positions. The more individualised the approach, the greater the chances of success. "Backed by AI, a personalised cover letter can be created quickly and can include details about personal competencies, skills and details of the candidate's current job to attract more attention."

Asked about the use of Al to come up with a shortlist of applicants and whether algorithms are more objective than human beings, von Strombeck noted:  "Al is based on data. So the question is, the data bias? Any faults in the data can be counteracted." Apart from that, the algorithms are programmed to balance skills and there is no room for personal preferences," she added. The use of technical innovations hold risks and opportunities, which make their use worthwhile. "I think AI will lead to various disruptions in our society. ChatGPT is already making waves in creative sectors, which were reserved for the human mind hitherto." Despite job fears, the benefits outweigh. "I believe the technological developments will create more jobs than redundancies. And AI will grow production, which is a good prospect in view of fewer employees."
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