Where Have All the HR and Recruiting Jobs Gone?

Here’s the harsh truth: They’re gone.

I recently came across a chart by Dave Owen on LinkedIn about AI and recruiting that stopped me in my tracks. It vividly outlines how AI might reshape talent acquisition. In practice, much of this has started to happen.

We’re not just talking about the future. It’s happening right now in prominent companies. Many companies post jobs and hire candidates without much human interaction, and this future becomes more true to life every day.

Breaking Down the AI Takeover

Take a look at the chart. A Talent Acquisition Director stands at the helm, steering through ethics, sourcing, and tech systems. Here, AI begins to seep into the recruiting process, setting the stage for hiring from start to finish.

The journey starts at the Pre-Funnel stage. Here, we lay the groundwork, assess needs, and craft strategies. Then, AI takes over, handling CV screening, initial chats, and even detailed skills assessments. Machines now perform tasks that once required human insight.

As we move into the final stages, AI’s role becomes even more dominant. Candidates interact more with algorithms than with humans. AI schedules interviews and rolls out job offers, pushing humans to the sidelines. Moreover, a stack of tools designed to streamline operations powers all this. But at what cost?

The Irony of ‘Efficient’ HR Tech

AI advocates claim that a fresh take on a tech hiring stack frees HR to focus more on people. However, a closer look at Dave’s chart reveals a complex web of technology replacing human roles. Ironically, HR and recruiting, two departments that are fundamentally about people, are now overrun by tech. Is this better than the fax machine?

What else do I worry about? Plenty. The cost of top-notch AI is astronomical and out of reach for many. Also, we risk losing our essential connection to humans, which is crucial for effective people operations and management.

I don’t know, man. Navigating this tech-heavy landscape is daunting. Does AI enhance our work and improve people’s lives, or does it diminish the value of our collective roles?

A Call to Reflect and Engage

So, what’s the future of HR with AI? Are we genuinely enhancing our capabilities or cogs in a B2B, AI-driven machine? Clearly, AI’s potential to revolutionize HR is undeniable. Yet, we must guarantee this transformation doesn’t sideline the very people these roles were designed to support. If we lose the human element, what’s left?

I’m eager to hear about your experiences. Are these tools making your job easier, or is connecting with the people you hope to help more challenging? Are you concerned about your job security? Let me know. Also, if you spot a compelling chart like Dave’s on LinkedIn, please tag me!