Five ways AI is changing the recruitment industry

Five ways AI is changing the recruitment industry

Artificial Intelligence is changing how we work, influencing almost every aspect of our lives. But how is it used to sharpen recruitment practices?

By Tim Gibson

Everyone knows that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the greatest technological advance of a generation. By simulating human thought processes in machines, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of automation without losing the personal touch.

AI can be used to identify potential job hunters and cross-match their skills and qualifications with vacancies.  

AI is reshaping pretty much every sphere of human activity, from self-driving cars like the Robocar that successfully completed Goodwood’s Hillclimb last year to fridges like the LG ThinQ that suggests recipe ideas on the basis of what’s stored inside.

So it is no surprise that the technology is also shaping business practices – and recruitment is foremost among them.

To help you understand how AI is changing recruitment, here are five ways that the technology is being used in the industry.

1) Improving interactions with potential candidates

You’ll probably be accustomed to the little welcome message that pops up when you visit a consumer website, asking if you have any questions or want to talk. It appears on all manner of platforms, from car dealerships to online retailers, utilities providers to insurance firms.

Get involved in a chat and you’ll feel very much as if you’re engaging with a real-life human being. But more often than not, you’ll actually be interacting with a “chatbot”. This is a computer programme that responds to certain cues in what you write to give the impression of a human conversation.

Recruiters can use chatbots to give potential candidates a personal experience right from their first encounter.

If you’re advertising a vacancy online, a chatbot can invite visitors into a conversation, perhaps asking if they have particular questions or want to find out more. This creates a strong first impression and may yield more interest in the job.

2) Identifying candidates

Even if candidates don’t interact with a recruiter via their website, AI can be used to identify potential job hunters and cross-match their skills and qualifications with vacancies.

Various software companies have created programmes that do just that. Just Recruitment Group Ltd Director and former IT consultant Peter Foy thinks it is only a matter of time before recruitment companies start writing their own programmes based on the data they hold.

“If you think of a company like Just Recruitment,” he says, “we have a wealth of data about individuals, which they’ve consented for us to hold and process. By crunching that data, we can cross-refer to the jobs we’re currently advertising, and be proactive in approaching the best candidates. It’s what good recruiters have done for generations. The difference is, nowadays a computer can do the hard work, making it quicker and easier to find the right people.

3) Filtering CVs

As well as identifying candidates, AI can be used to wade through a pile of CVs and select the best prospects, as this article from Forbes makes plain.

“CV filtering is a really good example of the efficiencies that AI can bring to the recruitment process,” says Mr Foy. “Traditionally, a recruiter or HR team would have to read candidates’ CVs in detail to create a long list. With the right algorithms, AI programmes can do this work in a heartbeat, ensuring only the best-qualified candidates make it through to interview.”

What’s more, says Mr Foy, AI can conduct this process in a completely unbiased fashion, ignoring personal details such as gender, age, ethnicity or sexual orientation. “Not only does that speed up the recruitment process. It also makes it a lot fairer.”

4) Conducting initial interviews

Talking of fairness, perhaps the most exciting innovation in the use of AI to enhance recruitment is as a tool for conducting unbiased interviews.

According to a BBC report, a Swedish company is working on a robot that can conduct face-to-face interviews that replicate human interaction, but without any risk of bias.

Furhat Robotics has designed the robot, called Tengai, to help recruiters select the very best candidates for second interviews. She asks a standard set of questions, but does so in a way that is responsive and friendly. She then filters candidates by reference to their answers, ensuring that the process is neutral and entirely transparent.

“The benefits of deploying a machine such as Tengai are multiple,” says Mr Foy. “It’ll be cheaper and more time-efficient to conduct initial interviews using a robot than a human, because a machine like Tengai won’t be distracted in the way a human being might be. We’ll also be a lot more certain that candidates are selected on the basis of their merits alone, rather than any unconscious bias on the part of the interviewer. That’s a really important improvement to the process.”

5) Shaping the future

In addition to selecting candidates for a current vacancy, AI will help improve the process in future.

“Each time an AI machine is used in finding a candidate for a job, it gains yet more data and intelligence about the process,” says Mr Foy. “With the right programming, that data can be used to predict what candidates are required for future jobs, and to reshape the process of identifying, filtering and interviewing them.

“In essence, as machines get smarter, they make it easier to hand-pick candidates, because they’ll learn what sort of a person works well for what sort of a job. They’ll do what good human recruiters do, but in a way that’s smarter, more timely and much cheaper. As a result, humans can focus on the final, nuanced part of recruitment, knowing that the candidates before them have been selected in an intelligent, neutral and highly efficient manner.”

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Why it’s time for the recruitment industry to think big
10 jobs of the future

 

Published: 17 June 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and build a pipeline of winnable projects.
  • Negotiate and close transactions.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — confident, clear, and customer-focused.
  • Strong ability to build rapport, listen actively, and translate customer needs into practical solutions.
  • Solid understanding of the sales process and relationship management.
  • Skilled at explaining technical products in an approachable way (training provided).
  • Effective time management, organisation, and follow-through.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background - used to handling large, heavy products, although candidates with no experience and a great attitude will be considered.

Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Marketing Engagement Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC20
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Engagement Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and client engagement programmes. This role requires a self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing engagement across multiple platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

  • Work with a full understanding of the importance of maintaining the corporate brand.
    Create and deliver marketing activities in accordance with the company marketing plan.
  • Deliver all forms of marketing engagement campaigns and events, measure effectiveness and propose improvements based on outcomes and associated metrics.
  • Plan and deliver physical and digital exhibitions, events, internally-focused training videos and externally-focused client knowledge tutorials, bring online the delivery of live-stream events.
  • Assist in the delivery of PR programmes to match the company's marketing focuses.
  • Work with creative agencies, designers, suppliers, and providers to maintain the corporate brand within their deliverables.
  • Work with the marketing team in the development of collateral and content for presentations, videos, and other multimedia activities.
  • Liaise with the external sales team and product development managers to ascertain appropriate messages, projects and products suitable for external and internal promotion.

Key experience required includes:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a marketing role.
  • Proven experience in maintaining and delivering marketing and client engagement strategies to meet company objectives.
  • Advanced knowledge of platforms and applications such as E-mail campaign and automation software (MailChimp), CRM and CMS platforms, as well as creative applications such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).
Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Trainee Commercial Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB09
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for an ambitious Trainee Commercial Manager to join our client’s supplier negotiation team.

Based in Colchester, you’ll play a key role in purchasing, pricing, and supplier communications, gaining valuable experience within a rapidly expanding national business.

Working hours 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday - 30 minutes lunch break.
23 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Duties will include:

  • Supporting the Commercial Management team in negotiating purchasing agreements and maintaining supplier relationships.
  • Assisting with pricing queries from managers and estimators across the business.
  • Collaborating with the Product File team to help maintain accurate pricing and product information.
  • Working directly in our Profit Centres to gain valuable experience of the industry and how to run a profitable business.
  • Identifying new product ranges and suppliers that will provide future-proofing for the years to come.
  • Providing direct assistance to the Commercial Director with support from the other Commercial Managers
  • Confidence with Excel is a must.
  • Key personality traits would be a positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.

You will have a strong interest in business, purchasing or negotiation. Any experience in related fields would be a bonus, but is not considered essential.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Driver/Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC19
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing organisation based in Ipswich that is looking for a Driver/Warehouse Operative to join their team.

You will be responsible for covering East Anglia and making 10 to 20 drops per day.

Duties include:

  • Packing and labelling goods 
  • Off-loading pallets from delivery vehicles and checking off deliveries for damages, quantities, etc.
  • General warehouse duties
  • Manual handling
  • Working in a small team
  • Driving a sprinter van
  • Covering East Anglia and the edge of the M25

Hours: Monday to Friday, 06.30 - 16.30.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
Customer Account Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913733
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Customer Account Coordinator to join their established team.

The key purpose of this role is to deliver efficient, commercially focused customer service to both internal and external customers. This includes managing order acceptance and invoice processing in line with business and customer requirements, and working closely with teams across Sales, Production, Accounts, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Distribution to ensure customer expectations are consistently met.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that excellent levels of customer satisfaction are delivered to customers and building strong relationships with customers through open and interactive communication.
  • Receiving and processing all customer purchase orders within 24 hours and sending order acknowledgement or confirmation where appropriate. Ensuring that correct pricing information is available for new orders received, and if necessary, request information or guidance from the relevant Sales Manager.
  • Providing timely responses to internal and external customer requests and enquiries, for example, order status requests, order amendments, transportation delays, etc.
  • Proactively monitor orderbook status on a regular basis, resolving problems with a potential customer impact, e.g. credit blocks, production and supply issues.
  • Allocation of stock to orders to allow warehouse and distribution teams to process dispatches.
  • Managing customer portals where required, to keep customers informed of order progress, book delivery slots, print labels and upload documentation.
  • Liaising with site production teams, supply chain and commercial teams regularly to discuss production plans, potential new orders, review and maintain customer safety stock levels. Discuss any potential production issues or raw material delays and, where possible, assist with resolutions.
  • Producing and distributing invoices and supporting documentation daily.
  • Monitoring and maintaining stock levels to ensure customer requirements are met. Discuss upcoming orders, customer forecasts, and reorder levels for UK inventory.
  • Being responsible for the timely processing of corrective credit notes.
  • Receiving, processing, and monitoring customer complaints with relevant internal departments and Sales Managers, keeping customers updated on the progress and outcome in a timely, professional manner.
  • Keep regular contact with site-based QC teams to discuss any customer queries, potential issues or opportunities.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in customer service
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business
  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Proven numerical and analytical skills
  • Ability to demonstrate own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Ability to effectively prioritise activities
  • Experience/understanding in logistics

This is a full-time, site-based role working Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

Hours of work: Monday to Thursday, 8:15am–4:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am–2:30pm.
Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, totalling 36.5 hours per week.
Holidays – 26 days plus bank holidays.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913732
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a global organisation with a manufacturing facility near Sudbury. They are looking for a talented Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to join their expanding team.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the layout of the site, being involved with and understanding the installation of new services during the development of the site
  • Assist with the layout of the equipment, being involved with and understanding the installation of new equipment and the production process flow
  • Be a key member of the Engineering team in the creation of the:
    • Site Engineering maintenance department.
    • Site Engineering maintenance facility.
    • Site Engineering control system, maintenance schedules and procedures (CMMS computerised maintenance management system).
    • Site Engineering technical stores.
    • Site Engineering technical library, both manual and electronic.
  • Fault finding and problem solving on a variety of production and site equipment.
  • Create and carry out planned maintenance schedules.
  • Liaise with suppliers and service companies regarding problem-solving and service engineer visits.
  • Identify spare parts for all equipment, in line with business strategies.
  • Liaise with Production teams and identify, implement, and optimise improvements to machinery and plant.
  • Identify and carry out Engineering improvement projects when required.
  • Actively train down skills through standardised work to both Production Operatives through TPM & other shift Engineers.
  • Work with suppliers in the installation of new and existing plant and equipment.
  • Provide technical assistance to aid in the verification of new equipment.

Essential qualifications and experience required:

  • Experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • HNC Engineering Qualification.
  • Experience in PPM and TPM.
  • Experienced in both mechanical and electrical fault-finding.
  • Experience in a fast-paced maintenance department.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that offers a competitive salary and a great working location.

Please note: Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This role involves split shifts during the day, Monday to Friday only.

Please note that you are required to be on call-out, on a rota basis, once a month to cover evenings and weekends.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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