Surface Ripples

Employers and Automation

I recently heard that employers are now taking action to combat the rising tide of AI generated CVs by adding extra “layers” to their selection process.

One of these layers is a “face-to-face interview”.  I was surprised to read this, as I consider the interview a vital tool in determining whether somebody is “right”.  No matter how many psychometric tests, and other technological traps one lays, once applicants “wise up”, they’ll simply deploy counter measures.

Interviews also give candidates the chance to meet and assess those with whom they’ll work.  For me, the interview process benefits both sides in the long run. 

The US discovered very quickly that despite its high-altitude all-seeing, all-hearing UAVs in the sky, nothing beat the “Mk I eyeball” and “boots on the ground” in contested territory.

The same metaphor is now extending to the workplace.  Candidates who simply rely on AI to get them through the process will probably find they can get a job somewhere but the quality employers will still deploy the “Mk I eyeball” to decide who’s truly worth hiring.

One wonders if part of the drive towards automation is due to the newer generations of employee to whom technology is as basic a tool as running water and electricity is to other generations.  The problem is, if these new generations lack the human skills to deal with others, they will clearly face problems further on in their careers where human contact is still a prerequisite.

I’ve spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With a wealth of international experience in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. My website  provides a full picture of my portfolio of services.  

Labels: Customer Care, Leadership, Teamwork

posted by William Martin @ 08:47