As technology advances, automation will become an even more integral part of the hiring process for HR professionals. While tools like applicant tracking systems (ATS) have become increasingly common in recent years, the potential for automation to improve and streamline the hiring process is vast and largely untapped.
In the coming years, we can expect to see a wide range of new and innovative automation tools and techniques that will transform the way HR professionals approach hiring. From AI-powered resume screeners to virtual reality job simulations, automation is set to revolutionize the hiring process, making it more efficient, accurate, and fair for both employers and job seekers.
While some of these technologies will take time to integrate with current systems, there are a few ways automation will change the hiring process in 2024.
Revolutionizing LinkedIn Recruiting
LinkedIn has the reputation of being the best professional networking platform on the internet. In recent years, job seekers have learned the value of using LinkedIn for their job search. Now, job seekers know the importance of choosing a professional LinkedIn cover image and profile photo, updating information, and using the platform to share industry insights and connect with others.
While recruiters have used this platform to find top talent since its inception, their approach is changing. Automation is starting to play a more prevalent role in LinkedIn recruiting practices. We’ve seen this in recent years with automated and sponsored messages, which I am sure you have seen an increase of in your LinkedIn inbox lately. These automated messages were a huge step forward for recruiters when it was first introduced, but now, many job seekers ignore these messages because they can be seen as spam. However, in 2024, this technology will continue to evolve.
The startup LinkedHelper integrates with LinkedIn to screen profiles and pull resumes of potential candidates, automatically like and follow posts of potential candidates, and manage interactions to move qualified individuals through the pipeline.
Other platforms like SourceWhale and Lusha have a Google Chrome Extension that finds emails for anyone on LinkedIn just by seeing their profile page.
Additionally, websites like Jasper.ai and ChatGPT can create new LinkedIn introduction messages that work and are fully customized for you within seconds.
As 2023 progresses, more recruiters will rely on these tools to find top talent in a competitive environment.
Shift Toward ATS Optimization
ATS has transformed how companies hire employees. According to a Jobscan study, 98% of Fortune 500 companies currently use an ATS in the hiring process, and small businesses are starting to catch up. WorkforceHub says more than a third (35%) of small businesses use ATS to systematize and organize their recruitment and hiring processes.
With employers leaning more heavily on ATS technology to scan and prioritize resumes, jobseekers are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to tailoring their application materials. Optimizing resumes for keyword scanners has become a crucial step in the process of getting noticed, resulting in huge complexities for both hiring managers and applicants.
We can anticipate that 2024 will be an interesting turning point with multiple protocols in place to ensure that hiring pools remain honest and unbiased. Companies that take the lead on using innovative systems to guard against keyword stuffing will be viewed favorably among job hunters, increasing their chances of finding top talent faster.
Prioritizing Potential and Performance Hires
In the era of quiet quitting and increased employee burnout, companies are realizing the value of hiring someone for potential and performance rather than focusing on skills. This fits the goal of finding the right person for the company rather than the right person for the job description.
Incorporating AI-administered personality and skills testing into the ATS is a valuable approach that will become more prevalent in 2024. These efforts will culminate with automated tools such as HiredScore and Clearfit to use a data-driven approach to hiring the right person.
Hiring a high-potential employee that can add value to multiple departments or processes will also create a promote-from-within culture that attracts top talent.
Improving the Onboarding Process
Automation has been instrumental in improving the employee onboarding process. Automated workflows can be tailored to each individual employee and provides a streamlined experience for everyone involved. Automation also eliminates manual paperwork, which simplifies the onboarding process, reduces errors, and lets new employees focus on getting up to speed with their job faster.
A study by Brandon Hall Group showed that a streamlined onboarding process could improve retention by 82%, which is why it is crucial for companies in 2024 to continue to improve their onboarding process.
In 2024, more companies will expand upon this process and implement automated candidate nurturing tools, such as chatbots and email flows that provide updates on the hiring process.
