What does today's talent think about AI? Findings from the GRID 2024 Talent Trends report

This is a guest blog by business partner Bullhorn.

What does today's talent think about AI? Findings from the GRID 2024 Talent Trends report 

AI is everywhere, and recruitment is no exception. From improved job matching to automatic candidate submissions, AI has the potential to transform staffing, making the hiring process faster and more efficient. With 51% of firms having already experimented with AI, the industry is on board. But does talent feel the same way? 

To find out, we surveyed over 2,400 global contingent workers on their recruitment experiences – including their thoughts on AI-powered recruitment tools – in our new GRID 2024 Talent Trends Report. Below, find out what they had to say about working with AI, and then check out the full report for the complete picture of what candidates expect when working with staffing firms. 

81% of candidates would be willing to work with an AI-powered recruiting assistant if it sped up the process. 

Most of today’s talent already have experience with AI, even in their job search; over half of the candidates surveyed reported that they have been informed that their staffing firm is leveraging AI. But while candidates are largely ready to embrace AI, that hinges on whether it can actually provide the value they’re looking for – namely, faster responses, better job matching, and a streamlined recruiting process. Talent is ready for AI, but firms need to get it right. 

63% of candidates working with AI said they received faster responses.

The good news is that of those candidates who have worked with AI, most of them have had positive experiences, especially when it comes to cutting down on the time they spend waiting for responses. Our same report showed that candidates want timely communication, with 89% wanting their recruiter to reach out more than once a week. 

To increase candidate loyalty, firms can lean on AI to send personalized communications to the right candidates at the right time, screen and source candidates more quickly, and provide a more efficient recruitment experience. 

79% of candidates would be willing to work with an AI-powered recruiting assistant if it didn’t mean sacrificing personalisation. 

While talent is ready to embrace AI-powered recruiting tools – and the value they provide – they still want the human touch in their recruitment experience. Candidates choose to work with recruiters based on positive experiences and proactive communication. 

AI can help your team maintain consistent, proactive, and personalised communication with your talent pool. With AI, you can send tailored check-ins at the right time of the recruitment process, empower candidates to self-schedule time on your calendar, and spend less time tied up with admin work and more time getting to know your candidates. 

As AI continues to shape the future of recruitment, it’s clear that candidates are ready to embrace its benefits – as long as it enhances their experience. As firms continue to adopt AI, those that are able to get it right and make the recruitment process more efficient while maintaining a personal touch will stand to build a satisfied, loyal talent community.