In today’s job market, the role of AI in the hiring process has come under scrutiny. A recent lawsuit, Mobley vs. Workday, has brought this issue to the forefront. The case, which has now moved to class action status, alleges that Workday’s applicant tracking system (ATS) discriminates against job applicants based on age and disability.
The plaintiff, Mr. Mobley, claims that despite being qualified for various positions, he was consistently rejected. What makes this case particularly interesting is that the judge has allowed the lawsuit to proceed against Workday itself, rather than the individual companies that use the system. This decision taps into a growing concern about AI’s role in job applications and the potential for discrimination.
When you apply for a job, your resume typically goes through an ATS. These systems parse your resume and attempt to fill in various fields automatically. If the system struggles to read your resume correctly, it could be a sign that your resume isn’t optimized for ATS. To improve your chances, consider using a resume template or a tool like BetterThing.ai, which can customize your resume with a single click.
Contrary to what many believe, your resume doesn’t immediately go to a recruiter after submission. Instead, the ATS sorts and ranks applications based on relevance. This is where potential discrimination could occur, as resumes that don’t meet certain criteria might be pushed to the bottom of the stack.
It’s important to note that some aspects of the application process, such as knockout questions, are typically set by the hiring company, not the ATS provider. This makes it unclear how Workday could be held liable for discrimination in these areas.
To increase your chances of success in job applications, consider these strategies:
- Apply for recent job postings. Older listings may already be close to being filled.
- Only apply for jobs you’re truly qualified for. In today’s competitive market, underqualified candidates are unlikely to be considered.
- Seek referrals or warm introductions. This is often the best way to bypass the ATS and get your application in front of human eyes.
There are two main ways to make human connections in your job search:
- Find the hiring manager and reach out directly. This approach can be effective even if you’re underqualified, as it allows you to make a personal appeal.
- Use tools like BetterThing.ai to engage your network. This platform can help you draft referral messages and identify connections at target companies.
When using BetterThing.ai, you can easily check your network for connections at specific companies and generate customized referral messages. These messages can then be sent to your connections on platforms like LinkedIn, increasing your chances of getting a warm introduction.
Remember, while AI and ATS play a significant role in the hiring process, human connections remain invaluable. By combining optimized resumes with personal outreach, you can significantly improve your job search outcomes.
In conclusion, while the Mobley vs. Workday case raises important questions about AI in hiring, job seekers aren’t powerless. By understanding how these systems work and leveraging tools and strategies to your advantage, you can navigate the modern job market more effectively. Whether it’s optimizing your resume for ATS, focusing on recent and relevant job postings, or making human connections, there are many ways to improve your chances of landing your next great opportunity.