Montage surveyed both talent acquisition (TA) professionals and candidates to uncover their attitudes, feelings and beliefs about the use of artificial intelligence in recruiting. The survey also aimed to identify the differences between candidate and employer perception when it comes to incorporating AI into the hiring process.

The findings confirm that while AI is emerging as a way to enhance the candidate experience, organizations are adopting the technology with cautious optimism. With this in mind, some of the top findings from Montage’s report include:

• There’s more comfort when AI is used earlier in the hiring process. Fifty-one percent of organizations use AI to automate activities like screening, sourcing and scheduling. By contrast, only 34 percent of TA professionals said they use AI in the candidate selection process and only 36 percent use the technology in the interviewing process.
• Candidates aren’t ready to interact with certain forms of AI. Only 6 percent of candidates said they would be comfortable being evaluated for a job via facial recognition technology.
• Over half (59 percent) of the TA professionals Montage surveyed said they aren’t worried using AI will reduce the need for their jobs. In fact, 93 percent of TA professionals believe AI helps them be successful in their roles and 87 percent say the technology improves the candidate experience.

“Adoption of AI will occur over a sustained period of time—until both companies and candidates feel comfortable with its application. During this sustained period, our innovation is guided by a pragmatic, proven approach,” said Kurt Heikkinen, President and CEO of Montage.