Pune: While most candidates find value in technology, they are frustrated when it overtakes the human aspect of the hiring process. Around 78 per cent respondents of the Tech and Touch Survey, conducted by HR service provider Randstad India, agreed they perform much better in personal interviews compared to automated tests.
The survey report stated that while technology has helped make processes more efficient, completely depending on it can have its downsides, especially when it comes to finding the right talent. “Interestingly, a vast majority of the millennials aged 21 to 26 years (79 pc) also subscribed to this viewpoint. Fifty-eight per cent stated that an overly automated interview process would be less transparent and will not provide the essential feedback they are seeking. Besides, 83 per cent said that technology makes the interview process more efficient but significantly less personal,” the report added.
The Randstad Tech and Touch survey was conducted online with a sample size of 2,500 candidates, out of which 70 per cent were employed and 24 per cent were job seekers.
According to the data, 89 per cent of the respondents agreed that an ideal interview process is one which employs a combination of technology and personal interactions. “More than half of the respondents (52 pc) cited that they have gone through an interview process where a significant part was carried out completely or aided by technology,” the report added.
Around 94 per cent respondents believed that at least one round of the interview process needs human intervention. Close to 75 per cent believed that three or more interactions are a must during a standard interview process to make the hiring experience feel even more personal.
Striking a balance between tech and touch
Presenting the survey insights, MD and CEO, Randstad India, Paul Dupuis said, “The findings of this survey reinforce that it is critical to strike the right balance between ‘tech’ and ‘touch’ to the best match during recruitment. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, an organisation’s ability to adapt the hiring process to the expectations of the diverse candidate community will certainly have a direct impact on its efforts to be a talent magnet.”
“We are entering a new age of recruitment where technology is creating unprecedented opportunities for both employers and the employees.
However, understanding and knowing the candidate better and selecting the best match requires a combination of tech and touch. While technology, including AI, machine learning and automation, will play an increasingly important role in sourcing and selecting the right candidate for the right job, the touch piece of the recruitment process is becoming increasingly important. Leveraging technology to enable better, more personal touch is the crucial combination for sustainable growth,” he added.
