Hiring leaders still lean on gut instinct, creating a less fair process

The hiring process is still based on personal connections and gut instinct. That's potentially creating a less fair and equitable job-filling process, according to a global analysis released Wednesday.

The survey, conducted by hiring platform company HireVue, includes responses from more than 1,600 hiring leaders across industries like finance and manufacturing. It revealed that companies are struggling to fill roles quickly, a common theme over the past year. But firms that have introduced job-matching technology such as chatbots and AI said they have had an easier time hiring qualified candidates and that those tools can save time in the process.

While some companies are adopting tech solutions to smooth the job-filling process, the survey found that more than a third of hiring teams still lean on gut instinct when making a decision on job applicants. HireVue noted in its press release that another third of respondents said they hire based on personal connections. The company said moving away from these subjective hiring tactics would ensure a more equitable process for job candidates.

HireVue CEO Anthony Reynolds said mass resignations and the ongoing pandemic haven't made the hiring process any easier. “It’s encouraging, though, that when you drill down into the data, companies are solving talent bottlenecks with a forward-thinking approach to technology, coupled with a continued prioritization of diversity and belonging," Reynolds said in the report, adding that "these strategic decisions are helping respondents with both hiring and retention."

Companies that prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion efforts saw lower turnover last year, according to the report. Among the ways firms have met their DEI goals when it comes to hiring are focusing on skills-based assessments instead of resumes and dropping college degree requirements and putting greater weight on bootcamp certifications.

Bias in the hiring process is well documented beyond the gut instinct or personal connection issues identified in the HireVue report. For instance, asking an applicant for their criminal background continues to keep people out of work, while discrimination in AI systems used for hiring remains a major concern.