Artificial intelligence has become an inevitable part of our lives. Whether it’s widely debated or seamlessly integrated, AI appears in every aspect of our world, from recruitment and process automation in corporate life to personal use and even art. The conversation is no longer about whether to use AI, but rather how to use it more efficiently in an increasingly digitalized business environment. Globally, many large companies are leveraging AI solutions to manage recruitment processes more fairly and efficiently, streamlining tasks such as candidate evaluation, interview scheduling, and talent matching. In Turkey, companies are also aligning with this global trend to gain a competitive edge in the local market.
The Role of AI in Global Recruitment
In recent years, with the growing focus on diversity and inclusion, the need to eliminate any type of bias, and the desire to minimize human error have driven major companies in the U.S. and Europe to integrate AI into their recruitment processes. Many firms are using this technology to overcome unconscious biases, conduct fairer and more objective evaluations, expand their talent pool, and speed up the recruitment process. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 71% of companies aim to reduce human error in recruitment by using AI. While large companies typically use this technology to filter applications quicker, smaller businesses with fewer applications often adopt these solutions to enhance talent matching and personalize the candidate experience.
Global Examples of AI Usage in Recruitment
Unilever:
Application:Unilever frequently uses AI powered digital interviews in its recruitment processes. Candidates participate in video interviews on an AI based platform, which analyzes their body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and speaking patterns.
Results: In a 2019 report*, Unilever stated that this system shortened recruitment time by 70%, significantly reduced the average evaluation time per candidate, and achieved a 50% reduction in recruitment costs.
IBM:
Application: IBM developed a system using Watson AI to accelerate and automate its recruitment processes. This system analyzes candidates’ resumes and shortlists the ones most suitable for the job descriptions, sharing them with the hiring managers.
Results: In a 2020 report*, IBM revealed that its AI assisted recruitment system reduced candidate evaluation time by up to 30% and provided more objective assessments, helping to increase diversity.
The Rise of AI in Turkey
While the use of AI in recruitment processes in Turkey hasn’t yet reached global levels, large companies especially in banking and technology, as well as tech-focused small and medium sized enterprises, have started to adopt AI driven solutions. Major firms like Koç Holding and Akbank have been using AI supported algorithms to speed up candidate selection processes, while platforms like Kariyer.net and LinkedIn Turkey offer more accurate candidate suggestions through AI based matching systems. As with all applications of AI, firms using this technology in recruitment focus on ensuring fairness and transparency, working with accurate datasets to avoid biased results. We anticipate that the early adoption of this technology in Turkey will provide a significant competitive advantage.
Examples of AI-Driven Recruitment in Turkey
Kariyer.net:
Application: One of Turkey’s largest online job platforms, Kariyer.net has been using AI to analyze candidates’ resumes and match them with job listings for some time. The AI system can analyze candidates’ education, experience, and skills to offer suggestions to employers.
Results: In blog posts shared on its website in 2022, Kariyer.net highlighted that this system helps employers reach the most suitable candidates faster, accelerating recruitment processes, especially in job postings with a high number of applications.
What to Watch Out for When Using AI
While AI enhances recruitment processes greatly, issues of ethics and transparency remain as key concerns. AI is expected to operate without bias, creating equal opportunities for all candidates. However, the quality of the data that feeds the AI algorithms is the main factor in determining whether these expectations are met. Inaccurate data could lead to unfair evaluations of candidates. Because of this, companies should pay close attention to selecting datasets and making sure to use transparent processes when implementing AI solutions. While speed and efficiency are primary drivers behind the preference for AI in recruitment by large companies, this technology holds the potential to create strategic advantages for businesses of all sizes. We can foresee that AI will play an even larger role in recruitment processes both globally and in Turkey. By accurately matching talented candidates with the right roles, AI has the potential to transform the very structure of the business world. For companies looking to be part of this transformation, AI is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.
