AI Hiring Tools Are Making Things Worse

AI hiring tools are the new gatekeepers in the job market, and let's not sugarcoat it—they're screwing things up. We traded human bias for algorithmic bias and ended up with, well, a different flavor of the same old bullshit.

What's Actually Happening

Look, companies got lazy and decided computers could do their dirty work. Major players like Amazon have tried it, only to quickly realize their systems were reinforcing biases rather than eliminating them. Remember that fiasco where Amazon had to scrap its AI recruiting tool because it downgraded resumes that included the word "women's"? Yeah, not exactly progress.

These AI systems learn from historical data, which is already skewed. If past hiring managers gave more opportunities to a certain group, guess what? The AI learns to prefer that group too. Companies like HireVue use facial recognition and voice analysis in their hiring tools, but those systems have been criticized for having racial and gender biases. And the kicker is, you can't even question an algorithm's judgment, because it's all about those secret, proprietary formulas.

Why This Matters For You

If you're job hunting, AI is likely sifting through your applications before a human ever sees them. Your perfectly crafted resume could end up in the trash because a machine doesn't like the way you formatted it. Or maybe it just doesn't vibe with some keywords you're missing—keywords you would never know to include unless you're psychic.

This tech is reducing you to data points, and if you don't fit the magical algorithm's ideal candidate profile, you're out of luck. It's not just about having the right skills anymore; it's about navigating a digital obstacle course where the rules aren't clear and the referees are invisible. In short, AI tools are creating more barriers in a process that's supposed to be getting easier.

What You Should Do About It

First, tailor your resume for both humans and machines. Use keywords from the job description, but don't go overboard. Make sure your format is simple and clean—fancy graphics might trip up the AI.

Network like your career depends on it, because it does. Getting a referral can help you sidestep the algorithms altogether, bumping your resume directly to the top of the pile. And don't shy away from using platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills and make connections.

Lastly, be prepared for digital interviews. If you're doing a video interview with an AI tool, practice your answers but also your presentation—eye contact, clear speech, and enthusiasm can make a difference in how the algorithm reads you.

The Bottom Line

AI hiring tools are a clumsy attempt at solving a complex problem, and they're adding more layers of bias, not less. Until these systems get smarter—and honestly, that's a big "if"—you'll need to play the game carefully. Understand the system's flaws, adapt to its quirks, and keep pushing for more equitable hiring practices. The bullshit isn't going anywhere soon, but at least you'll know how to navigate around it.

Industry commentary from Hey, You're Hired.