Transforming Talent Acquisition: A Longitudinal, Literature-Based Analysis of Generative AI in Early-Stage Sourcing, 2020–2024

Abstract

Generative AI tools are used by employers to enhance recruitment activities and gain information about job seekers․ Current recruitment methods include the use of the recruiter's expertise and other tools and resources‚ such as networking and online job boards and databases‚ as well as keyword searches․ Advantages of generative AI tools for recruitment include uncovering other skills and related occupations‚ interacting with job seekers‚ and efficiently obtaining other information that would take more time and effort to learn otherwise․ This review summarises the use of GenAI in initial hiring processes from January 2020 to December 2024․ A longitudinal review of literature provides insights on the shift from other automated tools to GenAI tools and other uses of GenAI in hiring‚ as well as advantages and challenges for hiring professionals and job candidates and other ethical concerns related to GenAI in hiring․ Information sources include academic literature and industry and legal resources through December 2024․

The study describes potential advantages of GenAI․ Potential advantages are different from proven advantages․ Potential advantages of using GenAI tools for recruitment tasks include greater recruiter flexibility and efficiency and the ability of recruiters to consider candidates who do not have traditional work histories without relying on previous job titles․ Other potential advantages of greater flexibility and efficiency in recruitment tasks are not known‚ nor are potential advantages of using automated language content in recruitment communications․ Initial testing of language tools for recruitment purposes has identified bias concerns․ Recommendations include using GenAI tools to support rather than replace human decision making․ The paper offers a framework for evaluating long-term contributions and disadvantages of GenAI tools‚ such as impacts on efficiency‚ candidate-pool quality‚ inclusion‚ candidate experience‚ and governance․