To address the growing frustration among UK businesses grappling with hiring difficulties, global job matching and recruitment platform Indeed has unveiled Smart Sourcing, an AI-powered solution aimed at streamlining the recruitment process.
The launch comes as new data reveals that three in four (74%) UK businesses feel recruitment has become increasingly challenging over the past five years.
According to a survey conducted by Indeed, which involved 1,000 workers and 1,000 recruitment professionals in the UK, inefficiencies in the hiring process are a significant source of frustration.
Despite 63 percent of hiring professionals expressing a desire to enhance productivity, a staggering 61 percent feel bogged down by inefficient and time-consuming procedures.
The survey highlights the dissonance between ambitious hiring targets and the prevailing sourcing challenges faced by businesses.
With over 908,000 job vacancies in the UK and 53 percent of businesses setting ambitious recruitment goals for the year, the pressure to identify quality candidates is immense. However, the task of finding suitable candidates amidst a sea of profiles often feels akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
Scepticism over effectiveness of existing hiring platforms
Many hiring professionals express scepticism regarding the effectiveness of existing recruitment platforms, with 66 percent discounting certain sites due to concerns about finding a suitable talent pool. Moreover, the lack of responsiveness from candidates adds to the frustration, as on average, candidates only respond 40 percent of the time.
The demand for AI-powered solutions to alleviate these challenges is evident, yet only 32 percent of hiring managers have integrated AI into their processes. However, there is a widespread belief among professionals that AI can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in recruitment.
Indeed’s Smart Sourcing aims to address these pain points by leveraging AI to create a more streamlined recruitment process. By tapping into a vast talent pool of nearly 300 million workers globally, Smart Sourcing enables employers to identify and connect with qualified candidates efficiently. The AI-powered matching engine provides instant recommendations based on individual skills, experiences, and qualifications, allowing employers to expedite the hiring process.
AI has transformative potential
The introduction of Smart Sourcing has been met with enthusiasm from early adopters. Graham Parkin, Recruitment Manager at Healthcare Homes, praised the ease of use of the platform and noted promising results during the trial period.
As job seekers and hiring managers alike grapple with the challenges of the current hiring landscape, the launch of Smart Sourcing represents a significant step towards revolutionising the recruitment process. By harnessing the power of AI, Indeed aims to empower both employers and job seekers, facilitating more efficient and effective job matches.
Indeed’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Employer, Raj Mukherjee, emphasised the transformative potential of AI in reshaping the hiring landscape. He highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to bridge the gap between candidates and employers, ultimately fostering a more efficient and equitable job market.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
- Amelia Brand
- Amelia Brand
- Amelia Brand
- Amelia Brand
