One of my first jobs was as a corporate recruiter. I deeply enjoyed it because every day I had the chance to paint a mural of a beautiful future for someone and introduce them to people who could complete the art piece. And I never viewed recruiting as luring others with finances. That seems dark and sinister! To me, recruiting was about helping others fulfill their dreams. – That is what made the profession both challenging and fulfilling.

But that was a long time ago! Today, hiring seems entirely different – more about enticing someone to fulfill others’ ambitions than helping them realize their own dreams!

The hiring problem

Last week, I read an article about how irate hiring managers are because many Gen Z candidates are ghosting them!

Apparently, 50% of hiring managers say Gen Z candidates ghost them by missing interviews, ignoring offers, never showing up for work, or quitting within a few days. Reactively, some hiring managers are blacklisting these candidates.

What’s going on?

What causes a person to walk away from an opportunity without a word? Or to slam the door on a young person they do not know?

Plainly, it is what happens when humans devalue others and place greater value on obedient tools than growing beings. Ultimately, it is what the human experience looks and feels like in a broken Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era!

Life in the AI Era

In an artificial society, speed, efficiency, and ease are prioritized over humanity, growth, and togetherness. There, it is easy to drop off the face of the earth without a word, as others are not worth attention or time unless they satisfy our egos or pocketbooks.  Many appear to be experiencing this, and it feels dystopian.

In hiring, the right path for an organization begins with one question: What is the experience like for our candidates? Specifically, what does it look and feel like? The secondary question is what do we need and want, and how quickly and cost-effectively could we get it? Yet many organizations prioritize the secondary question over the primary, as evidenced by the stated rationale for the high rate of corporate layoffs. Clearly, some believe AI is a suitable substitute for humans in many instances. It is not! That said, the problem with hiring is not the emergence of AI. The problem is the minimization and elimination of connection with other people.

The power of personal connection

AI is a tool, and tools are not inherently problematic. However, how humans use tools can lead to problems. Currently, for many, AI is used to enable impersonalization at the cost of connection. This happens as human touchpoints are minimized and human contact is replaced with automation and quick bytes.

Now, let us wind back to the story I shared last week about the candidate who unintentionally taught me the true meaning of availability. Although he declined my offer, he remains one of my favorites. – He was a genuine family guy, and we developed a real connection – so much so that he felt comfortable introducing me to his wife to discuss their future.
Some might say I was able to get close because we invested a lot in him. However, I doubt we earned his respect, trust, and courtesy because of a plane ride, hotel stay, and meals. Instead, as he said, he felt greatly valued by everyone he interacted with.

Hiring is personal, and the challenge with hiring requires a human solution.
Ensuring others feel valued and know they matter is the beginning of the solution to the challenge hiring managers face with Gen Z candidates.

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pexels | Yan Krukau