AI and Recruitment: Can Ethics Boost a Company’s Appeal?
In this article, originally published in Harvard Business Review France, Maria Figueroa-Armijos (EDHEC) and her co-authors examine candidates’ perceptions—particularly regarding ethics—of companies that use AI in their recruitment processes.
More and more companies are using artificial intelligence in their recruitment processes. But how are they affected by candidates’ perceptions of it, particularly from an ethical standpoint?
By early 2025, the market for AI-based recruitment solutions had reached $661.5 million in revenue. By 2030, it is expected to exceed one billion euros. Whether viewed as a true revolution or feared, AI is certainly well on its way to becoming a permanent fixture in many fields.
Take recruitment, for example. In its report The Future of Recruitment 2025, LinkedIn reveals that 27% of HR professionals actively use AI-based tools, while 60% are optimistic about their adoption. These tools are primarily used when drafting job postings, analyzing resumes, pre-screening candidates, and verifying references. They enable significant time savings, improved sourcing, and (at least according to one of their promises) a reduction in unconscious bias...
