AI has changed the majority of industries. Many companies have also started to use AI in their hiring processes.
This has several benefits, mainly that it is efficient and cost-effective. Nonetheless, there are drawbacks. AI cannot form human connections, meaning that qualified candidates often find themselves left out. Clients from minority backgrounds tend to face the brunt of this.
Here’s how AI can reinforce bias in the hiring process.
AI uses historical data
AI used in the hiring process makes decisions based on historical data. If employment practices in the past were discriminatory, AI may simply repeat these mistakes. For example, if a company has previously favored the resumes of employees of a certain gender or ethnicity, then an AI resume-reading tool will continue to do this.
AI relies heavily on data that it has been trained on, and when this data is discriminatory, the results will continue to apply these biases.
What are your rights as a job seeker?
California is committed to promoting equitable employment practices, and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) reflects this. Whether the employment process is regulated by AI or humans, it must be fair. Candidates cannot be discriminated against based on:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender or gender identity
- Age
- Disabilities
- National origin
Employees who believe they have been discriminated against in the hiring process have a legal right to challenge the decision.
Protecting yourself as a job seeker
As a job seeker, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself from discrimination. Firstly, you can research the company’s employment practices to see if they use AI. You can also initiate job applications while having a strong understanding of anti-discrimination laws in California. If you are rejected, try asking for feedback that provides insight into how decisions were made.
AI can streamline the hiring process, but it should not do so in a discriminatory way. For more information on your employment rights, it may be beneficial to seek legal guidance.
