Computer says | 0s, 1s and the science behind laying people off via algorithm

By now, we all know the stat that says most hiring deciders look at a CV for a total of seven seconds before shuffling it into the yay or nay piles.

While that might seem cutthroat and brutal, well, that’s life in the big city, kid. And it’s not for lack of care – after all, the hiring manager will have to work with whomever they bring on board. But the sheer volume of applications/CVs has often meant needing to be brutal when whittling down candidates.

Then came automation, AI and ready-made software that allowed us to automate that, freeing us up for the work of really reviewing candidates “heart and soul”. Some argue that it’s helped (removing unconscious bias, freeing up time) and others argue that it’s hindered (entrenching unconscious bias, taking away personal choice). Either way, it’s probably here, in some for or another, to stay.

And now, 2023 is the year of the AI firing

According to a survey conducted by software firm Capterra of 300 HR decision-makers in the US, 98% of them fessed up to using software and AI/algorithms to help them ‘reduce labour costs’, including choosing who to axe.