The Critical Distinction Between AI and Automation in HR

Every industry is wondering how the rise of AI will impact the work they do, and the HR world is no exception. 52% of HR leaders in 2023 are exploring opportunities and use cases for AI. But to truly determine how to use AI effectively, it’s necessary to understand how it’s different from — and also complementary to — automation in HR. 

AI and automation are often used interchangeably, but they have critical differences. And understanding those distinctions can help you drive hiring efficiency and improve your hiring process. 

AI and Automation in HR: Key Differences 

AI and automation are similar in that they use technology to drive efficiencies in how work gets done, from small tasks to large. But there are critical distinctions between the two. 

Automation is used for repetitive tasks that are time-consuming when performed manually, but aren’t very complex. They’re easier to hand off to machines because they’re not particularly complicated, but automating these tasks saves humans a lot of time. 

Examples of automation in HR include collecting e-signed forms and automatically generating PDFs during the onboarding process, or managing paid time off scheduling and accrual. 

AI in HR, on the other hand, is used for tasks that require judgment, discernment, and sometimes even creativity. It’s not here to replace humans, but it can complete more advanced tasks to help humans do their jobs better. 

Examples of AI in HR include using tools to screen resumes for open positions, or tracking and analyzing performance data to help a manager prepare for an upcoming annual review. 

There are plenty of perks of using AI in HR (and some drawbacks too), but here are two of the main ways you can use AI and automation, separately and together, in your HR team. 

Driving Hiring Efficiencies 

AI and automation can be used separately to make your hiring process more efficient. 

AI can help you write job descriptions faster and more consistently, categorize and analyze responses to video interviews, and even pull together a list of potential candidates based on their LinkedIn profiles. 

Automation, meanwhile, can help you sort resumes you’ve already received according to their skills, conduct skills assessment tests, and deliver the results to help you make easier and more accurate hiring decisions. It can also help you request references and determine if they’re genuine. 

Improving Hiring Processes 

Used together, AI and automation can help you improve your hiring processes to deliver a better candidate experience as well. 

AI can help you write communications to your top candidates to keep them in the loop throughout the process, and automation can help you send them and keep track of responses. Ensuring more timely communication with candidates is critical to your overall candidate experience. 

Plus, using AI and automation can speed up your hiring process, which means less frustration for your candidates. And if you use the right tools, like Cangrade, AI and automation can actually remove bias from your hiring process so you’re living up to your values of diversity and inclusion. 

How to Integrate AI and Automation in HR Into Your Workflow 

Integrating AI and automation into your HR workflow is easy with the right technology — in fact, your HR software might already use one or both. A platform like Cangrade can help you drive greater hiring efficiency while also delivering a better candidate experience. Learn more today.