In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Elaine Pulakos about how GenAI could help enable skills-based hiring. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Elaine Pulakos and Jonathan discussed the need for skills-based hiring and the potential of artificial intelligence in assessing job performance. They also highlighted the issues with the current education system and its emphasis on degrees, arguing for a more skills-focused approach. The conversation ended with an emphasis on the importance of research and responsible implementation of AI assessments.
Skills-Based Hiring and Assessment Solutions
Elaine Pulakos, CEO of PDRI by Pearson, and an expert in building organizational and team capabilities, discussed the importance of skills-based hiring and the need to move away from degree requirements. She explained that PDRI specializes in assessment solutions based on rigorous scientific research, and their AI research program aims to address the mismatch between education and job performance. Jonathan emphasized the need for higher education institutions to prepare students with actual skill sets, not just a diploma. Both agreed on the importance of skills-based hiring and the need to ensure fairness in the assessment process.
Challenging College Degree Requirements in Hiring
Jonathan and Elaine discussed the issues with the current labor market, particularly the emphasis on college degrees for employment. They argued that this system perpetuates implicit bias and excludes many qualified individuals who lack a degree but possess transferable skills. The pair advocated for a skills-based approach to hiring, citing examples of successful companies like Google and Accenture that have eliminated degree requirements. They also noted that a standardized, structured interview process can better predict job performance and reduce bias. Elaine further pointed out that many hiring managers are disappointed when college-educated employees do not perform as expected, indicating a need for more accurate assessments of job-relevant skills.
AI in Assessment Development and Hiring
Elaine and Jonathan discussed the use of AI in assessment development for job performance. Elaine emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly and ensuring it's applied correctly before broad implementation. They both agreed on the necessity of training people in interviewing skills and using alternative assessment methods for skills-based hiring. Additionally, they highlighted the potential applications of AI in generating questions for technical skills assessment.
AI-Driven Technical Tests and Simulations
Elaine and Jonathan discussed the potential of using AI for developing technical tests and work simulations. Elaine reported that their recent study showed AI-generated items performed better than human-generated ones, raising questions about the future of item development. They also discussed the potential of using immersive simulations, developed with AI, as predictors of job performance. However, Elaine highlighted the challenges in constructing such scenarios and ensuring consistent and fair rating criteria. Both agreed on the need for further research and cautious implementation.
Skills-Based Hiring and AI Implementation
Elaine and Jonathan discussed the potential benefits and challenges of skills-based hiring and the use of AI in this process. Elaine emphasized the importance of research and responsible implementation to ensure fairness and efficacy in AI assessments. She also highlighted that their team could be contacted through their website or LinkedIn for more information. Jonathan expressed his enthusiasm for the future developments in this field and the potential improvements in their meeting and chatbot systems.
Listen to the webinar here: