Challenges in adopting and using online recruitment tools from employers’ perspective

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a unique exploration of the challenges in the adoption and usage of corporate websites, job aggregators, digital job boards, professional social media and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools for recruitment. Design/methodology/approach In this exploratory study, interviews were conducted with 15 experts in digital companies with AI, recruitment or human eesources expertise. Findings The findings suggest three major themes, including technological, human–technology interaction and peripheral challenges. Moreover, seven sub-themes of challenges emerged from this study, namely, inefficient facilities and resources, inefficient data accumulation, resistance to change, distrust in technology, restricting regulations, toxic work culture and economic and social obstacles. Finally, this study proposes important implications and practical solutions to help professionals, companies and employers overcome challenges associated with adopting and using online recruitment tools. Originality/value Electronic human resource management has not studied the challenges associated with online recruitment tools in the context of Iranian digital organizations. This paper provides a unique exploration of the challenges in the adoption of AI in recruitment.