AI-Driven Talent Management: Human-Centered, Competency-Based Recruitment

The purpose of this perspective is to explore the potential of humanistic artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize talent management by emphasizing skills, emotional intelligence (EI), and cultural match through competency-based recruitment systems as opposed to the traditional, resume-centric selection processes. The methodological approach to this paper has been conceptually developed, presenting an interwoven review using available theory to delineate the weaknesses of automated applicant tracking, and introducing human-centered design principles for the next-generation talent management platform. No empirical investigation has been conducted. Conventional keyword-based recruitment practices fall short of addressing overlap in skills and fit in culture, nullifying their efficacy. AI models are competency-driven for the purpose of bias reduction, profiling behavioural indicators, and judging the proficiency of soft skills. A critical focus on human-centered design practices can make recruitment more inclusive while supporting the efficient use of technological resources. As a potential practical implication, a suggestion could be offered that should be further investigated. The AI recruitment systems may allow companies to go beyond parsing resumes to assess the EI of candidates and their transferable competencies, potentially fostering a truly diverse talent pool and resulting in better hiring practices. These AI-driven recruitment systems could have an impact on social justice as they weed out bias, creating more opportunities for fair access to candidates coming from non-traditional backgrounds, and all for the promotion of workplace diversity founded on meritocracy alone. Value/Originality: This paper occupies a unique niche in aligning human-centric design, artificial intelligence ethics frameworks, and competency-based recruitment structures, thereby ensuring a balance in human-technology convergence in ethical recruitment operations.