AI hiring tools under fire in Australia for potential bias against women and minorities

AI tools are increasingly being used in Australia for resume screening and interviews, with 1 in 3 organizations using them in hiring. But research shows these tools can reinforce biases against women and minorities.

The lack of transparency around AI screening is problematic as candidates don't know how they are being assessed. Tests and timed video interviews feel impersonal to applicants.

Prolonged job searches take an emotional toll, leading to "job search depression" with increased anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Brutal rejections after AI screening adds to this.

Experts say cognitive tests are not new in hiring, but candidate videos analyzed by AI to rank applicants is concerning. Programming biases into AI can lead to unfair outcomes.

Jobseekers should focus on concise, accurate applications targeted to the role. But they should also be careful of their online footprint which AI reviews.