Cisco, a leading digital communications and networking provider with 85,000 employees globally, has recently implemented AI technology to enhance its recruiting outreach and hiring processes. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader initiative to leverage AI in various aspects of its operations, as highlighted in the “AI CXO Playbook” series on Business Insider.
Francine Katsoudas, Cisco’s executive vice president and chief people officer, emphasized the crucial role of talented employees in the company’s success. However, attracting top candidates and engaging with “silent candidates” who may not actively seek out job opportunities posed a challenge. To address this issue, Cisco turned to AI to personalize recruiting messages and reach out to potential candidates more effectively.
Katsoudas explained that while skilled recruiters could craft compelling messages to persuade candidates, AI technology could streamline and optimize this process. By using generative AI, Cisco could gather insights on potential hires and tailor communication to resonate with silent candidates who might be hesitant to respond through traditional channels. This personalized approach not only increased engagement but also improved the efficiency of the recruiting process.
Working alongside Zohra Yafai, vice president of global talent acquisition at Cisco, the company collaborated with partners like Randstad to integrate AI into their recruitment strategies. These partnerships enabled Cisco to experiment with AI in recruiting and gain confidence in the technology’s capabilities.
In addition to improving candidate outreach, Cisco also utilized AI to automate tasks such as scheduling interviews and meetings. This automation not only saved time but also enhanced the speed and responsiveness of the hiring process, signaling to candidates the company’s commitment and efficiency.
While the initial results of Cisco’s AI adoption were promising, the company acknowledged that it was still in the early stages of implementation. As such, Cisco planned to continue monitoring progress, identifying key performance indicators, and exploring opportunities for further enhancement.
Looking ahead, Katsoudas revealed that Cisco would undertake more pilot projects to test the potential of generative AI in different areas of the business. The company remained committed to exploring innovative ways to leverage AI and enhance its customer service and operational efficiency.
Overall, Cisco’s embrace of AI technology in recruiting underscored its ongoing dedication to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to drive business success and improve employee engagement. By harnessing the power of AI, Cisco aimed to stay at the forefront of innovation and continue delivering exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.
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https://www.businessinsider.com/cisco-is-using-ai-to-help-with-recruitment-2024-5