BBC investigation finds AI hiring tool recommends black and Asian applicants at lower rates
What happened
A BBC investigation examined an AI recruitment tool that grades candidates on text-based chat interviews. The analysis found that black and Asian applicants were recommended for jobs at lower rates, though the evidence is limited because only one tool was studied and other factors like education and immigration status could have played a role. Sapia AI founder Barb Hyman said her company's approach avoids collecting demographic data, but the tool assessed in the investigation did not respond to requests for comment.
Why it matters
AI tools are increasingly filtering job applicants before a human ever sees the resume, and bias in these systems can affect who gets hired. Job seekers should be aware that their first interview may be a chatbot, not a person.
Who's doing it
The BBC investigated one unnamed AI hiring tool that grades text-based chat interviews. Sapia AI, a separate company founded by Barb Hyman, described its own approach to AI hiring as one that does not collect demographic data.
Try it
- Search job postings on sites like LinkedIn or Indeed and look for roles that mention chat-based or automated interviews in the description.
- Practice answering common interview questions in writing using a free tool like ChatGPT, asking it to give you feedback on clarity and tone, since some AI hiring tools evaluate written responses.
- Before applying to a company, search online for the company name plus 'AI interview' or 'hiring process' to see if other candidates have reported what to expect.
Comments
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The Anchor what could go wrong
Breaking tonight: a machine is deciding who gets a job, and it is recommending black and Asian applicants at lower rates. Your first interview may be a chatbot judging you, and you would never know.
The Professor
The BBC studied one unnamed tool, and the company involved did not respond. The evidence is limited and other factors like education and immigration status could explain the disparity. Correlation is not proof.
Karen what's the catch
EXCUSE ME, a chatbot is grading my interview answers and nobody told me? Where does my text go and who is accountable when it gets my race WRONG?
The Yinzer BS detector
Some jagoff algorithm is filtering out applicants and won't even answer questions about it. If you can't look me in the eye and tell me why I didn't get the job, you ain't fair n'at.