Unlocking the potential: Demystifying artificial intelligence in HR

Updated: December 10, 2024

By: Cornerstone Editors

7 MIN

Key Takeaways:

  • AI in HR is complex: Navigating the intricacies of HR data and concepts is challenging. Understanding this unique language is crucial for unlocking its potential.
  • AI and human expertise go hand in hand: There needs to be a delicate balance between AI and human input in HR, as human expertise often outperforms AI, especially in HR.
  • AI optimizes HR processes: AI can enhance search capabilities, provide tailored recommendations, and streamline operations, empowering both employees and candidates.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised various industries, but the mystery deepens regarding its application in human resources (HR). Unlike other scenarios where the goals of AI are clear, AI in HR presents unique complexities due to its specific and ever-changing data. HR is one of the most challenging fields for AI implementation. From the nuances of natural language data to the subjective nature of HR concepts, navigating the intersection of AI and HR requires careful consideration. In this article, we will explore the intricate landscape of HR AI, address its challenges, and shed light on its groundbreaking features it can bring to Human Resource Information Systems. (HRIS)

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HR data has its own unique language that requires interpretation and is one of the critical challenges AI faces in HR. Did you know that HR data features words people use to discuss things? It can be confusing because some words have different meanings. It's like a puzzle where the same word can mean other things. Computers need to help understand it all and make sense of it.


But wait, there's more. HR data gets even more complicated because it's based on personal opinions. Each person describes themselves and their team members in their own way, with their own ideas and views. So, what one person thinks is good, someone else might see differently. It's like looking at a painting and seeing different colors and shapes depending on who's looking. This difference contrasts sharply with the legal domain, where data in natural language is designed to be clear and objective.

To truly leverage the power of AI in HR, we need to delve deep into the art of interpretation. Understanding the nuances of this unique language is the key to unlocking its potential. So, let's unravel the mysteries of HR data and explore how AI can help us navigate this intricate realm with greater clarity and insight.

When it comes to HR, things can get complicated. The concepts often need to be more precise and easier to pin down. Take the term "data scientist," for example. It sounds fancy, but you need a clearer picture of what they do. A better way to understand someone's role is by looking at their skills. Even then, skills can be open to interpretation. Let's say two people have "intercultural management" skills. They might have different ideas about what it means and how leaders should implement it. It's like trying to navigate a maze of different perspectives. That's what makes HR interesting! By diving into these complex and blurry concepts, we uncover insights that can revolutionise how we manage human resources.

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Trying to apply science to human behaviors is challenging. It's like trying to unravel the mysteries of the human mind, which is way more complex than figuring out the best route for a delivery truck or setting the right price for a hotel room. The truth is we'll always need more data to fully grasp the intricacies of human behavior. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Let's set the record straight. We can't expect AI to be all scientific and robotic. There's a saying in the AI community that human experts often outperform AI, which rings especially true in HR. Trying to automate every single HR process is unrealistic. We need a delicate balance where AI and human expertise go hand in hand. A human expert usually beats AI. It's especially true in HR.

AI in HR isn't about taking over the decision-making from HR teams. It's a lot more nuanced than that. AI can unravel the mysteries of various HR concepts like skills, jobs, resumes, profiles, careers, departments, and learning and development. It can dig deep into the relationships between these elements—thinking skills on a CV, levels of mastery, skills aligned with different roles, connections between learning and career paths, and even careers within specific departments.


This newfound understanding allows AI-powered software to grasp every data point across the entire company effortlessly and opens up a world of possibilities:

  • Enhanced search and browsing capabilities, ensuring the display of relevant content.
  • Tailored recommendations for diverse HR use cases.
  • A more comprehensive representation of complex data, untangling the knots for seamless interpretation.

The impact of AI varies for each user. Let's explore how it could transform employees' lives, revolutionise HR practices, and even empower candidates.

AI can work its magic: by helping users like you find the perfect fit! AI has your back, whether it's the right job, a mentorlearning opportunitiescareer advice, or a development path. You can express yourself in your language—no more choosing skills from those rigid nested lists. This freedom allows you to update your data regularly, creating a ripple effect of new possibilities. Imagine transversal teams coming together based on their unique skills, forming a powerhouse of collaboration. With AI by your side, the potential is endless, empowering you to chart your path to success, optimise HR processes, and create unforgettable experiences for candidates.

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With AI, we can go beyond simply having more autonomous employees. It's all about optimising processes and unlocking efficiency by supercharging access to the right data at the right time. Imagine effortlessly finding out who in business unit Y can handle task X or identifying the top candidates for a role — AI makes it happen in a flash. AI streamlines operations, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters.


AI turbocharges analytics, paving the way for "real" strategic workforce planning. Now you can clearly see your company's current situation, identify precise business needs, and determine the most effective training initiatives to bridge skill gaps. It's like having a strategic compass guiding your every move.


AI even empowers you to tackle those big, strategic issues head-on. From company transformations and new acquisitions to downsising decisions, advanced analytics fueled by AI provide data-driven insights that enable you to respond with precision.

With AI in the mix, candidates can now provide more valuable information to companies in a fraction of the time. They can effortlessly showcase their skills, talents, and aspirations—giving organisations a clear picture of what they can do and what they truly desire. But that's not all; it goes both ways. Candidates gain valuable insights into what they need to enhance their skill set to secure their dream job.

AI opens doors to exciting possibilities. Imagine receiving personalised recommendations like this: "Based on your profile, you're among the top 10% of candidates for our coveted job X. Are you interested?"

Candidates can gain enhanced visibility into their future career prospects within a company. By analysing past success stories and similar profiles, AI paints a vivid picture of potential career paths.

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These are just a glimpse of the incredible possibilities that AI can provide. The future of AI in HR is brimming with potential, and the possibilities are yet to be fully defined. It's a remarkable leap forward for HR, as it discovers the untapped potential of its data and uncovers unprecedented use cases. Unlike traditional sectors where scientific approaches are already commonplace, HR is embarking on a transformative journey.

Exciting times lie ahead, where AI revolutionises HR practices and reshapes the future of work. Get ready to embrace the limitless possibilities and witness the HR landscape evolve like never before. The future is bright, and we're just getting started! To learn more about the power of AI, click here.

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