Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment, A Systematic Literature Review on Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

Authors

  • Hafidz Mufti Universitas Indonesia
  • Julias Penata Utama Universitas Indonesia
  • Muh Agil Nuruz Zaman Universitas Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59934/jaiea.v5i2.2062

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, employee recruitment, literature review, ethical challenges

Abstract

This study aims to examine the scientific literature on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the employee recruitment process, with a focus on current trends, existing challenges, and future development directions. Using a systematic literature review approach, the study filters scholarly articles from reputable databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, applying inclusion criteria that consist of English-language publications, published within the last 20 years (2005–2025), and specifically focused on the use of AI in recruitment. Articles that are duplicated, irrelevant to the topic of recruitment, or not peer-reviewed were excluded from the analysis. The main findings indicate that AI offers efficiency in applicant screening, reduces human bias, and enhances the candidate experience. However, significant challenges also emerge, including algorithmic bias, ethical concerns, and organizational resistance to adopting new technologies. Recent trends point to a shift toward the use of machine learning, recruitment chatbots, and predictive analytics in HR decision-making. This study provides a theoretical contribution by synthesizing and categorizing prior research findings, and a practical contribution for HR practitioners in understanding the potential and risks of AI implementation. It also fills a gap in the literature by addressing the lack of a comprehensive synthesis that systematically maps the development of AI research in recruitment.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ajunwa, I. (2019). The paradox of automation as anti-bias intervention. Cardozo L. Rev., 41, 1671.

Alam, M. S., Khan, T., Dhar, S. S., & Munira, K. S. (2020). HR professionals’ intention to adopt and use of artificial intelligence in recruiting talents. Business Perspective Review, 2(2), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.38157/business-perspective-review.v2i2.122

Albassam, W. A. (2023). The power of artificial intelligence in recruitment: An analytical review of current AI-based recruitment strategies. International Journal of Professional Business Review: Int. J. Prof. Bus. Rev., 8(6), 4.

Alkhodair, M., & Alkhudhayr, H. (2025). Harnessing Industry 4.0 for SMEs: Advancing Smart Manufacturing and Logistics for Sustainable Supply Chains. Sustainability, 17(3), 813.

Awasthi, P., & Sangle, P. S. (2013). Concerns vital for mobile CRM in banking: A qualitative study. International Journal of Electronic Customer Relationship Management, 7(1), 45-67.

Bao, Y., Cheng, X., Su, L., & Zarifis, A. (2024). Achieving Employees’ Agile Response in E-Governance: Exploring the Synergy of Technology and Group Collaboration. Group Decision and Negotiation, 1-26.

Beel, J., & Gipp, B. (2009). Google Scholar’s ranking algorithm: An introductory overview. Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Scientometrics and Informetrics (ISSI’09), 230–241.

Binns, R., Veale, M., Van Kleek, M., & Shadbolt, N. (2018). ‘It's reducing a human being to a percentage’: Perceptions of justice in algorithmic decisions. Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '18), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1145/3173574.3173951

Biswas, J., & Mishra, S. N. (2019). Identifying drivers of m-commerce adoption by indian youth using technology acceptance model. J. Adv. Res. Dyn. Control Syst, 11, 423-430.

Chen, Z. (2023). Collaboration among recruiters and artificial intelligence: removing human prejudices in employment. Cognition, Technology & Work, 25(1), 135-149.

Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

Gan, R., Zhang, L., & Wei, Y. (2024). Efficient resume screening using large language models: A comparative framework. Journal of AI Applications in HR, 10(1), 65–79.

Geetha, R., & Bhanu, S. R. D. (2018). Recruitment through artificial intelligence: A conceptual study. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9(7), 63–70.

Heakl, A., Sharma, N., & Dutta, P. (2024). Resume parsing with BERT and Gemma: Improving classification in AI recruitment systems. Journal of Intelligent Information Systems, 18(2), 112–125.

Herrmann, T., & Pfeiffer, S. (2023). Keeping the organization in the loop: a socio-technical extension of human-centered artificial intelligence. Ai & Society, 38(4), 1523-1542.

Horodyski, P. (2023). Applicants’ perception of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 11, 100303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100303

Hunkenschroer, A. L., & Luetge, C. (2022). Ethics of AI-enabled recruiting and selection: A review and research agenda. Journal of Business Ethics, 178(4), 977–1007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05049-6

Khair, M. A., Mahadasa, R., Tuli, F. A., & Ande, J. R. P. K. (2020). Beyond human judgment: Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on HR decision-making efficiency and fairness. Global Disclosure of Economics and Business, 9(2), 163-176.

Kim, S. D. (2024). Application and challenges of the technology acceptance model in elderly healthcare: Insights from ChatGPT. Technologies, 12(5), 68.

Kitchenham, B., & Charters, S. (2007). Guidelines for performing systematic literature reviews in software engineering version 2.3. Engineering, 45(4ve), 1051.

Kleanthous, S., Kasinidou, M., Barlas, P., & Otterbacher, J. (2022). Perception of fairness in algorithmic decisions: future developers' perspective. Patterns, 3(1).

Köchling, A., & Wehner, M. C. (2020). Discriminated by an algorithm: a systematic review of discrimination and fairness by algorithmic decision-making in the context of HR recruitment and HR development. Business Research, 13(3), 795-848.

Lakshmi Devi, P., Ramesh, B., & Singh, A. (2024). AI skill development and strategic integration in HR practices: A conceptual framework. Asian Journal of Human Resource Innovation, 6(1), 45–59.

Lee, M. K. (2018). Understanding perception of algorithmic decisions: Fairness, trust, and emotion in response to algorithmic management. Big data & society, 5(1), 2053951718756684.

Li, Y., Qi, J., & Shu, H. (2008). Review of relationships among variables in TAM. Tsinghua Science & Technology, 13(3), 273-278.

Lim, W. M. (2018). Dialectic antidotes to critics of the technology acceptance model: Conceptual, methodological, and replication treatments for behavioural modelling in technology-mediated environments.

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Bmj, 339.

Nguyen, T. N. T., Van Lai, N., & Nguyen, Q. T. (2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: A Case Study on ChatGPT's Influence on Student Learning Behaviors. Educational Process: International Journal, 13(2), 105-121.

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International journal of qualitative methods, 16(1), 1609406917733847.

O’reilly Iii, C. A., & Tushman, M. L. (2008). Ambidexterity as a dynamic capability: Resolving the innovator's dilemma. Research in organizational behavior, 28, 185-206.

Ore, L., & Sposato, M. (2022). Recruiting in the age of AI: Balancing efficiency and empathy. Human Resource Management Review, 32(2), 100834. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100834

Raghavan, M., Barocas, S., Kleinberg, J., & Levy, K. (2020). Mitigating bias in algorithmic hiring: Evaluating claims and practices. Proceedings of the 2020 Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAT '20)*, 469–481. https://doi.org/10.1145/3351095.3372828

Reuters. (2024, January 15). Companies worry AI hiring tools may be used unfairly. Reuters Technology News. https://www.reuters.com

Rotjanakorn, A., Sadangharn, P., & Na-Nan, K. (2020). Development of dynamic capabilities for automotive industry performance under disruptive innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(4), 97.

Ruparel, N., Iqbal, Z., & Sharma, A. (2023). Artificial intelligence and bias in hiring decisions: A behavioural perspective. Journal of Business Research, 156, 113450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113450

Seppälä, E., & Małecka, A. (2024). The double-edged sword of AI in personnel selection: Reducing and reinforcing bias. Journal of Applied Psychology and AI Ethics, 3(1), 24–39.

Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic management journal, 18(7), 509-533.

Teece, D. J. (2018). Business models and dynamic capabilities. Long range planning, 51(1), 40-49.

Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence‐informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375

Upadhyay, A. K., & Khandelwal, K. (2018). Applying artificial intelligence: Implications for recruitment. Strategic HR Review, 17(5), 255–258. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-07-2018-0051

van Esch, P., Black, J. S., & Ferolie, J. (2019). Marketing AI recruitment: The next phase in job application and selection. Computers in Human Behavior, 90, 215–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.09.009

Wibeck, V., & Linnér, B. O. (2021). Sense-making analysis: a framework for multi-strategy and cross-country research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 1609406921998907.

Will, P., Krpan, D., & Lordan, G. (2023). People versus machines: introducing the HIRE framework. Artificial Intelligence Review, 56(2), 1071-1100.

Wilson-Trollip, M. (2024). Harnessing AI for peer-to-peer learning support: Insights from a bibliometric analysis. Perspectives in Education, 42(4), 283-304.

Xiang, H., Lu, J., Kosov, M. E., Volkova, M. V., Ponkratov, V. V., Masterov, A. I., ... & Zekiy, A. O. (2023). Sustainable development of employee lifecycle management in the age of global challenges: Evidence from China, Russia, and Indonesia. Sustainability, 15(6), 4987.

Yeow, A., Soh, C., & Hansen, R. (2018). Aligning with new digital strategy: A dynamic capabilities approach. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 27(1), 43-58.

Downloads

Published

2026-02-15

How to Cite

Mufti, H., Utama, J. P., & Zaman, M. A. N. (2026). Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment, A Systematic Literature Review on Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions. Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Applications (JAIEA), 5(2), 2951–2957. https://doi.org/10.59934/jaiea.v5i2.2062