About Hilke Schellmann

AI in Hiring and Recruitment

Hilke Schellmann has extensively investigated how AI tools screen resumes, conduct interviews, and select candidates, often before human involvement.[2][3][30] She reveals that these systems analyze facial expressions, writing styles, and other data, but frequently perpetuate biases and reject qualified applicants due to flawed algorithms.[1][8][9] In her TED Talk, she questions if AI will hire you for your next job, highlighting risks like discrimination.[3] Schellmann advises job seekers on bypassing bots, such as tailoring resumes with specific keywords.[2][27]

Flaws, Biases, and Algorithmic Failures

Schellmann's work underscores systemic issues in AI, including biases that disadvantage certain groups and tools that make high-stakes decisions without transparency.[4][12][13] She describes a 'Wild West' of unregulated algorithms used for hiring, monitoring, and firing, often based on defective data.[13][18] Examples include productivity trackers monitoring bathroom breaks and promotion software that hides human biases rather than eliminating them.[4][9][14]

Workplace Monitoring, Promotion, and Firing

Beyond hiring, Schellmann explores AI's role in employee surveillance, performance evaluation, and terminations.[5][9][14] In podcasts, she discusses how AI infiltrates management, tracking metrics that miss human nuances.[4][5][22] Her book 'The Algorithm' details how companies deploy these tools at scale, reshaping career progression.[13][18]

Book: The Algorithm

Schellmann's bestselling book 'The Algorithm: How AI Decides Who Gets Hired, Monitored, Promoted, and Fired' synthesizes her investigations into AI's workplace dominance.[12][18][24] It exposes opaque systems and calls for accountability.[1][13]

Journalism, AI Tools, and Explainability

As a journalism professor, Schellmann tests AI tools for reporting tasks like transcription, finding them unreliable.[16][28][29] She argues explainers remain vital amid AI hype, especially to demystify tech for publics.[16] Collaborations with academics have uncovered biases in transcription software.[1][29]

Advocacy for Accountability and Policy

Schellmann promotes 'village' approaches combining journalism and academia to scrutinize AI.[1][20][26] She discusses policy needs during sabbaticals at Princeton's CITP, studying AI's societal impacts.[20][32] Talks at universities and events urge regulation of hiring AI.[19][24]

Media Appearances and Public Discourse

Featured on NPR, TED, Trevor Noah's podcast, and others, Schellmann explains AI risks accessibly.[4][9][22][25] She addresses creator economy indirectly through AI's job market effects.[6]