Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries across the globe, and recruitment is no exception. As a recruitment agency working with both innovative technology and people, we at Transilvania HR believe it is essential to stay informed about the evolving AI landscape—particularly the shift in how AI is being approached at a national and international level. 

From Ethics to Innovation: A Shift in AI Policy 

Recent changes in U.S. AI policy, especially under the Trump administration, reveal a strong pivot from safety and ethical oversight toward accelerated innovation. The message from key players—OpenAI, Meta, and Google—is clear: the United States must reduce regulatory barriers to stay ahead in the global AI race, particularly with China emerging as a key competitor. 

Previously, some steps were taken to support ethical guardrails, such as voluntary model evaluations. However, the latest trend favors deregulation, with companies calling for freedom to use public data for training and fewer restrictions on development. 

What Does This Mean for Recruitment? 

AI is now deeply embedded in recruitment platforms—from automated resume screening and candidate ranking to video interview analysis. This automation has brought many benefits, including faster processing and more consistent evaluations.

However, the move away from regulation also raises valid concerns for HR professionals: 

• Transparency: Many AI systems operate as “black boxes,” with little visibility into how hiring decisions are made.
• Bias: Without consistent oversight, algorithms may unintentionally reinforce existing biases in hiring data.
• Privacy: With large amounts of sensitive candidate data processed by AI, strong data protection practices are essential.

At Transilvania HR, we believe in the balanced use of AI—leveraging its capabilities while maintaining human oversight and ethical responsibility.

Human-Centered AI: A Practical Approach 

Rather than framing AI as a threat, we align with the Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) model proposed by Ben Shneiderman. This framework promotes systems that are not only highly automated but also deeply guided by human values and control. 

An HCAI approach ensures that recruitment tools are: 

• Reliable – technically robust and consistent, 
• Safe – managed within a culture of accountability, 
• Trustworthy – subject to independent evaluation and review. 

This dual emphasis on performance and ethical design is especially important in recruitment, where decisions directly impact people’s lives and careers. 

Responsible AI Use in Recruitment 

We see AI as a tool for empowerment, not replacement. Used responsibly, AI can help recruiters: 

• Improve efficiency in candidate sourcing and screening, 
• Identify patterns linked to successful hiring, 
• Enhance fairness through objective benchmarks, 
• Automate routine tasks while keeping decision-making in human hands. 

At the same time, recruiters must ensure data quality, implement audit trails, and continuously test for bias. As Cristina Criddle notes, the lessons from the rise of social media remind us of the risks of deploying powerful technologies without adequate safeguards. 

Transparency and Regulation: A Balanced Path Forward 

Legal scholar Chris Reed argues against premature, sweeping AI regulation. Instead, he recommends an incremental, case-by-case approach using existing legal frameworks. Transparency remains key—not only for ethical reasons but also to ensure liability and public trust. 

Reed distinguishes between: 

• Ex post transparency – analyzing decisions after they are made.
• Ex ante transparency – understanding how systems will behave before deployment. 

In recruitment, both are important. Candidates and employers alike benefit from knowing that AI decisions are fair, explainable, and accountable. 

Final Thoughts

AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. But when used with intention and oversight, it can be a powerful ally in recruitment—helping us make better, faster, and more inclusive hiring decisions. 

How is your organization preparing for the future of AI in hiring? 
Do your recruitment tools promote transparency and fairness? 

At Transilvania HR, we invite you to reflect on these questions with us. Share your thoughts, and let’s shape the future of work together.