Chipotle has added the AI tool AVA Cado to speed up the hiring process, and so far it seems to be working very well. Chipotle Chief Human Resources Officer Irene Eskenazi told CNBC on Monday that the number of applicants the company has received since the technology was implemented “dramatically” increased.
AI tools interact with job seekers, answer questions, gather information, and schedule interviews with (human) managers. He also speaks multiple languages: English, Spanish, French and German.
Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said the tool reduced employment time by up to 75%. Eskenazi also said the candidates are “given more information about what the job really is.”
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“I personally was amazed at the number of candidates who enjoyed interacting with the AVA,” she added.
However, AI tools are not useful for sales. Last week, Chipotle reported a consecutive decline in traffic in the second quarter. Created by the AI HR company paradox, Ava Cado reportedly reduces friction in the employment process.
Previously, Chipotle managers were tasked with scheduling all interviews, both from those who applied online, during recruitment events, or from those seeking employment that led to many administrative tasks for the manager.
Eskenazi also said the number of applicants has increased dramatically, and the company is currently seeing an application completion rate of 85%. Ava Cado helps candidates by entering the information provided to the application into the application, reducing the average time it takes to complete the application in about 8 minutes.
Ava Cado also manages interview schedules for managers who can block certain times per week, allowing candidates to schedule based on availability.
Paradox has around 1,000 clients who use AI tools at some point in the recruitment process. These clients include 7-Eleven, General Motors, Nestlé, Marriott International and Lowes.
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This seemed to have a positive impact on Chipotle, but concerns remained about the integration of AI into the employment process. The security of applicant data is one of the concerns. Earlier this month, Paradox reported that a security vulnerability was detected by researchers who could potentially disclose the applicant's name, email address and contact information. Paradox said the data has not been leaked or published.
Eskenazi said the company has a strong interview and training process, and managers will continue to make decisions and make decisions. Ava Cado does not screen your resume or make employment decisions.
“We've got a lot of anecdotal feedback from both the general manager and the candidate, and it was very strong,” Eskenage added. “I personally was amazed at the number of candidates who enjoyed interacting with the AVA.”
