Automation technology is turning healthcare recruiting upside down. But to jump aboard this trend with confidence, you’ll need some vocabulary. We’ve gathered some of the AI and automation terms that you’re most likely to hear as a healthcare employer.
This glossary of AI and automation terms will help you understand some of the software on the market today. If you want more context (and a deeper dive into healthcare automation), you’re in luck—we just published an ebook about it.
AI and Automation Terms to Know
Adaptive Algorithm
An algorithm that adapts to new information. This algorithm will behave differently depending on the data that’s available when it runs.
Algorithm
The step-by-step instructions that a computer uses to complete a task. Automation software relies on algorithms to know what to do after a specific trigger.
Analytics
An interpretation of data. Analytics can help you understand how your business or recruitment efforts are performing. For instance, the Apploi software uses your data to calculate the time it takes for you to make a hire. In this case, your time-to-hire is part of your analytics.
Automation
Any technology that makes tasks happen automatically. Automation technology looks for pre-programmed cues, and, when it finds them, progresses to the next step. Some examples include automatically sending email reminders the day before an interview, or automatically marking a candidate as approved after they’ve completed a successful background check.
Autonomy
Autonomous technology is self-managed. It can operate by itself, without human intervention.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Technology that can make decisions and interpret data in a manner that mimics human intelligence. One common example is an AI chatbot that has a human-like ability to understand and respond to organic text messages. What makes AI unique is that it uses unstructured data. Typically, the data is qualitative, and therefore hard for other software to understand.
Chatbot
A program that takes user input and simulates a conversation. Chatbots can either give pre-programmed answers, using automation, or carry on more complex conversations, using AI. Chatbots are commonly used in recruiting to collect information or help candidates through their application.
Cognitive Computing
A subfield of AI specifically focused on teaching computers to mimic human thought.
Data
Data is, essentially, information. Frequently (but not always), data is numerical or statistical. The term “raw data” refers to data that hasn’t been interpreted or processed. You might track data like the number of candidates in your pipeline, your days to hire, or the number of people who view your job posts.
Data Mining
The process of assessing large quantities of data to find patterns. This information can then be used in other processes, like predictive analytics.
Deep Learning
A form of machine learning that uses a network of algorithms to evaluate data. Deep learning can be used to find patterns and make predictions.
Facial Recognition
Software that can scan and identify human faces. Facial recognition software can be used to confirm identity remotely through a smartphone or webcam.
Image Recognition
Software that can identify the contents of an image.
Integration
The process of combining different pieces of software on a single platform. An integrated recruiting platform might include multiple interconnected tools that manage job distribution, candidate screening, hiring, and onboarding.
Machine Learning (ML)
A subset of AI focused on building computer programs that can continuously learn and improve their performance.
Neural Network
A system of many interconnected processing nodes that take in data. Neural networks draw from both computer science and neuroscience, attempting to mimic the way the human brain processes information.
Natural Language Generation (NLG)
Software that takes in data (potentially non-linguistic data) and outputs text related to that data. NLG can be used to produce chatbot responses to user input, for instance, or generate text about an image.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
A field of AI focused on helping computers understand text or spoken language. NLP can be used to interpret text input in a chatbot conversation or dialogue in a recorded video.
Parsing
The process of scanning input data and bringing it into a new specific format. For instance, if a candidate uploads a resume, parsing technology could reformat it. This could make the resume easier to read, or it could be used to create a list of easily readable information, such as the candidate’s email address, city, and educational history.
Pattern Recognition
A subset of machine learning devoted to finding patterns in data. Pattern recognition can be used to identify similarities between applications and predict a candidate’s success.
Predictive Analytics
Technology that uses data and algorithms to predict outcomes. Predictive analytics can anticipate things like whether a message is spam or how candidates will answer a job ad. Like any technology that uses machine learning, predictive analytics can get it wrong.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
A kind of automation that uses software robots (software that incorporates AI, machine learning, or neural networks) to mimic human behavior. More specifically, RPA trains software robots to observe human actions in an online system, and then replicate these actions to automate business processes.
Sentiment Analysis
A process that uses technology like natural language processing to measure emotion and tone. A chatbot equipped with sentiment analysis might be able to assess if a user is excited or upset.
Triggers
In the context of automation terms, a trigger is any event that tells software to take action. Triggers can often be customized by the user. For instance: let’s say you wanted to send a thank you email after receiving an application. In this case, receiving the application would be the trigger. Your software would know that was its cue to send an email.
Workflows
Workflows exist in many forms. In recruiting, a workflow is essentially a series of connected tasks that happen in succession. Your recruiting workflow might include tasks like distributing a job post, reviewing resumes, and scheduling interviews.
Automated Healthcare Recruiting With Apploi
Apploi is on a mission to simplify your healthcare staffing. We use powerful workflows and automation to help employers source candidates, streamline hiring, and onboard new recruits.
Interested in learning more about how you can recruit, hire, and onboard healthcare staff quickly? Contact us today for a free demo of our end-to-end talent management solution.
