SourceCon Community, 

I am still floating mid-air from the SourceCon experience in San Diego. I will land back on earth one day. Until then…

In this issue:

• A recap of SourceCon 2024 in San Diego

• The karaoke wouldn’t stop! (…and I didnt’ want it to end).

• I was on the HR Morning Show spreading the SourceCon gospel!

• The AI Revolution in Sourcing

• Recruiter Meme of the Week

Oh! In case you missed the announcement last week, click here for news on how the “Sourcers Anonymous” program was upgraded. ;-)

Enjoy…

Jim Stroud
Your SourceCon Editor

A recap of SourceCon 2024 in San Diego

I took a dear diary approach to this week’s episode of “The Source” when I recapped my experiences. The people who watched it on LinkedIn seemed to like it. Hopefully, you will too. YouTube version is below.

The karaoke wouldn’t stop! (…and I didn’t want it to end).

OMG! SourceCon San DIego 2024 was the birthplace of a new SourceCon tradition - Karaoke! If you watched the recap video then you have an idea of the amount of fun this activity was. I took a lot of video to capture the moments and compiled it into the next episode of “The Source.” It will officially debut on Thursday, November 7, 2024. However, as a newsletter subscriber you get to see it right now. Yay! Enjoy.

I was on the HR Morning Show!

One of the privileges I have as a SourceCon Editor is that I get to represent the hometeam in other spaces. Case in point, I was interviewed on the HR Morning Show about the wonderfulness (Is that a word?) of SourceCon. I was so elated, I burst out into song. See for yourself by clicking here. Apologies in advance, I sing in the key of off. ;-)

Fresh Content

This week’s article comes from one of the panelists who presented on Ethics in Sourcing - Nicole Greenberg. For those who missed the panel entirely, this is a peek at some of what was said.

The AI Revolution in Sourcing

by: Nicole Greenberg

Let's face it, AI is everywhere these days, and it's making waves in the sourcing world. We've got these smart algorithms that can sift through mountains of resumes faster than you can say "LinkedIn profile." It's like having a super-powered assistant that never sleeps, never complains, and never asks for a raise.

But here's the thing, my friends. While AI is a game-changer, it's not a magic bullet. You can't just set it and forget it. You've gotta be smart about how you use it.

## The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Now, let's talk about the benefits of AI in sourcing. First off, it's a time-saver. You can automate all those repetitive tasks that used to eat up your day. We're talking about screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and even sending out those initial "Hey, we're interested" emails[1][2].

AI can also help you spot patterns and trends that your human brain might miss. It's like having a crystal ball that can predict which candidates are most likely to succeed in a role[3].

But here's where it gets tricky. AI isn't perfect. It can have biases baked right into its code. If you're not careful, you might end up with a candidate pool that's about as diverse as a vanilla ice cream convention[4].

## The Dark Side of AI

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty, the stuff that keeps HR managers up at night. I'm talking about the risks and potential crimes associated with AI in sourcing.

First up, we've got the issue of data privacy. You're dealing with sensitive information here, folks. If that data falls into the wrong hands, you're looking at a legal nightmare that would make even the toughest lawyer break out in a cold sweat[5].

But that's not even the worst of it. Let's talk about timesheet fraud. Picture this: You've got a sourcer who's figured out how to use AI bots to do their job while they secretly work another gig or spend their days playing video games. It's like they're in two places at once, collecting two paychecks, but only doing half the work[8].

This isn't just unethical; it's straight-up illegal. We're talking about falsifying timesheets, which is a form of fraud. And let me tell you, as someone who's spent time in courtrooms, fraud is not something you want to mess with[9].

## Keeping It Real

So, how do you stay on the right side of the law while still harnessing the power of AI? It's all about balance and oversight.

1. Don't rely solely on AI: Use it as a tool, not a replacement for human judgment[6].

2. Regularly audit your AI systems: Make sure they're not perpetuating biases or making decisions you can't explain[4].

3. Implement strong data protection measures: Treat candidate data like it's the crown jewels[5].

4. Monitor employee productivity: Keep an eye out for any suspicious patterns that might indicate timesheet fraud[9].

5. Educate your team: Make sure everyone understands the ethical and legal implications of misusing AI[7].

## The Importance of Transparency

Let's about the most crucial when using AI in sourcing - transparency. Be upfront with your candidates and clients about how you're using AI. It's not just ethical; it shows you're cutting-edge and responsible.

In the spirit of transparency, I'll admit this article was written with help from an AI called Perplexity. Get it here for free![11] I used it as a tool to organize ideas, but the legal knowledge and insights are mine.

This is how you should use AI in sourcing: to enhance your skills, not replace them. Always be open about it.

Remember, in sourcing and in law, your reputation is everything. Use AI wisely and ethically and be transparent. That's how you'll build trust with candidates and clients alike.

## The Bottom Line

AI in sourcing is like a high-powered sports car. In the right hands, it can take you places you've never been before. But if you're not careful, you might end up wrapped around a tree.

So, use AI wisely my friends. Embrace its power, but don't let it replace your human intuition and ethical judgment. And for the love of all that's holy, don't try to game the system. The risks aren't worth it, and trust me, you don't want to explain to a judge why you thought it was okay to let a bot do your job while you racked up kills in Call of Duty.

Stay smart, stay ethical, and may the best candidates be ever in your favor!

…

Note: For easy reference, all the links cited in this article are on one page, here.

May the source be with you!