There are a lot of changes that have been brought on by artificial intelligence over the last couple of years. One of the biggest has been the sudden popularity of AI headshots.
A growing number of companies are debating whether they should use AI headshots in their internal media or accept resumes that contain them. This is something that a growing number of HR professionals are starting to discuss.
What Are AI Headshots?
As their name implies, AI headshots are headshot photos that have been developed with artificial intelligence. The platforms that make these headshots use machine learning algorithms to analyze selfies that people have taken and take advantage of generative AI to create new photos in their likeness.
They have become very popular over the past year. One major AI headshot companies boasts that users have created over 12 million photos with its service since it opened its doors. Another AI headshot company is known as Portrait Pal, which can help corporate employees create amazing headshot photos.
Why HR Professionals Should Support AI Headshots
There are a lot of potential benefits of AI headshots. Here are some of the reasons why many HR professionals are starting to support them for both applicants and internal platforms.
AI Headshots May Help Reduce Hiring Bias
One of the biggest issues that companies need to deal with during the hiring process is fighting bias. They may subconsciously favor some applicants over others due to their presentation in photos. This can lead to hiring underqualified candidates or lawsuits if the qualified candidates that were passed up were members of disenfranchised groups.
This may be less likely to be a problem if applicants are encouraged to use AI headshots. If all applicants started to use AI headshots, then they would be on equal footing.
AI Headshots Help Companies Make Sure their Branding is Consistent
Companies need to be diligent about protecting their brand. Their employees are the face of the brand, so the buck often stops with them.
One of the biggest but most overlooked elements of a company brand is employee photos. Companies need to make sure that photos are as consistent as possible and reflect the brand message the company wants to convey.
AI headshots can help with this. Companies can use AI headshots to make sure that headshot photos are standardized. They allow the company to use a template to ensure that everybody has similar attire, body language, facial expressions and backgrounds in all of their photos. This helps potential customers and investors looking at the company page get a sense of the workplace culture, which is an extension of the company brand.
AI Headshots Help Companies Save Money and Time that Would Be Spent Dealing with Photographers
It can be a huge hassle to hire photographers to come in and take photos of every employee. This is especially true for large organizations that have hundreds of employees that are often onboarded on different days.
Photographers also charge a lot of money. The average photographer in the United States charges $250, but those working for corporate clients often charge a lot more.
This is another major reason so many HR departments are starting to consider using AI headshots. They can help them save money and avoid the time sink of working with photographers. They can often get the photos for a fifth of the cost and they don’t need to wait for a photographer to come around. The photos are also usually available within a couple of hours, whereas regular headshot photos could take days or weeks.
AI Headshots Allow for Personal Expression (if the Company Values that Over Consistency)
As stated above, some companies want to prioritize consistency as part of their branding strategy. However, others may have different priorities. They may want to give every employee the opportunity to express their individuality, which can be done easily through AI headshots.
AI Headshots Help Companies Brand Themselves as Technology Trendsetters
Many companies pride themselves on their technological competencies. They need to showcase this in every way that they possibly can if they want to attract customers that value technology prowess.
AI headshots are a great way for companies to show that they are knowledgeable about technology. This may help impress possible customers, future investors, prospective employees and other stakeholders.
AI Headshots Offer a Lot of Great Opportunities for HR and Future Employees
More and more companies are looking to invest in AI technology to help with their branding and conduct business more efficiently. One of the latest ways that they are using AI is through AI headshots. This can be great for companies that want to improve their brand image and implement fairer and more inclusive HR policies.
