Bunnings is slammed for 'dehumanising' move: 'You are treated like a number'
The application process involves a chat and video interview powered by Sapia AI, a tool designed to screen candidates.
According to Sapia's website, the technology was 'built on the foundation of making hiring inclusive, efficient and effective'.
Bunnings describes the AI interview as comparable to a traditional phone interview with a recruiter, but highlights several benefits.
'You can take all the time you need and edit your answers until you're happy with them,' the company explains in its FAQ for job applicants.
'There are usually five questions, and most people finish in about 30 minutes.'
For those who don't have access to the required technology, Bunnings reassures candidates they 'can arrange an alternative format for you to complete the same interview questions'.
The retailer emphasises that the AI interview is designed to be fair and impartial, focusing solely on responses to a standardised set of questions.
Sapia is used by a number of businesses across Australia, including Woolworths, Qantas, David Jones, Suncorp and Starbucks.
It was founded by Barb Hyman, a former HR executive who is based in Melbourne.
Sapia claims that companies using its software are saving up to 20 hours a week in recruitment time, while also cutting the time-to-hire in half.
They report a 90 per cent satisfaction rate among job applicants.
Recruiter Tammie Ballis, who owns Realistic Careers, expressed scepticism about the approach, calling it 'dehumanising'.
'It's a cost-cutting feature, it's also a screening tool,' she told Daily Mail Australia.
'You are treated like a number now more than ever, especially if you are applying to jobs for the big retailers.'
She did acknowledge that businesses were trying to save money, saying the HR process is often 'expensive'.
A screenshot of a job advertisement promoting the use of Sapia AI was shared to Reddit where social media users were divided
'My suggestion to you as a recruiter is don't touch the big retailers, you are more likely to get a personal and human experience when applying to a small or medium sized business,' Ms Ballis said.
A screenshot of a job advertisement promoting the use of Sapia AI was shared to Reddit, where social media users slammed the change.
'Pro-tip: If they were actually interested in hiring you, they'd speak to you in person. Don't put up with this dehumanising c***,' one wrote.
'We're cooked,' another wrote.
'It won't be long before people are selling optimal answers for AI interviews, it'll be like SEO for Google,' a third added.
'As long as someone knows the key words/phrases they'll nail the interview.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
28 minutes ago
- Reuters
Peabody Energy terminates bid for Anglo American's coking coal mines
LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Peabody Energy (BTU.N), opens new tab said on Tuesday it has withdrawn its $3.78 billion bid for Anglo American's (AAL.L), opens new tab Australian coking coal assets, after failing to renegotiate a lower price for the deal following a production halt caused by a fire. Peabody had agreed to acquire the mines located in Queensland's Bowen Basin, the world's leading region for steelmaking coal, as part of its strategy to become a producer of the key raw material. However, operations at the Moranbah North mine were halted in April after an underground fire broke out due to high gas levels. That led Peabody to trigger a clause which allows it to break or renegotiate the deal if a significant negative event occurs between signing and completion. "The two companies did not reach a revised agreement to cure the MAC that compensated Peabody for the material and long-term impacts of the MAC on the most significant mine in the planned acquisition," said Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech. MAC refers to a material adverse change. Anglo on Tuesday disputed that the fire and mine closure constituted a material adverse change, due to the lack of damage to the mine or equipment and progress made towards restarting the mine. "We are therefore very disappointed that Peabody has decided not to complete the transaction," said Anglo's CEO Duncan Wanblad. Wanblad reiterated that given strong interest for the assets during the bidding process, Anglo was confident an alternative buyer could be found through a new sales process. The London-listed miner has been selling or spinning off non-core assets to focus on copper and iron ore since bigger rival BHP's ( opens new tab failed attempt to take it over last year.
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Using UWB Modules in Smart Home Projects for Next-Level Precision
What if the tools once reserved for innovative labs and elite industries were suddenly at your fingertips? Imagine building a DIY robot that navigates your home with centimeter-level precision or creating a proximity-based system that reacts seamlessly to your movements, all with technology that was previously out of reach for most makers. Thanks to the rise of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in affordable, maker-friendly modules like the AI ub3, this is no longer a distant dream. UWB, known for its unparalleled accuracy and reliability, has officially crossed into the realm of hobbyists, transforming how we approach robotics, automation, and spatial tracking. Below Core Electronics, explain how UWB is redefining what's possible for makers, from its ability to penetrate cluttered environments to its low power consumption that's perfect for portable projects. You'll discover how to harness its precision distance measurement and real-time tracking capabilities to elevate your creations, whether you're building a drone, automating your smart home, or experimenting with interactive designs. Along the way, we'll unpack the unique features of UWB modules, their real-world applications, and the challenges that come with this powerful technology. The possibilities are vast, and the tools are finally within reach, what will you create? UWB Technology for Makers Why Ultra-wideband Tech Stands Out UWB technology distinguishes itself through its precision and reliability, primarily due to its time-of-flight measurement technique. This method calculates the time it takes for radio waves to travel between devices, allowing highly accurate positioning. Unlike traditional systems, UWB is resistant to interference and can penetrate minor obstacles, making it suitable for real-world environments. With accuracy levels reaching within 10 centimeters after proper calibration, UWB is a robust solution for projects requiring precise spatial awareness. Additionally, UWB's ability to maintain performance in cluttered or dynamic environments makes it a standout choice for applications where other technologies, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, may struggle. Its low power consumption further enhances its appeal, particularly for battery-operated devices. Key Features of UWB Modules The AI ub3 module is specifically designed to make UWB technology accessible to makers. Its features are tailored to support a wide range of applications, offering both flexibility and ease of use. Key features include: A three-axis accelerometer for capturing motion and orientation data, allowing dynamic tracking. for capturing motion and orientation data, allowing dynamic tracking. Support for networking up to nine devices, including one tag and eight base stations, for multi-point tracking. Real-time distance measurement output, ideal for applications requiring continuous updates. These modules are compact yet powerful, and they are compatible with popular microcontrollers like the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino. With proper configuration, you can unlock advanced functionalities such as 3D spatial tracking, which is particularly useful for interactive or complex projects. The AI ub3 module's affordability and ease of integration make it an excellent entry point into UWB technology for both beginners and experienced makers. Beginner's Guide to Using UWB Modules Watch this video on YouTube. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on single board computers. How to Configure and Program UWB Modules Setting up UWB modules requires attention to detail but is straightforward with the right approach. Configuration is managed through AT commands sent via UART communication, allowing you to assign unique IDs to tags and base stations. Synchronizing these devices ensures accurate and consistent distance measurements. Once configured, you can process the data using programming languages such as MicroPython or C++. These languages are well-suited for handling UWB's real-time outputs, allowing seamless integration into your projects. For example, you can use MicroPython to quickly prototype applications or C++ for more performance-intensive tasks. Calibration is a critical step in achieving reliable performance. By correcting consistent offsets in measurements, you can ensure accuracy within the module's operational range. Under optimal conditions, UWB modules can measure distances up to 30 meters. However, environmental factors such as walls or interference may reduce this range to 10-15 meters. Proper planning and testing can help mitigate these limitations. Applications and Real-World Use Cases UWB's precision and versatility open up a wide array of applications across various fields. Here are some examples of how this technology can be used: Robotics: Enable automated navigation for robots, such as vacuum cleaners or lawn mowers, making sure they operate efficiently within predefined boundaries. Enable automated navigation for robots, such as vacuum cleaners or lawn mowers, making sure they operate efficiently within predefined boundaries. Automation: Implement proximity-based systems to trigger actions, such as opening doors or activating lights, when a device enters a specific range. Implement proximity-based systems to trigger actions, such as opening doors or activating lights, when a device enters a specific range. 3D Spatial Tracking: Monitor object movement in three-dimensional space, making it ideal for virtual reality systems, drone navigation, and industrial automation. Monitor object movement in three-dimensional space, making it ideal for virtual reality systems, drone navigation, and industrial automation. Asset Tracking: Keep track of valuable items in warehouses or other large spaces, making sure efficient inventory management. Keep track of valuable items in warehouses or other large spaces, making sure efficient inventory management. Sports and Fitness: Use UWB to track player movements or monitor fitness activities with high precision. These examples illustrate the potential of UWB to enhance both simple and complex projects. Its ability to deliver real-time, accurate data makes it a valuable tool for makers, researchers, and innovators alike. Challenges and Future Opportunities While UWB technology offers impressive capabilities, it is not without challenges. Calibration is essential to maintain accuracy, and environmental factors such as walls, furniture, or interference can affect its range and performance. However, with careful planning, these limitations can be mitigated to achieve reliable results. Looking ahead, UWB's potential for multi-tag tracking and deeper customization presents exciting opportunities. Advanced configurations, such as integrating UWB with machine learning algorithms, could enable more sophisticated applications, including predictive analytics and autonomous systems. As the technology continues to evolve, its adoption in areas like smart homes, healthcare, and augmented reality is expected to grow. For makers, the future of UWB lies in exploring its untapped potential. By experimenting with advanced setups and combining UWB with other technologies, such as IoT or AI, you can push the boundaries of what is possible, creating innovative solutions for real-world problems. Empowering Your Projects with UWB Ultra-wideband technology has transitioned from a professional-grade tool to an accessible resource for makers and hobbyists. Affordable modules like the AI ub3 make it easier than ever to integrate UWB into your projects, whether you're working on robotics, automation, or spatial tracking. By mastering the setup, calibration, and programming of these modules, you can unlock a new level of precision and functionality in your designs. UWB's versatility and reliability empower you to bring your ideas to life, transforming concepts into tangible, high-performance creations. Media Credit: Core Electronics Filed Under: Guides, Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
AI, red lines and the idea employers hated: five takeaways from day one of economic reform roundtable
Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers have presided over the first day of the economic reform roundtable, with discussions focused on training, skills and worker mobility. The Reserve Bank of Australia governor, Michele Bullock, and a slew of bureaucrats, business leaders and trade unions took part in the opening sessions of the three-day event. The treasurer praised the quality and calibre of engagement as 'outstanding'. 'It's been a really promising and productive first day,' Chalmers said. Here's five takeaways from day one of the event at Parliament House: Union leaders including the ACTU boss, Sally McManus, called for a new levy on business to pay for training for those workers who want to up skill for their jobs. The proposal would impose a 1.5% levy on businesses with a turnover of $500,000 or above. Employers hate the idea. The Business Council of Australia boss, Bran Black, said such new levies would be a backward step. He said the government should pay for incentives for trainee workers. 'From a business perspective, we just don't see that taxing the business community is the right way to deliver the outcomes that Australia needs,' Black said. The Australian Industry Group boss, Innes Willox, said the plan would hit more than 70,000 Australian businesses and raise about $4.5bn. 'We've done a training levy before in Australia, between 1990 and 1996. It didn't work, it distorted the market,' he said. 'The Productivity Commission said it was distortionary and it also adds to compliance costs.' The prime minister told attendees their work would feed in to next year's federal budget, as well as the mid-year economic update, expected just before Christmas. Despite dampening expectations of major reforms in areas like tax, Albanese said longer term reform proposals and priorities were possible. He nominated AI as one area requiring a longer period of work. 'I don't expect that you will solve all of those issues in the next three days, but what you will have is ideas and input that will shape that agenda and … public discourse. There could be an agreement to better recognise the skills and qualifications of those who have trained overseas. AIG's Willox said 'millions of people' were in Australia doing jobs that were way below their skill level. 'There's recognition that the system is jammed up. [There are] people who have qualifications that are not recognised, be that migrants or be that people trying to transfer between states or even … between occupations,' Willox said. 'It's really important we do get some quick wins.' Liam O'Brien, an assistant secretary at the ACTU, agreed that recognition of prior learning and the transfer of credit for previous qualifications was a 'priority'. But hopes for a quick win look likely to be disappointed, after O'Brien said 'the devil is in the detail'. 'I think it is a very tricky one for us to resolve.' Jennifer Westacott, a former BCA boss and the chancellor of Western Sydney University, called for the benefits of productivity gains to be shared with workers. Speaking after taking part in a session on skills, development and mobility, she said business leaders wanted to reward workers who were doing a good job. 'It's about creating more value from what we do,' she told Guardian Australia. 'There has to be a sense in which people feel that they're getting the benefits. 'The best way of sharing things is high wages and we can't get started if we are not growing at a rate that allows us to expand the economy.' Westacott said households had weathered the cost-of-living crisis sparked by post-pandemic inflation but the next challenge was standards of living. 'If you look at the last decade, we've seen the lowest rate of GDP per capita in the last six decades. That's a red line.' AI was a major topic of conversation. 'Something that was really positive, where there was a lot of agreement, was the sense that we do need to help the Australian community skill-up in terms of its confidence in using AI,' Allegra Spender, the independent MP, said. The commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia, Barney Glover, recently described AI as a 'foundational skill' that needed to be taught in schools. The JSA in a major report found that clerical roles were among a number of white collar occupations threatened by AI, but that the technology was more likely to augment jobs, rather than replace them. The transformative technology is sure to also loom large on day two of the roundtable, which will focus on productivity.
