Gap has announced a new AI tool, which is designed to assist with hiring ahead of the busy season as the fashion retailer looks to optimize its operations with technology.
The new virtual career guide “Bridgette” was created to help job search for available openings across Gap’s portfolio of brands.
This comes after a trial since June, where close to 45,000 candidates engaged with the AI feature, which spanned 100 stores and six distribution centers. According to the business, the AI tool scheduled over 7,000 interviews, which lowered time spent on administrative tasks.
This aims to give more time for the manager to handle other operations within the company, including arranging teams, coaching associates, and serving customers.
The feature is available 24/7 and can be used to answer questions, coordinate interviews, send reminders, and give candidates information during the process.
Sven Gerjets, chief technology officer of Gap said: “Technology is successful when it helps people do their jobs better. Bridgette is a tangible example of our human-centered approach to AI.
“The technology can work in the background to remove friction and keep the process moving, while our leaders focus on people, understanding what they can bring to the team and creating great experiences for our customers.”
The retailer is anticipating an estimated 200,000 seasonal employment applications, with the AI tool helping to guide candidates during the process and enabling faster hiring decisions for the participating stores.
Amy Thompson, chief people officer of Gap said: “We’re using AI to remove unnecessary friction for candidates and our teams so they can connect faster. Technology can help manage the repetitive coordination behind hiring, while our people stay focused on the conversations and decisions that build great teams.”
The fashion retailer is currently undergoing a recruitment drive for seasonal full- and part-time positions across its stores and distribution centers.
This move is part of Gap’s wider business strategy to integrate AI across product and employee experiences to simplify work operations.
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