Walmart's chief people officer uses AI to do everything from identifying job candidates to sourcing art

In a groundbreaking approach to talent acquisition, Walmart's Chief People Officer, Donna Morris, has integrated artificial intelligence into her recruitment strategy. While AI is commonly recognized for tasks like scanning résumés, Morris has leveraged tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity to pinpoint potential candidates for critical leadership roles within the company. During her interviews with candidates, especially for positions in technology and human resources, she utilizes AI to generate tailored inquiries about individuals with the appropriate qualifications. "You'll be surprised at how closely the AI-generated suggestions align with those we have already considered," Morris remarked. However, a spokesperson from Walmart clarified that this method is not part of a comprehensive company-wide initiative and is not applied to all searches. Morris manages the largest private workforce in the United States and has found AI particularly beneficial when tasked with filling specific leadership positions. In her view, AI tools serve as a valuable resource for obtaining insights about potential hires. Despite her enthusiasm for LinkedIn, she appreciates the efficiency and speed that AI applications provide. Walmart's investment in AI extends beyond recruitment. In June, the retailer introduced an AI Interview Coach pilot program designed to simulate job interviews, offering candidates up to ten questions while providing them with scores and constructive feedback on their performance. Additionally, Walmart recently announced its plans to create a customized version of OpenAI's Certification Program through Walmart Academy, which aims to certify 10 million Americans in AI literacy by 2030. Morris also integrates AI into her personal life, utilizing it for various everyday tasks, from discovering new restaurants to finding design inspirations. Recently, she used AI during a FaceTime call with her father to quickly identify skin spots, determining they were bruises from a medication change rather than something more serious. Reflecting on the evolution of information access, Morris noted, "The access to information is phenomenal. It's a significant advantage for this generation and those to come in terms of acquiring knowledge and insights."