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The use of artificial intelligence in hiring is accelerating, with 68% of companies expected to implement AI-driven recruitment processes in 2025, according to Resume Builder. However, a recent survey conducted by SurveyMonkey Audience for ServiceNow gathered insights from 1,008 US respondents reveals that job seekers remain largely uncomfortable with AI’s role in hiring decisions, highlighting concerns over transparency, privacy, accuracy, and the loss of human interaction.
Job seekers’ concerns and the need for transparency
Over 65% of respondents expressed discomfort with AI screening resumes or making hiring decisions. The primary concerns cited include a lack of personalisation (61.31%) and privacy risks (53.87%). Respondents also fear AI may overlook human nuances such as body language and tone. Nearly 90% believe companies must be upfront about AI use in recruitment, preferring clear disclosures in job listings or on career pages rather than hidden in legal text. Many also indicated they would like a verbal or in-person notification about AI use.
AI’s role in HR: Job seekers vs. employees
A stark contrast exists between current employees and job seekers. While 54.99% of employees trust AI more than human HR representatives for functions like training, performance reviews, and onboarding, job seekers remain skeptical about its role in hiring. Employers can bridge this gap by focusing AI implementation on supporting HR teams rather than making hiring decisions. Positive employee feedback on AI in the workplace can also be leveraged to reassure job seekers.
Balancing AI and human interaction
Survey respondents ranked their comfort levels with AI in HR tasks, favouring automation for interview scheduling and candidate sourcing but expressing concern over AI-driven decision-making. To mitigate concerns, companies should ensure human oversight at every stage, educate candidates about AI’s role in hiring, and clarify how personal data is used and stored. Including human review processes can help address fears about AI missing crucial details in applications and interviews.
The future of AI in hiring
Despite concerns, AI can enhance recruitment by automating repetitive tasks, enabling HR teams to focus on engagement and strategic hiring. Companies should implement AI in a phased approach, starting with supportive HR functions before expanding its role in candidate evaluation. Clear communication, transparency, and a hybrid approach combining AI efficiency with human judgment will be essential to maintaining trust while leveraging AI’s benefits.