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With job vacancies declining from post-pandemic highs and employers exercising greater caution, the role of AI in hiring is likely to expand further
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However, calls are growing for a balanced approach that combines efficiency with human judgment to ensure fairness and transparency
The growing reliance on artificial intelligence in recruitment is drawing criticism from job seekers, after reports emerged of candidates receiving rejection notices within minutes of applying, a report in the Hindustan Times said.
A 20-year-old Indian-origin student in the United Kingdom has brought renewed attention to the issue, describing the hiring process as increasingly impersonal and “robotic.”
Despite applying to over 100 roles, the student has yet to secure a job offer, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of automated screening tools. According to her account, some applications were rejected in under two minutes—raising doubts about whether human recruiters reviewed them at all.
Experts say such experiences are becoming more common as companies adopt AI-driven systems to manage the overwhelming volume of applications. These tools typically scan resumes for keywords, qualifications, and predefined criteria before shortlisting candidates for further evaluation.
While automation improves efficiency, critics argue it risks overlooking qualified candidates who may not perfectly align with algorithmic filters. The increasing use of AI video interviews, where applicants respond to pre-recorded questions without human interaction, has also raised concerns about bias and loss of personal connection.
Industry leaders acknowledge the trade-offs. Recruitment firms note that while AI enables companies to process hundreds of applications quickly, it also increases the number of rejected candidates—often without meaningful feedback.
At the same time, job seekers are adapting by using AI tools to optimize resumes and applications, creating a cycle where both sides rely heavily on automation. This trend is reshaping the hiring landscape, particularly for entry-level roles in competitive markets.
