Although most organizations say they plan to rely on artificial intelligence in 2025 to make hiring decisions, most job seekers feel cautious about AI use in recruiting and hiring, according to a ServiceNow report.
In a survey of more than 1,000 people, 67% of job seekers said they’re “uncomfortable” with employers using AI to review resumes and make decisions. In addition, 90% said they want companies to be upfront about using AI in recruiting and hiring.
“The results showed a deep discomfort among the general public,” according to the report. “However, this presents companies with the opportunity to be proactive in developing their strategies for using AI in hiring in a way that can benefit those applying for job openings.”
For instance, companies can educate prospective applicants on exactly how AI will be used in the hiring process to ease their fears and encourage people to apply, ServiceNow said. If people only see a notification about potential AI use in hiring, they may not apply if uncomfortable, which could mean losing out on qualified applicants.
The finding also highlights the importance of human interaction in recruitment, ServiceNow said. AI-based tools can support HR teams, allowing them to dedicate more time to personalization and human connection with applicants.
In fact, most survey respondents said they prefer AI to be a supportive tool. They ranked their comfort with AI use in specific tasks, indicating the highest comfort with automation in interview scheduling, candidate sourcing (such as AI-written job posts and reaching out to potential candidates) and candidate screening (such as pre-screening interviews and skills assessments).
However, job seekers felt less comfortable with AI use in resume screening, onboarding new employees and decision-making tasks such as ranking candidates or predictive analysis.
Survey respondents said companies should foster transparency around AI use by making information visible, particularly in job listings and on a company’s careers page. Some job seekers also said they’d prefer a verbal or in-person notification about AI-based tools in recruiting and hiring.
For most companies, balancing AI tools with human talent remains a challenge, according to a CompTIA report. As a result, businesses are investing in AI-enhanced HR systems and business productivity tools, as well as upskilling employees on AI-related subjects, the report found.
In addition, job applicants are using AI tools during the job hunt, according to another CompTIA report. Candidates are using AI to review their resume and cover letter, match their skills to potential jobs and automatically apply for jobs. They’re also adding AI fluency to their list of desired digital skills, the report found.