Employers already using AI in interviews and rejecting candidates
Artificial intelligence tools may take over the entire hiring process by the end of 2026, according to a new survey, amid organizations’ growing use of AI in recruitment.
Findings from the latest Resume.org poll found that 62% of workers who have knowledge of their company's recruitment practices believe it is extremely likely or very likely that AI will run their entire hiring process by the end of 2026.
Kara Dennison, Resume.org's Head of Career Advising, called the prediction "realistic" amid current adoption trends.
Use of AI tools
Globally, 72% of HR leaders in a HireVue poll said they are now using AI weekly, with its most common use being resume screening and candidate communications.
In the US, Resume.org's poll found that 57% of companies already use AI in hiring, with 74% planning to increase their utilisation of the tool over the next 12 months.
Among the top uses for AI tools in US workplaces are:
- Reviewing resumes (79%)
- Reviewing candidate assessments (66%)
- Researching candidates (63%)
- Communicating with candidates (41%)
- Onboarding new hires (39%)
A third of the respondents (34%) also said they are using AI tools to facilitate interviews, with the technology's most frequent task being analysis of candidate language (66%). Its other tasks during interviews are:
- Transcribing interviews (65%)
- Assessing tone, language, or body language (59%)
- Collecting facial recognition data (58%)
- Conducting interviews directly (58%)
Seven in 10 respondents (71%) said companies always retain human oversight despite using AI for interviews, while six per cent said AI runs the process independently.
Additionally, 35% said they reject candidates based on AI recommendations at any stage of the hiring process. Another 39% said this is only for the initial stages of recruitment, while only 26% said AI is never used for rejecting candidates.
Addressing jobseekers' concerns on AI
The widespread use of AI in recruitment comes amid widespread concerns among jobseekers on HR's use of AI tools.
Gartner's recent poll found that a quarter of jobseekers would trust employers less if AI is used to evaluate their information.
Dennison advised AI-using firms to be open with candidates about AI's role in hiring to establish trust and meet evolving compliance standards.
"This means clearly explaining where and how AI is used, whether it makes recommendations or rejections, the level of human oversight, and what data is collected," she said in a statement.
"This proactive approach promotes fairness, prepares candidates, and demonstrates a commitment to ethical, effective hiring practices."
