According to new research, nearly a third (33%) of UK candidates are “very uncomfortable” about artificial intelligence being used in the recruitment process. Older candidates express a lot more resistance.
The 2025 Candidate Survey by Gi Group UK, a recruitment firm, shows that candidates are increasingly concerned about the rise in automation.
In the age group of 55-64, 33.78 % reported being “very uncomfortable” using AI in recruitment. Just a small percentage of younger candidates are confident in automation. Only 19.88 percent of those aged 18 to 25 and 7.19% of those aged 35 to 54 said they were “very comfy”.
The findings indicate that many applicants prefer human interaction in the context of automated CV screens, chatbots, and AI-driven assessments. Gi Group urges employers to be cautious when integrating AI in recruitment, and to provide candidates with adequate support during the hiring process.
The candidate experience remains centered on human interaction
Rebecca Napier is an IT Business Partner with Gi Group UK. She said that the findings show a need for candidates to communicate authentically.
“AI is here and here to stay. AI systems are certainly useful and should be used to improve business efficiency. However, the recruitment process must remain flexible.
Our candidate survey found that a large proportion of candidates felt uncomfortable when approached by Chatbots instead of people. Our role is to maintain authenticity with candidates. This is why AI implementation should be done with caution.
Napier said that although AI can provide significant operational benefits in a variety of industries, it does not replace personal contact as a way to reassure customers. She said that it is important to have someone available on the other end of the line who can ease any concerns.
Balancing automation with candidate support
In order to reduce bias, streamline workflows and gain data insights, recruiters are using AI more often. They use tools like chatbots. The Gi Group survey indicates that some jobseekers are not comfortable with these changes, especially when there is little human interaction.
Napier commented on the operational stress recruiters face. “AI extensions are hitting the recruitment industry in all directions and data shows that candidates value human interaction, but the industry is overrun with CVs lacking appropriate qualifications and awareness of role,” Napier stated. With this in mind, recruitment professionals are in a difficult position as they navigate an ever-changing landscape.
It’s vital that we find ways to improve productivity and decrease time spent on administrative tasks. It is important to ensure that we provide the right support for candidates. We must ask why candidates feel uncomfortable with Chatbot interaction and focus on ways to simultaneously provide the best service for each individual.
