AI Challenges Recruiters in Candidate Assessment, Study Finds
A new report indicates that 60% of U.S. hiring managers find AI complicates skill evaluation. Nearly 20% reported difficulty confirming if they are interviewing an AI instead of a human.
U.S. employers are facing increased difficulties in evaluating job candidates due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence in the hiring process. A report released this week by Western Governors University found that 60% of U.S. hiring managers state that AI makes it harder to assess a candidate's real skills. More concerning, nearly 20% of surveyed professionals reported struggling to verify whether they are interviewing an AI program rather than a human applicant.
"AI is changing more than work; it is changing how employers identify and evaluate talent," said Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University. The report also highlighted candidate frustration, with 44% viewing increased AI use by employers negatively, citing concerns about unfair screening and a reduction in human interaction.
The challenge in assessing skills has led to a significant impact on entry-level hiring. Among employers who found AI hinders skill evaluation, 54% have reduced hiring for entry-level positions, according to the WGU report. This narrows opportunities, particularly for individuals seeking to enter the workforce.
In response, employers are increasingly relying on a variety of signals to gauge candidate readiness, including degrees, certifications, and practical experience. The survey indicated a growing recognition of the value of college degrees and certificates, suggesting an opportunity for educational institutions to develop more robust and verifiable credentialing systems.