Graduate Claims AI Recruitment Tools Have Made Her 'Invisible' to Employers
A disillusioned graduate has revealed how she feels 'ghosted' by artificial intelligence systems after submitting more than four hundred job applications, only to secure a mere five interviews. Karyna Lohvynenko, aged twenty-one, possesses an impressive academic and professional background, yet she believes automated screening tools are preventing human recruiters from ever seeing her credentials.
An Impressive CV Overshadowed by Automated Rejections
Karyna Lohvynenko recently graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a degree in business and management. Her distinguished resume includes serving as a student ambassador for the United Nations and receiving scholarships to six American universities before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted her education, prompting her relocation to Wales with her family.
Despite this sparkling profile, Karyna has faced relentless rejection for countless entry-level positions, including roles as basic as a barista. She attributes her struggles to the growing prevalence of AI screening tools in recruitment processes, which she claims filter out applications before any human evaluation occurs.
"I think AI is one of the main issues," Karyna explained. "If I'm tailoring my CV, some of my words may not be the exact keywords AI is looking for, so I'm just filtered out."
The Frustration of AI Interviews and Application Voids
In many instances, Karyna reports receiving no response whatsoever, leaving her feeling as though her applications vanish into a "void." On the rare occasions she has progressed to interview stages, all five have been conducted through AI interviewers or chatbots, devoid of human interaction.
"My first AI interview I ended up quitting after five minutes because it felt like I was just talking to a chatbot," Karyna recounted. "I would be answering a question but if I just even briefly paused, it would suddenly say, 'Ok, next question' and move on."
She described the experience as impersonal and restrictive, with time limits preventing her from fully explaining her background and skills. "In a normal interview, the person would ask you more questions about your experience or something you had just said," she noted, highlighting the lack of depth in AI-led assessments.
Broader Trends in AI Recruitment
Karyna's concerns are echoed by recent research indicating a significant shift towards AI in hiring. A survey published earlier this month by CV-Library found that eighty-three percent of five hundred recruiters now use AI to accelerate the hiring process, with twenty-eight percent relying on it to manage high application volumes.
Additional data from one thousand one hundred candidates revealed that fifty-three percent believe they have been "filtered out" by AI, while sixty-three percent consider AI-led recruitment less fair than human-driven methods.
This technological adoption is a double-edged sword, as recruiters also report a surge in applications crafted with AI tools like ChatGPT, creating a scenario where "machines are talking to machines."
Expert Advice for Navigating AI-Driven Job Markets
Hilke Schellmann, author of the 2024 book "The Algorithm," offers guidance for applicants facing automated screening. She recommends:
- Matching sixty to eighty percent of keywords from job descriptions, avoiding one hundred percent to prevent being flagged for copying.
- Using simple, machine-readable resumes without graphics, columns, or images.
- Employing bullet points and concise language for better AI comprehension.
- Utilising services like JobScan to check CV alignment with job descriptions.
- Preparing for interviews by anticipating questions with AI tools and providing detailed, scene-specific answers.
- Applying broadly, even when only sixty percent qualified, to increase chances.
Schellmann emphasises persistence, stating, "Don't be discouraged. It's like a numbers game... bulk applying is the only way to do it."
Personal Aspirations Amidst Professional Hurdles
Currently completing a master's degree in governance at Cardiff University, Karyna applies daily for entry-level roles in law, marketing, management, or business. Her past experiences include working for the office of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, representing Ukraine on a national youth council, and serving as an ambassador for the King's Trust.
Her ideal career path lies in government, with aspirations of potentially returning to Ukraine one day. "Maybe I could be the next president," she smiles, though she acknowledges the immediate challenge of securing her first full-time position.
"All AI has done is left me feeling like I'm talking to a wall," Karyna concluded, reflecting on the emotional toll of her job search. "In many ways I feel invisible. Now when I apply for a job I don't even expect to hear back from anyone."
