Nearly half (47%) of UK job seekers have experienced an AI interview, according to research from hiring platform Greenhouse. The survey of 2,950 active job seekers, including 1,132 UK-based workers, also found that 30% of UK candidates abandoned a hiring process because it involved an AI interview.
Respondents described the experience as 'awkward,' 'humiliating,' and lacking a human element. Many expressed doubts about whether their interviews were even reviewed by a person.
Candidate Experiences
'It's like looking into a mirror and speaking to yourself'
Thomas, a 21-year-old university student in northern England, found AI interviews 'frustrating.' Of 15 job applications, about 10 included AI interviews, often alongside personality and skills tests. He described prerecorded video questions, with up to two minutes to plan and three minutes to answer. 'It feels strange talking into a camera... There's no human interaction,' he said. Most interviews lasted 10 minutes, with one reaching 30 minutes. Thomas eventually secured a job and hopes companies improve the AI experience.
'I found the whole process humiliating'
Susannah, a 44-year-old scientist from Cambridge, called her AI interview 'awkward and humiliating.' After applying for a senior scientific role, she was required to accept an AI interview to proceed. The five-question, 10-minute process involved answering within three minutes per question, with a countdown clock. She received generic feedback and a rejection a week later, adding, 'I'm not even sure anybody watched the interview.' She understands why companies use AI due to high application volumes but noted candidates participate 'because we are so desperate.'
'I spoke in bullet points and keywords'
David, a 47-year-old marketing consultant in Spain, described his 20-minute AI interview as 'completely horrible for the autistic brain.' He struggled to speak naturally, using bullet points and keywords instead of thoughtful responses. Despite feeling he performed poorly, he was invited to meet the CEO, who had run AI interview transcripts through ChatGPT. David criticized the one-way nature: 'They minimise the investment for the hiring party and maximise the strain on the potential supplier.'
'When I paused, the AI agent decided I'd finished'
Tom, a project manager in Scotland in his late 40s, applied for a 'side hustle' job and found the AI interview 'mildly amusing.' The AI agent conducted a conversation but repeatedly interrupted when Tom paused, assuming he had finished. It also reinforced minor points. Tom noted the technology 'can't yet pick up on the subtleties of body language' and that interviews should be two-way. He believes the human touch should last as long as possible.
Greenhouse's survey highlights growing frustration with AI in hiring, as candidates seek more personal and respectful processes.
