AI-Generated Applications Are Slowing Hiring, Says New Robert Half Survey
AI is changing hiring, but it's adding friction. A new survey from Robert Half shows 67% of U.S. HR leaders say AI-generated applications have slowed their hiring process, and 20% report delays of more than two weeks.
Workloads are heavier and due diligence is longer. 84% of HR teams say they're overworked because of the time it takes to review AI-shaped applications, and 65% of hiring managers say AI-enhanced resumes make it harder to verify skills.
Why this matters for HR
More candidates are using generative tools to polish or even fabricate parts of their work history. That raises false positives, creates rework, and stretches timelines in a market where qualified talent is already scarce.
- 42% are spending more time reviewing applications
- 38% have increased the number of interviews per candidate
- 32% are updating job descriptions to discourage generic AI-generated responses
"AI has transformed hiring at every stage," said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. "Companies are looking to hire, but a surge in unverified applications is extending timelines and delaying critical work."
What to do now: A practical checklist for HR teams
- Ask role-specific screening questions that require brief work samples or scenario-based answers tied to core job tasks.
- Add short, validated skills screens (10-15 minutes) before the first interview and score with a simple rubric.
- Use structured interviews. Define must-have competencies, evidence to collect, and rating scales to reduce "gut feel."
- Run a live work walkthrough. Have candidates explain past projects, decisions, metrics, and trade-offs to test for real ownership.
- Make job descriptions specific: tech stack, KPIs, must-have proofs (portfolio, GitHub, writing samples). Include a note discouraging generic AI responses.
- Tighten reference checks to confirm scope, impact, and level of independence on the exact skills you're hiring for.
- Track funnel metrics weekly: applicant volume, screen pass rates, skills-test scores, time-to-fill, and rework due to failed verifications.
Why staffing partners are back in the spotlight
Two-thirds of respondents (67%) say they're using staffing firms for hiring support, and 89% report those partners are effective in handling AI-related hiring challenges.
- Leverage advanced tools to help verify candidate materials
- Conduct targeted skills assessments
- Deliver pre-evaluated, specialized talent quickly for high-priority roles
Firms like Robert Half also provide proven talent based on proprietary candidate performance data from prior engagements-giving employers more confidence in quality and fit.
FAQ
Why is AI making the hiring process longer for employers?
AI-generated resumes and higher applicant volume mean more screening. Teams spend extra time verifying skills, assessing authenticity, and filtering out unqualified applicants.
Are AI-generated resumes always inaccurate or misleading?
No. Many candidates use AI responsibly for clarity or grammar. The challenge is scale and verification-distinguishing authentic experience from AI-fabricated content takes more scrutiny.
How can staffing firms help employers with AI-driven hiring challenges?
They streamline evaluation with verification tools, targeted assessments, and pre-vetted talent. Prior performance data and validation processes reduce hiring risk and speed up decisions.
About the research
The survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in November 2025. It includes responses from more than 2,000 U.S. hiring managers.
About Robert Half
Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm. They provide contract talent and permanent placement in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, plus executive search. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm for internal audit, risk, business, and technology. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, was named to Fortune's Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For.
For more insights, visit Robert Half.
Further resources for HR teams
Your membership also unlocks:
