Personal Interaction Is Key to Job Seekers’ Positive Application Experience
Introduction
AI is becoming a common tool across many industries, including hiring. Companies are eager to use AI and automation to speed up recruitment processes. But finding the right balance between technology and personal interaction is critical. Understanding how job seekers feel about these tools can help employers improve their hiring experience and attract better candidates.
Aerotek’s recent Job Seeker Survey sheds light on applicants’ opinions regarding AI, automation, and personal engagement during hiring. The results show that while candidates appreciate some automation, they still value human connection throughout the hiring process.
Job Seekers’ Views on Hiring Automation
A significant 68% of respondents believe technology cannot fully replace personal interaction. Furthermore, 72% say personal engagement is essential during recruitment. This highlights the need for employers to carefully select which parts of the hiring process to automate, ensuring technology supports rather than replaces meaningful human contact.
Why Personal Interaction Matters
Over one-third (36%) of job seekers reported receiving job offers without ever speaking to a hiring manager or recruiter. While this may speed up hiring, it removes opportunities to build trust and connection. Personal interaction allows candidates to express their personality, ask questions, and better understand company culture.
Human conversations also let applicants show enthusiasm and soft skills that automated systems can’t capture. A hiring process that includes personal engagement improves the candidate experience and helps build a positive employer brand. This experience influences how applicants view the company and can affect talent retention.
Where Automation Fits in Hiring
Job seekers are more comfortable with automation during early stages like job search and initial screening. Many have encountered automated pre-employment assessments and communication tools, which they accept as part of the process.
However, nearly 75% prefer human interaction when applying, interviewing, and discussing job opportunities. This shows that personal contact is most valued during key decision points and deeper conversations.
Employers should balance automation and personal touch carefully. Using technology to streamline routine tasks while maintaining meaningful human engagement creates a clear, responsive hiring journey. This approach enhances candidate satisfaction and improves recruitment efficiency.
For HR professionals looking to deepen their knowledge about AI and automation in recruitment, exploring comprehensive resources like Complete AI Training courses can be valuable.
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