Job Seekers Would Rather Interact with Humans, Not AI—Employment Insights from Express

Express Employment Professionals’ America Employed and Canada Employed series explore the state of employment in North America, including everything from hiring expectations and HR challenges to job seekers’ optimism and shrinking the skills gap. Learn about the latest insights uncovered in a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. 

While job seekers may choose to use generative AI to improve their application or prepare for interviews, the majority prefer to interact with humans during the hiring process. Companies that overuse generative AI may drive away valuable candidates.

U.S. job seekers believe it’s appropriate to use AI for tasks like drafting resumes and cover letters (78%) and creating mock interview questions (78%), but they are concerned about over-reliance on AI:

84% would rather have their resume and cover letter reviewed by a human.

87% believe meeting with a human during interviews is important, as AI can’t effectively vet candidates for soft skills such as cultural fit and attitude.

84% prefer to have a person conduct an initial interview, rather than AI.

Infographic about the role of AI in hiring, showing preferences for human interactions during interviews.

Transcribed Text:
The role of AI in the hiring process for U.S. job seekers

87% important to meet with a human during interviews

84% prefer to have a person conduct simple initial interviews

84% want to have their resume and cover letter reviewed by an individual

Source: The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 21 to Dec. 10, 2024, among 1,039 adults ages 18 and older.

Canadian hiring managers say generative AI has been a game-charger with 52% reporting their company uses it. The positive impacts of using AI further drive AI adoption.

Infographic about AI in hiring, showing preferences of Canadian job seekers for human interaction in interviews and document reviews.

Transcribed Text:

The role of AI in the hiring process for Canadian job seekers

89% important to meet with a human during interviews

87% prefer to have a person conduct simple initial interviews

85% want to have their resume and cover letter reviewed by an individual

Source: The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6, 2024, among 505 adults ages 18 and older.

32% are even planning to replace a sizeable portion of their workforce with automation or AI in the same timeframe.

34% of companies use automation and AI as an alternative to filling open positions.

39% plan to be aggressive about adopting AI if they face difficulties filling open positions in the next five years.

Read more about the latest employment insights in America Employed at ExpressPros.com and Canada Employed at ExpressPros.ca