New UK research from pre-hire assessment specialist ThriveMap reveals the mistrust many people feel about the use of AI in recruitment. Almost half (49 per cent) think it is an unfair way for employers to screen and select job candidates. Only just over one in five (22 per cent) believe that it is fair to do this.
This mistrust of AI is reflected across the generations. As may be expected, those over 55 are most wary, with 66 per cent feeling it is unfair to use AI in this way, but the youngest members of the workforce are also largely distrustful of it. 51 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 believe that using AI to screen and select job candidates is unfair.
Underlining this mistrust in AI, just over four in 10 (41 per cent) think AI should have no place at all in making recruitment decisions. They would like humans alone to screen and select candidates. A further 32 per cent think AI can support decision making but that humans should be involved. Only 14 per cent would be happy for AI to make recruitment decisions.
Again, it is the oldest and the youngest members of the workforce who have the most distrust of the use of AI in recruitment. 45 per cent of those aged 55 and over and 44 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 think humans alone should make recruitment decisions.
The survey reveals that while many people distrust AI to be used by employers, a significant number of people use it themselves when applying for jobs. 27 per cent of respondents said they have used it. Those aged 18 to 24 are mostly likely to have done so, with 32 per cent stating AI-based tools have assisted with their job applications.
The most likely reason for AI to be used is to draft or refine CVs, with 60 per cent of those employing AI using it for this purpose. 44 per cent use it to prepare for assessments or interviews, 34 per cent to draft or refine application answers and 25 per cent to understand more about the role or the employer. 22 per cent admitted using it during an online assessment, something that employers should be aware of and take steps to prevent.
“The results of our survey show there are significant levels of distrust around the use of AI and how employers use it to screen and select candidates,” said Christopher Platts, Founder and CEO, ThriveMap. “There is a clear desire for humans to be ones that make the ultimate decision, with only one in seven happy for AI to make recruiting decisions by themselves. It is interesting that the youngest members of the workforce are as wary as those aged 55 and over. The fact that digital natives, who are likely to be the most AI savvy in the workforce, have this level of distrust is fascinating and potentially indicates they have had poor experiences with its use. Employers need to be transparent about how they are using AI in their recruitment process and reassure candidates that human insight is still an important part of selecting candidates.”
The full State of the Assessment Market 2026 report can be downloaded here.
