‘Awkward and humiliating’: UK job hunters share frustration with AI interviews

Nearly half of UK job seekers have experienced AI-driven interviews, according to a survey by hiring platform Greenhouse, which polled 2,950 active job hunters, including over 1,100 from the UK. The research revealed that 47% of UK candidates had undergone AI interviews, while 30% had abandoned job applications due to the inclusion of this technology. Many respondents described the AI interview process as “awkward,” “humiliating,” and lacking the human interaction they value in traditional interviews. Candidates reported feeling disconnected and uncertain about whether their AI interviews were even reviewed by recruiters. Thomas, a 21-year-old university student from northern England, described the experience as “frustrating” and likened it to “looking into a mirror and speaking to yourself,” highlighting the absence of real-time feedback or engagement. His AI interviews typically lasted around 10 minutes, with some extending to half an hour, but he noted that subsequent face-to-face interviews were far more positive. Similarly, Susannah, a 44-year-old scientist from Cambridge, found the AI interview process dehumanizing and uncomfortable, despite applying for a senior scientific role. The rise of AI interviews reflects broader trends in recruitment, where companies increasingly use automated systems to screen candidates efficiently and reduce human bias. However, this shift has sparked concerns about the candidate experience and the fairness of AI assessments. Many job seekers feel that AI interviews strip away the personal connection and nuanced communication that traditional interviews provide, potentially disadvantaging those who perform better in interactive settings. As AI continues to reshape hiring practices, experts emphasize the need for employers to balance technological efficiency with empathy and transparency. Improving AI interview design, providing clearer feedback, and maintaining human involvement in later stages could help address candidate frustrations and ensure a fairer, more engaging recruitment process. The findings underscore the importance of refining AI tools to better serve both employers and job seekers in an increasingly digital job market.