Report shows professionals fear AI is unfairly screening out their applications
Three out of every four people seeking work feel that Artificial Intelligence could be unfairly screening out their applications, according to a new survey carried out by a leading Galway recruitment firm.
The inaugural Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report also reveals that a majority felt automation is making some aspects of the recruitment process impersonal and dismissive – and that lack of human interaction is making professionals less interested in working for particular companies.
Overwhelmingly, the one piece of advice professionals would give to companies is to “keep a human touch” in the recruitment process.
Of the more than 2,500 respondents to the Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report, some 75% agreed or strongly agreed that AI could be unfairly screening out their applications. Only five per cent strongly disagreed.
Almost three out of four (74%) felt automated rejection emails were impersonal and dismissive, with only six per cent strongly disagreeing.
The survey was carried out by Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group over a two-week period in October among professionals on the company’s database.
A total of 2,541 responses were received from professionals working across a range of sectors and age profiles.
Other automation-related findings revealed that 69 per cent felt that a lack of human interaction made them less interested in working for a company.
The survey also asked those who have been seeking work during 2025 about other issues.
It found that a majority of companies had not changed their hybrid or remote work policy in 2025.
Despite much talk about a return to the office, 59% said that their company had not changed their policy so far this year, with 16% saying they had. The remaining surveyed are not currently with a company full-time.
Of those who made a change this year, most now work in the office three days a week.
Professionals also do not believe working remotely or on a hybrid model negatively affects career opportunities; 51% either strongly or somewhat disagree this is the case and just four per cent strongly agreed.
Pictured: Mary Mullin, Associate Director, Collins McNicholas and Michelle Murphy, Director, Collins McNicholas pictured at the Launch of the inaugural Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report.