The candidate use of AI within application processes is mainstream…
Students and recent graduates: percentage using Gen AI to complete an application and/or assessments
In 2024, technology company Artic Shores surveyed 1,000 students and recent graduates and evidenced that the emerging talent pipeline was actively embracing AI tools to support their quest to find work. They found that “They found that six in ten (59%) have or would use GenAI in the selection process – rising to seven in ten (71%) amongst Black respondents and 66% amongst the neurodiverse.”*
* Arctic Shores: How students’ use of Generative AI will make traditional selection processes redundant
Differences in demographic usage
Black, Black British, Caribbean or African 23%
Mixed ethnic background 23%
White or White British 16%
Asian or Asian British 14%
Other 17%
Source: Arctic Shores
Generative AI is being used in…
…of job applications or assessments
Source: Arctic Shores
How students and new graduates would view employers banning the use of Gen AI in application processes
Moreover, a third of this cohort stated that “they would not want to work for an employer who told them they couldn’t use Gen AI in the process.” Only 8% felt that use of Gen AI in the process was dishonest.
A third would not want to work for an employer who told them they couldn't us Gen AI
A third would question whether they wanted to work for an employer who told them they couldn't use Gen AI
A third would view an employer as not very progressive if they couldn't use Gen AI
…of candidates expect to use Gen AI
…of candidates believe using Gen AI is dishonest
Source: Arctic Shores
…of candidates expect to use Gen AI
…of candidates believe using Gen AI is dishonest
Source: Arctic Shores
Keen to understand the extent to which those already in the workplace were similarly utilising these tools, the company recently surveyed a further 1,000 professionals with 3+ years’ experience on the topic.* This new research reports that:
* Arctic Shores - It’s not just Early Careers candidates who are using GenAI
…of professionals with 3+ years’ experience are using ChatGPT
…of these professionals describe themselves as proficient
They are using it for an average of 1 hour 22 minutes per week
Source: Arctic Shores
As with the student and new graduate population surveyed, ChatGPT appears to be “levelling the playing field for traditionally underrepresented groups.”
…of black candidates are using ChatGPT
…of mixed ethnic groups are using ChatGPT
…of neurodiverse candidates are using ChatGPT
…of white candidates are using ChatGPT
Source: Arctic Shores
…of black candidates are using ChatGPT
…of mixed ethnic groups are using ChatGPT
…of neurodiverse candidates are using ChatGPT
…of white candidates are using ChatGPT
Source: Arctic Shores
And in terms of the extent to which professionals with 3+ years’ experience have used or plan to use GenAI in their quest to find their next job:
…use it like a spellchecker, to improve their writing and thinking
58% have used or plan to use GenAI to help in the application and interview process
1 in 5 have used or plan to use GenAI to complete a psychometric assessment
Just 10% say that they want to cheat the system
37% just want to give themselves the best possible shot at getting a job
1 in 3 Black candidates use GenAI because they’ve been applying for roles for a long time and struggling to break through
Source: Arctic Shores
Moreover, professionals believe employers must embrace GenAI usage
…professionals believe it’s their right to use GenAI
…believe GenAI is a positive development for society
…of Black candidates believe employers should allow GenAI usage in the recruitment process
Source: Arctic Shores
…professionals believe it’s their right to use GenAI
…believe GenAI is a positive development for society
…of Black candidates believe employers should allow GenAI usage in the recruitment process
Source: Arctic Shores
Beyond intent, data on the outcomes of candidate use of GenAI within the recruitment process is enlightening. In February 2023 – just three months after the launch of ChatGPT - ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,000+ then current and recent job seekers (who had looked for a job within the past two months) who have used the technology when applying for roles.*
* Resume Builder - 3 in 4 job seekers who used ChatGPT to write their resume got an interview
Key findings included:
46% of job seekers had used ChatGPT to write their resumes and/or cover letters
7 in 10 who have used ChatGPT reported a higher response rate from companies
78% reached interview stage when using application materials written by GenAI
59% were hired after applying to a job using materials written by GenAI
11% were denied a job when the interviewer discovered they used GenAI
Source: ResumeBuilder.com
With so much at stake – from both the employer and the candidate’s perspective – the fact that the latter’s use of AI within the recruitment process has become so mainstream means that hirers have to respond and provide them with guidance on what is acceptable and not acceptable in order to maintain an equitable hiring process.
Key takeaways and recommendations:
Employers can align with the expectations of the next generation of workers, who increasingly view GenAI as a valuable tool in their job search. As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for companies to stay ahead by not only accepting but also actively integrating new technologies into their recruitment and development processes. Younger generations are likely to expect seamless and sophisticated digital experiences throughout their careers, from onboarding to ongoing professional development. Therefore, employers must adopt a forward-thinking approach, continuously adapting to emerging technologies and the changing needs of their workforce.
This includes fostering a culture of innovation, supporting ongoing learning and development, and ensuring that policies and practices remain inclusive and equitable as new tools and methods emerge. By doing so, companies will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven job market.
Only time will reveal whether hiring decisions made on the basis of candidate views aided by AI generates a more or less productive workforce. Whilst this could be linked to employers enabling candidates to embrace AI, key metrics such as first year churn should be watched with a keen eye.