Job Rejections: New Study Reveals Humans, Not AI, Decide Fate
UPDATE: A groundbreaking study reveals that most job rejections are determined by human recruiters, not artificial intelligence (AI). This finding, reported by Business Insider, underscores the significant role human judgment plays in hiring decisions, even as technology becomes more prevalent.
At a jobs fair held on March 15, 2025, in Kansas City, MO, laid-off federal workers like Brittany Glenn are confronting the harsh reality of job hunting. Many believe that AI is the primary barrier to employment, but experts confirm that it’s often human decision-making that seals their fate.
As job seekers flood the market, the sheer number of applications creates challenges for both candidates and recruiters. Daniel Chait, CEO of hiring-software company Greenhouse, noted that job seekers are applying to more positions than ever, yet experiencing fewer successes. “When that happens, you look for a reason,” he explained.
AI doom loop is the term experts use to describe the current hiring landscape, where technology facilitates applications but often complicates the hiring process. With applicants bombarding employers, recruiters are overwhelmed, leading to feelings of frustration and hopelessness among job seekers.
Recruiters utilize technology primarily for initial screening, often using knockout questions to eliminate candidates who don’t meet basic qualifications. However, as Bobby Miloev from Enhancv points out, “People have gaslit themselves into believing a story that’s not true.” Many applicants blame AI for their struggles, but it is ultimately human discretion that decides who moves forward in the hiring process.
Even though there are high-profile instances of AI being incorporated in hiring, such as a lawsuit against Workday, the company stated that its products are designed with human decision-making at the forefront. They emphasize that AI is merely a tool to manage the increasing volume of applications.
With an influx of resumes due to easier submission processes, Chait warns of the repercussions. “Job seekers often feel like they’re shouting into the void,” he said, as recruiters sift through mountains of applications. This “AI doom loop” creates an environment where finding the right candidate becomes increasingly difficult.
Recruitment strategies have evolved, moving away from outdated methods that simply ranked applicants. Now, sophisticated software analyzes resumes to identify skills and qualifications, making the process more efficient. However, the human element remains critical, with recruiters often choosing to stop accepting applications once they reach a certain threshold to avoid being overwhelmed.
This urgent situation highlights the need for job seekers to act quickly when applying for roles. As Miloev states, “After a certain point, there will be too many to go through.”
As the job market continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of human versus AI decision-making is essential for both applicants and recruiters. The narrative that AI is solely responsible for job rejections may be comforting but is ultimately misleading.
For those with stories to share about their career experiences, please contact the reporter at [email protected]. This is a developing story that will continue to impact job seekers and recruiters alike. Stay tuned for more updates.
