Toronto, March 10, 2026 /CNW/ – As artificial intelligence reshapes recruiting, organizations are finding it more difficult and time-consuming to identify the right talent. According to a study by talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half, 61% of Canadian HR leaders say that AI-generated application reviews are slowing down the hiring process.
AI complicates recruitment
According to the study, 64% of recruiters say growing concerns about the volume and reliability of AI-generated resumes pose a significant challenge to their organizations. Generative AI tools often fabricate or embellish work experience and skills, making it difficult for employers to distinguish between authentic experience and AI-generated content.
Human resources departments are feeling the biggest impact, with nearly nine in 10 HR managers reporting an increase in their workload. To validate candidates, many organizations are adding steps that can further extend the hiring timeline:
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Spend more time reviewing applications (43%)
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Increase the number of interviews per candidate (42%)
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Update job descriptions to avoid generic answers (39%)
“AI is impacting almost every part of the recruitment process,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half in Canada. “At the same time, the proliferation of unverified or automated applications makes it difficult for employers to efficiently navigate candidate pools and verify candidate credibility.”
How can companies cut through the AI noise?
As organizations look for ways to maintain hiring speed and accuracy, many recruiters are turning to external partners. 63% say they use staffing agencies for recruitment support specifically to address AI-related recruitment challenges, and 86% report that these partners effectively address these challenges primarily by:
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Leverage advanced tools to validate candidate materials
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Conducting targeted skills assessments
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Quickly bring pre-qualified professionals to high-priority roles
Additionally, staffing firms like Robert Half rely on proprietary candidate performance data from previous engagements to source talent with proven skills and experience. This gives employers even more confidence in the quality of their candidates.
Vasilopoulos added, “This study confirms that technology works best when combined with human judgment, which remains essential to evaluating talent and keeping hiring decisions timely and on track.”
