A new UK survey* by pre-employment assessment experts ThriveMap reveals the mistrust many people feel about the use of AI in recruitment. Almost half (49%) believe the way employers screen and select job applicants is unfair. Just over one in five (22%) believe it is fair to do this.
This distrust of AI is reflected across generations. As expected, people over 55 are the most wary, with 66% feeling it is unfair to use AI in this way, but the youngest employees are also distrustful of AI. 51% of 18-24 year olds believe it is unfair to use AI to screen and select job applicants.
Most people want humans to lead candidate selection
Underscoring this distrust of AI, just over four in 10 (41%) believe AI should not be involved in hiring decisions at all. They want humans alone to screen and select candidates. A further 32% believe AI can support decision-making, but humans should be involved. Only 14% of people are satisfied with AI making hiring decisions.
Once again, it is the oldest and youngest members of the workforce who are most distrustful of the use of AI in recruitment. 45% of people over 55 and 44% of 18-24 think hiring decisions should only be made by humans.
Younger generations are most likely to use AI-based tools to support their job search
The survey found that while many people distrust the use of AI by employers, a significant number use AI themselves when applying for jobs. 27% of respondents said they had used it. Most 18- to 24-year-olds have done so, with 32% saying an AI-based tool has assisted them in their job search.
The most likely reason to use AI is to draft or revise a resume, with 60% of companies employing AI using it for this purpose. 44% use it to prepare for an assessment or interview, 34% use it to draft or revise an application response, and 25% use it to learn more about the role or employer. 22% admitted to using it during online assessments, but employers should be aware of this and take steps to prevent it.
Christopher Platts, ThriveMap Founder and CEO “Our findings show that there is a significant level of mistrust about the use of AI and how employers use it to screen and select candidates. It’s interesting that the youngest members of the workforce are as wary as those over 55. The fact that digital natives, who are likely to be the most AI-savvy in the workforce, have this level of concern is appealing to employers. This may indicate a lack of experience with AI, and you should be transparent about how you are using AI in your recruitment process and reassure candidates that human insight is still important when selecting candidates.”
*The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of ThriveMap in February 2026 among 1,000 job seekers.
