Will a chatbot give me a job? I put AI recruitment to the test
The pot plant on the filing cabinet behind my interviewer's head needs water. Its curling leaves distract me as the floppy-haired recruiter in a crumpled black polo shirt poses his next question: 'In the role of tax consultant at McKinsey, balancing technical expertise with interpersonal skills enhances client relationships. Can you share an example of how your organisational skills and multitasking have benefited a specific task?'
I gabble through my recent work organising a large charity auction in my spare time, while juggling work deadlines and three busy children.
The interviewer nods, looking impressed. 'It's fantastic that you bring those soft skills to the table.' The grilling goes well until I hit some actual tax questions and stumble. My two decades in business journalism will not, it's clear, secure me a role as one of McKinsey's newest tax consultants.
But thousands of words of post-interview feedback arrive seconds later, and they are gently encouraging. 'You demonstrated your ability to mobilise resources and engage others … but need to practise emphasising how your unique abilities will benefit the company.'
Impressive — since the whole recruitment process was carried out by robots.
For £70 a month, website Final Round AI offers mock interviews with a human-like chatbot. Its questions are honed to any job listing you provide plus your CV. McKinsey had no involvement with the process, but one of its applicants might well have practised here first.
The CV I used was concocted by AIApply, which also makes cover letters specific to the demands of any job posting. A monthly subscription costs £23.
Before interviews, it provided a list of likely questions alongside what it deemed perfect answers. No need to learn them, though; for £29.99 a month the Interview Buddy app offers 'real-time assistance during job interviews, helping you answer questions confidently'.
Using this app during my mock video interview, it perfectly detects questions and rapidly bashes out uninspiring but detailed and accurate responses. Propping up my phone next to my webcam, I can easily reel off these AI responses to the, er, AI recruiter's questions:
This may sound outlandish, but it's happening: TikTok hosts thousands of videos of candidates undertaking real interviews while using ChatGPT-fed answers.
Human resources might need to be redefined as inhuman resources: hiring work often pits employers' AI systems against candidates' AI-generated responses.
Amid the frenzied talk about how AI is going to transform our working lives, in recruitment, it already has.
More than two-thirds of HR professionals use AI at work in the UK, according to research by tech firm The Access Group. That's far higher than in the EU, where it's only 38 per cent of firms, according to European tech firm SD Worx.
Anyone who hasn't applied for a job in five years will find being hired is an entirely new process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) now scan and rank CVs and cover letters based on the inclusion of set keywords to whittle down the number of candidates, meaning a human may never see the majority of CVs sent in for a role.
Those who make it through may then face 'asynchronous video interviews', where candidates are filmed answering written questions that flash up like a PowerPoint presentation, before AI systems assess their answers, or chatbot-led interviews, like mine. Recruiters have the upper hand: the number of job vacancies in the UK has dropped from 1.3 million in 2022, to just 761,000 in the three months to April.
The concurrent adoption of AI by employers and applicants has created a race to the bottom. Firms are receiving an influx of thousands of chatbot-generated applications, while candidates report feeling dehumanised by the process.
'It was awful,' communications manager Laura Andrews said of a recent AI-led job application for a UK water utility. 'After an automated email saying I had been shortlisted, I had a video interview with a slideshow of questions listed on screen. It was really strange not having any kind of response from an interviewer to know how it was going. Without human interaction, my personality didn't show, and I think for neurodivergent people, it would be very hard.'
Weeks later, Andrews still hadn't heard back. 'I was ghosted, which is usual with roles now,' she added. 'I applied for more than 100 jobs in three months, and 80 per cent of the time I heard nothing at all.
'I couldn't contact the interviewer, as they didn't exist. When I chased with the recruiter, I was told it was a 'system error'. That's the flavour of the job search now: being AI-led, companies don't seem to care about candidates. The lack of feedback or even acknowledgement of applications that take hours to tailor felt isolating.'
This is a common complaint, according to Amelia Miller, whose start-up, Ivee, helps women return to work after a career break. 'Recruitment used to be a human process. Now, jobseekers are up against AI algorithms. The current market isn't sustainable. Recruitment teams are drowning in job applications with features like LinkedIn's 'easy apply' [which allows candidates to submit their CV in just a few clicks], along with hundreds of emails and messages. I believe this will lead to the death of the job application,' she said.
In the US, some recruiters have already moved to 'agentic AI', relying on bots to handle the admin of organising job interviews.
But while some claim that AI's transformation of the job search removes human bias, others say it embeds it. University of Washington research used real CVs but varied names associated with white and black jobseekers into AI recruitment systems, and found AI favoured the white-associated names 85 per cent of the time. Female-associated names were picked only 11 per cent of the time. 'If we're not careful, AI will just automate discrimination at scale,' Miller added.
Khyati Sundaram, chief executive of the ATS firm Applied, added: 'AI interviewers trained on datasets dominated by American speakers, for example, can be biased against candidates with different accents, non-native English speakers or individuals with disabilities that affect their speech.
'When assessing candidates' facial expressions, eye movement, hand gestures and tone of voice, biased bots can also favour those with a neurotypical communication style. Candidates who communicate differently can be ruled out of the running, regardless of [their] skills… reinforcing existing workforce inequalities.'
Not all candidates despise the changes, however. Rachel, a jobseeker who did not want her surname published, said ChatGPT and its rival, Claude, were 'huge timesavers.'
'I used them to refine cover letters, tailor them to job descriptions, and insert the right keywords,' she said. 'Recruiters are using AI, so I need to speak their language to pass the screenings. ChatGPT stripped out my personal attachment to my CV and showed me what was key and what was fluff, and what recruiters would ask me. It takes the legwork out of applications.'
To those returning to the job market after a long time, the recruitment landscape will 'feel very alien,' Miller acknowledged.
'The best thing you can do is learn how to use AI. Avoid applying for jobs on inundated sites such as LinkedIn and Indeed, and turn towards company websites and niche job boards to lessen the competition. Focus on building your network: ask for warm introductions and leverage the human element of recruitment as much as you can.'
The job market is being taken over by algorithms, but for now, the human touch still opens some doors.
'The market's more competitive than ever and the sheer number of tools and platforms can feel overwhelming,' says Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director of recruiter Employment Hero. 'Your CV has to be AI-literate.' Here are his tips on how to get it right:
Match the job description: Use the exact keywords and phrases from the job ad, especially for skills, tools and job titles.
Keep formatting simple: Stick to clean layouts. Avoid graphics, columns etc, as they can confuse Applicant Tracking Software. Stick to Word or PDF.
Use specific, hard skills: List tools or certifications relevant to the role such as Xero, Python, CRM management.
Quantify your achievements: Add real numbers where possible such as 'cut costs by 15 per cent' or 'trained five new hires'.
Avoid generic buzzwords: Terms such as 'motivated' or 'team player' don't help. Use language that's specific and meaningful.
Tailor your CV every time: Make slight edits for each application.
Use AI tools but edit carefully: ChatGPT and other AI tools can help draft or refine your CV, but always review for tone, accuracy and clarity. It should still sound like you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Marriage Diaries: Should I get a prenup for my second wedding or trust my husband-to-be?
Should you be planning the end of your marriage before you've even tied the knot? This is the question that's been plaguing me for the past few weeks. I'm 58 years old, and next March will be marrying Steve, 60. It will be a second wedding for both of us: I have three young adult daughters and he has a son. Steve and I are taking great pleasure in planning the next stage of our lives together. But – in between conversations about which location would suit our intimate ceremony, and what dress I should wear as a 50-something bride – I can't help but wonder whether we should get a prenuptial agreement. I'm so preoccupied about this decision that it's been keeping me awake at night. I've been fully open with Steve about my dilemma. He's quite relaxed about the subject, and isn't offended (at least, that's what he tells me) but doesn't think a prenup is necessary. I think this comes down to how we both experienced the end of our last marriages. My divorce from my ex-husband came through six years ago. It was nasty and protracted and expensive, mostly because my ex tried to hide money abroad and attempted to bully me into submission when I was hoping to appeal to his – ultimately absent – better nature. In the end, I had to hire a top family law firm. After a draining process – which ended up in court with a finance dispute resolution – I received a fair settlement. But it cost me the best part of £50,000 and a whole lot of tears. On the other hand, Steve's experience of divorce was far more pleasant. He and his wife had an amicable 'no fault' settlement, which barely involved lawyers. His son was also grown up, so it was less traumatic for everyone. After the sale of the London marital home, my children and I moved into a small cottage in West Sussex which I decorated with great care: I feel happy and settled here. I love my current home so much that Steve has agreed to move in with me while he rents out his Yorkshire house. When it comes to our respective finances, Steve and I are comfortable, but neither of us are rich: I'd say that financially, we are in a similar situation. We are both self-employed in the arts world and our properties are worth about the same. Prenuptial agreements didn't used to be binding in the UK, but I've consulted a lawyer who has told me that – done the right way – they can be. The problem is, setting up a legally watertight agreement could cost up to £4,000. My best friend is telling me that I'm being cynical and defeatist. Having known me for most of my life, she agrees that Steve is a far nicer man than my ex. I should embrace this happy new path with joy, she says, and not throw shade on the occasion by being negative. But she hasn't been through the pain of divorce: she hasn't seen how a white-wedding day can turn into a miasma of bitterness and hatred. I'm just not sure I could go through all that again. All I really care about is keeping this well-loved roof over my head, should we separate – this basic security is everything to me. 'We're both nice people,' says Steve. 'In the worst-case scenario we would sort it out, and I would never take your home from you.' But is it naive to believe this statement, uttered when things are at their rosiest? Surely one of the gifts of reaching midlife is learning from experience, and not making the same mistakes again. Should I listen to my gut and instruct a lawyer? Or am I being negative and doomy – and would my time (and money) be better spent on booking a super-luxurious honeymoon?
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Parliament serves food off German-made plates – sparking huge patriotism row and calls for Palace to 'buy British'
THE UK Parliament is serving food off German plates - sparking a huge patriotism row. Furious MPs slammed the "outrageous" practice and called on the Palace of Westminster to put country first and 'buy British". The members dining room in the House of Commons is used by MPs and is one of the grandest restaurants in the building. Its elaborate menu boasts that "wherever possible we use British produce'. But it serves its grub on plain white plates and saucers which are made by Villeroy and Boch - a German firm founded in 1748. Gareth Snell, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central - known as 'The Potteries because of its proud ceramics industry - slammed the practice. He told The Sun on Sunday: "Britain has the best ceramics in the world - but our own parliament is serving food off German plates. 'This is outrageous and it is unpatriotic. 'Parliament should support businesses in areas like mine and buy British crockery.' 2 Britain's once booming potteries industry has been hammered by sky high energy costs. Many firms have shed jobs and some have closed. Mr Snell is launching a Buy British potteries campaign - and is urging the parliamentary authorities to lead by example and only use UK-made plates. Robert Flello, CEO of Ceramics UK, said: 'Why is the UK House of Commons using German cups and saucers and plates in the dining room used by MPs? 'It is outrageous. They need to be told to buy British. There is no excuse. 'Our potteries produce the best quality crockery. 'Buying British goods is a matter of national pride and will also help an industry struggling because our energy costs are going through the roof. 'If you go to any other country - France or Italy say - I bet their state institutions are using crockery made in their own country.' Parliament has lots of different restaurants and cafes serving food off a wide range of crockery bought from suppliers from around the world. While it uses some crockery made in the UK, it does not have a policy to only buy British. A House of Commons spokesman said:'We source a wide range of crockery from firms within the UK, as well as from those based elsewhere. All purchasing is in line with relevant legislation for public bodies, which prioritises value for money."
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Families on Universal Credit have days left to apply for free £300 vouchers this month – check if you're eligible
THOUSANDS of families on Universal Credit can claim up to £300 this month. This leg-up comes from the government's Household Support Fund (HSF) - a huge £742 million fund going straight to councils across England. 2 The HSF is a government-backed scheme designed to help vulnerable households with essentials like food, energy bills and other living costs. Each local council is given the freedom to decide how to distribute the money, making sure it directly helps the people who need it most in their area. City of Doncaster Council is distributing a one‑off cash payment through HSF. Those typically eligible for this support are already receiving one of the following: Housing benefit Local Council Tax Reduction Universal Credit which includes the housing element Means-tested free school meals Households on Universal Credit can receive food vouchers worth £100 if they have one dependent child. Those with two children will pick up £200, while households with three or more children will be given £300 to help cover food costs. City of Doncaster Council defines a dependent child as one for whom you receive Child Benefit. Besides families with children, other eligible households - including those without children - can receive £100 to help cover energy bills. The council is also allocating £150,000 towards local food banks and its hygiene bank. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now An additional £100,000 will boost community hubs, helping vulnerable households right in the community. Meanwhile, a huge £400,000 is now earmarked for the updated Local Assistance Scheme. How can people get the payment? Those who have received help from the Household Support Fund in the past - and still meet the criteria - will not need to apply. Instead, the payment will automatically hit their bank accounts. But they will need to contact the council if their bank details have changed. Those previously paid by cheque will receive the payment by cheque - unless they provide the council with their bank details. Others will need to apply between now and July. Click here to claim a Household Support Fund payment. Can those who live outside Doncaster claim support? Yes, councils throughout the country are actively assisting families through the Household Support Fund scheme. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is giving thousands of families a helping hand - offering free washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 towards the cost of energy. Those in Leeds can get payments of up to £150. By using the government's council locator tool, it's easy to find out which local authorities are offering support and the eligibility criteria. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended. The most current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026. 2
