Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming hiring processes across Canada. From automated resume screening to chatbots handling interview bookings, AI is streamlining recruitment at scale. But for candidates, the experience can be a mixed bag — faster feedback on one hand, but reduced human interaction on the other.

So, is AI in hiring helping or hurting candidate experience? Let’s take a closer look.

The Upside: How AI Can Improve Candidate Experience

1. Faster Communication

According to a 2023 report by SHRM, AI tools can reduce time-to-hire by up to 30%. For candidates, this often translates to quicker responses and shorter wait times.

2. Round-the-Clock Access and Scheduling

AI-powered chatbots allow candidates to ask questions or schedule interviews 24/7. Companies like HireVue use conversational AI to improve communication at scale — especially useful for high-volume hiring in healthcare and customer service.

3. Potential for Reduced Bias

When built and audited properly, AI can help strip identifying details (e.g., names, schools, dates of birth) from applications, allowing recruiters to focus on skills and experience. A study by McKinsey & Company notes that diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform — giving companies strong incentive to improve inclusivity through tech.

The Downside: Where AI Falls Short for Candidates

1. Automated Rejections with No Feedback

Many applicants never hear back after applying — and AI is often to blame. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and filter out "non-matches" before a human ever sees them. According to Jobscan, up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS software before reaching a recruiter.

2. AI Can Still Be Biased

Despite intentions, algorithms can inherit bias from historical hiring data. MIT Technology Review reported that Amazon scrapped an AI recruitment tool because it consistently downgraded resumes from women — a cautionary tale in how data shapes decisions.

3. Impersonal Process

AI can’t assess soft skills, explain gaps in employment, or ask follow-up questions. As noted in a Harvard Business Review study, 66% of job seekers feel negatively about companies that rely heavily on AI in hiring, citing concerns about fairness and lack of transparency.

What Canadian Job Seekers Should Know

AI use in hiring is growing fast in Canada, particularly among large employers and government agencies. In fact, Canada's Treasury Board has released guidelines for the responsible use of AI, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and human oversight.

As AI tools become more prevalent, here’s how to stay competitive:

• Optimise your resume for ATS by using clear formatting and tailoring keywords from the job description (tips from Jobscan).
• Highlight measurable achievements that are easy for AI (and humans) to interpret.
• Network offline and online to ensure your application doesn’t rely solely on algorithms to get seen.

What Employers Should Be Doing

For companies, AI can help reduce time-to-hire and increase efficiency. But over-reliance on tech can damage employer brand and drive away qualified candidates. Employers must:

• Regularly audit AI tools for fairness and bias
• Provide human checkpoints throughout the hiring process
• Offer transparent communication, especially around rejections and decisions

Final Thoughts

AI has the potential to enhance hiring — but it’s not a replacement for empathy, insight, and human interaction. For Canadian job seekers, that means understanding how these tools work and adapting without losing their personal story. For employers, it means using AI to support better decisions, not automate them entirely.