Nearly Half of UK Job Seekers Have Faced AI Interviews, Many Call Them Awkward

TL;DR: Almost half of UK job seekers have been subjected to AI interviews, and nearly a third abandon applications because of them.

A recent Greenhouse survey of 2,950 active job seekers, including 1,132 in the United Kingdom, shows that 47% have completed at least one AI‑driven interview. The same poll found that 30% of UK respondents walked away from a hiring process once an AI interview was introduced.

The AI interview format typically presents a pre‑recorded video question, then gives candidates a short planning window—often up to two minutes—followed by a timed response, usually three minutes. Candidates speak into a camera with no live interlocutor. Many describe the experience as “talking to a mirror.” One 21‑year‑old university student, Thomas, said the setup felt “frustrating” and “like you’re looking into a mirror and speaking to yourself.” He applied for 15 jobs, ten of which required AI interviews, before finally securing a face‑to‑face offer.

Other respondents highlighted the psychological impact. A 44‑year‑old scientist, Susannah, called the process “awkward and humiliating,” noting that she could not decline the AI component and received only generic feedback after a ten‑minute session. A 47‑year‑old marketing consultant, David, described the format as “completely horrible for the autistic brain,” explaining that the forced bullet‑point style and lack of interaction prevented him from demonstrating his true problem‑solving approach.

Employers argue that AI interviews help filter the high volume of applications that human HR teams cannot manually review. However, the data suggests a trade‑off: while automation speeds up screening, it may also deter qualified candidates. The lack of real‑time interaction and opaque evaluation criteria leave many unsure whether their performance was even reviewed.

What it means for the labour market is a growing tension between efficiency and candidate experience. Companies that rely heavily on AI screening risk losing talent willing to abandon the process. As AI tools become more sophisticated, firms will need to balance algorithmic speed with transparent, human‑centred feedback to retain a diverse applicant pool.

What to watch next: Monitor how major recruiters adjust AI interview policies and whether new regulations emerge to ensure fairness and candidate dignity.