Most job-seekers are open to the use of AI, but are concerned it won't judge their skills fairly.
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Most workers think AI can help them in the job hunt, but seem much more sceptical when artificial intelligence is supposed to assess their skills in the selection process.
In 19 industries out of 22 surveyed, job seekers value human judgement more than AI when it comes to assessing non-traditional skills and experience, particularly in the manufacturing (+18%), healthcare (+17%), and legal (+17%) sectors.
Furthermore, the Adecco survey on 30,000 workers in 23 countries - including US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy - shows 24% have little to zero trust in AI's selection criteria.
The only sectors where job seekers value AI judgement more than human recruiters are aerospace (+11%), mobility (+3%) and e-commerce (+3%)
Why is AI recruitment not trusted?
There are a number of concerns by workers.
The biggest one (42%) is linked to the fact that AI might fail to pick up non-verbal cues displayed by a candidate during an interview, such as body language or tone of voice.
"AI's ability to assess positive non-verbal cues is of particular concern for women (47%) compared to men (38%)", says the report.
A further 32% doubt AI can choose the best candidate, while 23% are afraid it would ignore some skills and experience, including non-conventional ones like volunteering and travel.
Regarding non-traditional experience, women (26%) seem more worried than men (19%) about AI oversights.
But there are also fears AI might also discriminate against some candidates.
These concerns are most felt in Switzerland (23%), Australia (19%), France (18%), Germany and the US (17%).
Which job-seekers are more likely to trust AI recruitment?
University degree holders are the most open to trusting AI in the selection process, with a rate of 65%. The lowest rate is among people with secondary school diplomas (39%).
In any case, the research also shows a generally positive attitude towards AI when it supports candidates in the job hunt instead of screening their profiles.
Sixty-four per cent believe technology can help them match with the right position, as well as help employers create accurate job descriptions.
In its Global Workforce of the Future report, Adecco says companies should invest in AI to increase recruitment efficiency, but adds that the process must include humans too.
"Hiring shouldn’t be based on skills and experience alone. To assess people's full potential, engage human recruiters over AI solutions."
Adecco also says companies should be transparent as to how AI is used in the recruitment process.