Job seekers are using AI to research potential employers, discover companies and decide whether to pursue job opportunities, sometimes applying to businesses they had not previously considered or ruling others out before contacting a recruiter, according to a survey by Built In.
The survey of job seekers found that 88% had used AI to discover or research employers during a job search in the past year, and 66% applied to an employer they had not previously considered after encountering information about the company through AI. Another 53% decided against applying to an employer based on AI-generated information.
AI Can Influence Decisions Before Candidates Apply
AI information also affected how candidates responded to recruiters. Among AI users, 24% said it prompted them to respond to a recruiter, while 23% chose not to respond or continue interviewing.
These decisions can happen before candidates visit a company’s careers page or enter its applicant tracking system, creating a gap in traditional recruiting measurements.
Candidates Check AI-Generated Employer Information
The survey found that 68% of AI users always or often verify information about employers provided by AI tools. That makes the accuracy and freshness of publicly available company information relevant to how candidates evaluate potential workplaces.
For employers, the findings point to another place where their reputation and visibility can influence recruitment: the information AI tools surface when job seekers research companies.
