Face-to-face makes a comeback as job candidates turn to AI for applications

A graduate recruiter is accelerating plans to use more face-to-face assessments because candidates are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to apply for jobs.

- Dan Milmo Lauren Almeida

Teach First, a charity that fast-tracks graduates into teaching jobs, said it planned to bring forward a move away from predominantly written assignments - where AI could give applicants hidden help - to tasks such as giving "micro lessons" to assessors.

The number of people using AI for job applications has risen from 38% to 50% in the past 12 months, according to a study by Bright Network, a graduate employment specialist.

Patrick Dempsey, the executive director for programme talent at Teach First, said it was dealing with nearly 30% more applications than last year, with AI playing a significant role in the rise.

He said the increase in demand for jobs was partly due to a softening in the labour market but also to graduates using automation to help them apply for multiple jobs at the same time.