Trust gap grows as UK job seekers embrace AI in hiring process
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Nearly half of United Kingdom job seekers are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen job applications, even as concerns deepen about how much employers should rely on the same technology in recruitment decisions, according to a new survey highlighting a widening “trust gap” in hiring as reported by Staffing Industry Analysts.
The findings point to a rapidly evolving job market where AI is becoming a standard tool for candidates, while confidence in AI-driven recruitment remains uneven.
The shift underscores how the future of work is reshaping not just hiring systems, but also expectations around fairness, transparency and human judgment in the workplace.
AI becomes a mainstream job search tool
Nearly half of job seekers in the UK (47%) use AI for job applications, primarily to tailor CVs and prepare for interviews, according to a survey by Omni RMS.
The study, which surveyed 739 UK candidates across age, gender, region and industry sectors in February 2026, shows how quickly AI tools have become embedded in everyday job-hunting behavior.
More than half of respondents (51%) said they have used AI tools to improve their CV or tailor it to specifications, reflecting a growing normalization of automated assistance in career preparation.
However, concerns remain about how AI is being used on the employer side. The survey found that over a third (34%) of job seekers have already experienced AI being used by employers during the hiring process.
Despite this, confidence in such systems is still fragile, with 42% saying they trust human-led recruitment more than AI-supported processes.
Candidates weigh trust, transparency and flexibility
While AI adoption rises, traditional job expectations remain central to candidate decisions. Salary and benefits were cited as the top priority for job seekers (49%), followed by flexible working (41%) and hybrid or remote options (29%). Career development opportunities also remain important at 28%.
Concerns are especially strong among younger candidates. More than a third (36%) of 17 to 25 year olds said they would consider withdrawing from an application if they felt an organization relied too heavily on AI.
“The study shows that candidate reactions to the use of AI are influenced by the role or the organisation,” said Louise Shaw, managing director at Omni RMS.
“What this research highlights clearly is the emerging ‘trust gap’. Candidates are comfortable using AI to support their own applications, but they are more cautious when it comes to employers relying too heavily on it in decision-making,” Shaw added.
Despite these concerns, optimism persists about the role of technology in hiring. Nearly half of respondents (46%) believe AI will improve the recruitment experience over the next few years, signaling a future where AI and human oversight will likely coexist in shaping how people get hired.
