AI gone too far? Job candidate frustrated with automated job interviews blocking human interaction. ‘You’re not a person to them’

The growing use of artificial intelligence in recruitment is drawing fresh criticism after a job seeker shared a detailed account of their frustration with automated hiring processes. In a widely discussed post on Reddit, the candidate described an interview journey that relied heavily on AI-driven screenings before any human interaction was offered. The post has sparked a broader debate on whether companies are using technology to streamline hiring or to distance themselves from meaningful engagement with applicants.According to the Reddit post, the applicant was required to complete a video interview, a personality assessment and a technical test, all evaluated internally, before even speaking to a real person. The candidate expressed anger at being asked to prove suitability to automated systems while having no opportunity to assess the company or the people behind the role.

The post highlighted a sharp contrast between the recruiter’s friendly initial outreach and the impersonal process that followed. What appeared to be enthusiasm quickly turned into what the candidate described as a demanding screening funnel controlled by algorithms rather than dialogue. The applicant argued that such systems reduce individuals to data points instead of treating them as professionals with experience and agency.

Claims of Power Imbalance in Hiring

The Reddit user suggested that the heavy reliance on AI tools is less about identifying the right talent and more about filtering candidates until only those willing to accept low pay and limited negotiation remain. The process, they claimed, sends a clear message that applicants are expected to comply without question if they want to advance.

The post strongly criticised companies and developers who build automated hiring systems that remove human judgment from the early stages of recruitment, calling them exploitative and dismissive of basic professional respect.

Community Pushback and Debate

The post drew strong reactions from other Reddit users. Several commenters agreed that interviews should be a two-way process, where candidates are also evaluating whether a company is worth joining. One commenter noted that one-sided video interviews prevent applicants from learning anything meaningful about the organisation, its culture or expectations, making the process fundamentally unfair. Another added that any company unwilling to discuss compensation upfront or engage in conversation early on should be avoided.

Others echoed the frustration, with some stating they would simply ignore automated interview requests altogether. Supportive replies praised the original poster for refusing to engage with what they saw as a broken system.Not all responses were negative. One commenter shared that they had recently completed an AI-led interview and found it useful as an initial screening tool. They felt more comfortable answering structured questions without pressure and appreciated already knowing the salary range and job description. However, they acknowledged that this only worked because expectations were clearly set from the start.