Posted-on June 2025 By Amy Bates
Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just a term; it is now altering recruitment. Companies all across the world are adopting artificial intelligence to speed up hiring, screen candidates, and even conduct interviews. However, although AI increases efficiency, it is also quietly reducing entry-level job possibilities.
What Hiring Managers Are Saying About AI in Recruitment
Our recent LinkedIn poll asked professionals: “How do you view the impact of AI on recruitment today?” The responses show a clear consensus:
0% fully trust AI to improve efficiency and reduce bias on its own
71% believe AI is helpful but still requires human oversight
14% worry AI may introduce new biases
14% feel AI misses the cultural fit
These results reflect the cautious optimism in the recruitment community. While AI offers clear efficiency benefits, the need for human judgement remains critical, especially to manage bias and ensure candidates align with company culture
AI in Recruitment Is Growing Fast
More employers around the world are adopting AI tools to streamline recruitment. In many countries, the use of AI in hiring has surged dramatically, often rising by 15% or more within just a year. From scanning CVs to automatically reaching out to candidates, AI is now involved in nearly every step of the hiring process.
This tech speeds up hiring, but not without risks. AI can make mistakes, especially with candidates who have accents or speech differences. It can also reinforce biases around race and gender, even when programmers try to fix them.
Entry-Level Jobs Are Disappearing
The biggest impact? Entry-level roles are disappearing. In the UK, graduate job postings dropped by 33% compared to last year, the lowest since 2018. Big tech companies slashed graduate hires by 25% from 2023 to 2024. Some have cut early-career roles by over half since 2019, partly because AI now handles many routine tasks.
A survey found 86% of business leaders plan to replace entry-level jobs with AI, and 15% already have. Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei even warns that half of white-collar entry-level jobs could vanish within five years thanks to AI.
What This Means for Employers
This shift raises big questions:
- How will companies build future leaders if fewer people start at the bottom?
- Could relying on AI too much limit diversity and creativity?
- How do we balance AI’s speed with human judgment, especially for culture fit and innovation?
Ignoring these could lead to skill shortages and weak succession plans.
How to Build an AI-Ready, People-Focused Workforce
Here’s how companies can adapt, without losing the human touch:
- Mix AI with Human Insight
Use AI to save time, but keep humans involved in assessing soft skills and potential. - Rethink Entry-Level Roles
If traditional jobs vanish, create apprenticeships, internships, or rotational programs to give newcomers real experience. - Focus on Hybrid Skills
Hire and train for roles that blend tech know-how with creativity, leadership, and emotional intelligence. - Regularly Check AI for Bias
Audit your AI tools often to ensure they’re fair and don’t harm diversity or candidate experience. - Promote Lifelong Learning
Encourage your workforce to keep learning and adapting as AI changes the workplace.
AI is changing the recruitment process, and career paths too. The best employers will combine smart AI use with a strong focus on people. That’s how you build a workforce ready for the future, with room to grow new leaders.
If you’re rethinking your hiring strategy, we’re here to help with insights and support tailored to your needs.