Three out of every four people seeking work feel that Artificial Intelligence could be unfairly screening out their applications, according to a new survey carried out by a leading Galway recruitment firm.

The inaugural Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report also reveals that a majority felt automation is making some aspects of the recruitment process impersonal and dismissive – and that lack of human interaction is making professionals less interested in working for particular companies.

Overwhelmingly, the one piece of advice professionals would give to companies is to “keep a human touch” in the recruitment process.

Of the more than 2,500 respondents to the Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report, some 75% agreed or strongly agreed that AI could be unfairly screening out their applications. Only five per cent strongly disagreed.

Almost three out of four (74%) felt automated rejection emails were impersonal and dismissive, with only six per cent strongly disagreeing.

The survey was carried out by Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group over a two-week period in October among professionals on the company’s database.

A total of 2,541 responses were received from professionals working across a range of sectors and age profiles.

Other automation-related findings revealed that 69 per cent felt that a lack of human interaction made them less interested in working for a company.

The survey also asked those who have been seeking work during 2025 about other issues.

It found that a majority of companies had not changed their hybrid or remote work policy in 2025.

Despite much talk about a return to the office, 59% said that their company had not changed their policy so far this year, with 16% saying they had. The remaining surveyed are not currently with a company full-time.

Of those who made a change this year, most now work in the office three days a week.

Professionals also do not believe working remotely or on a hybrid model negatively affects career opportunities; 51% either strongly or somewhat disagree this is the case and just four per cent strongly agreed.

Pictured: Mary Mullin, Associate Director, Collins McNicholas and Michelle Murphy, Director, Collins McNicholas pictured at the Launch of the inaugural Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report.