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AI is hurting hiring, 80% of SA businesses say
AI is rapidly reshaping the hiring landscape in South Africa, making it easier than ever for job seekers to apply for jobs at scale but leaving many businesses overwhelmed and struggling to identify top talent.
New research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters reveals the extent of this shift, finding that nearly one in eight businesses believe AI assisted job applications have negatively impacted the hiring process. When asked what the biggest challenges were, 41% reported that AI has resulted in too many applications and 38% are receiving more irrelevant applications.
Meanwhile, 60% of professionals admit to using AI tools such as chatbots and automated CV builders to mass apply for jobs, with 12% reporting they do so regularly.
Samanatha-Jane Gravett Director at Robert Walters Africa says, “The surge in job application volumes we’re seeing today is the result of a hiring landscape where technology has made applying much easier, but also less transparent.
“Using AI to tailor a CV or optimise a LinkedIn profile has been around for some time, but we are now seeing many jobseekers take it a step further. Some are using the technology to apply for jobs across multiple platforms in seconds or paying for browser extensions and scripts that scrape job boards and apply to roles automatically.
“While this might seem efficient, businesses are being inundated with irrelevant applications, sometimes in the thousands, making it even more difficult to identify the right talent for the job.”
AI-polished CVs, blurred authenticity
AI enabled platforms are helping jobseekers produce professional summaries, tailored CVs, and customised cover letters in minutes. Others are able to analyse CVs against job descriptions for application tracking system optimisation, while chatbots support large‑scale personalisation by adapting CV’s and generating tailored cover letters. Together, these technologies can increase accessibility and visibility of jobseekers. However, with polished, keyword‑rich CVs now the norm, businesses face increasing challenges in differentiating genuine skills from AI‑enhanced profiles.
“Over‑tailoring CVs carries real risks. When applications become algorithmically optimised replicas, a job applicant’s individuality is lost, making it harder to assess authenticity,” adds Samanatha-Jane. “Across Africa, we’re seeing a large shift in how candidates tell their career stories. AI tools are empowering jobseekers to present themselves with confidence and clarity. But while this innovation is exciting, it also challenges employers to look deeper than a perfectly crafted CV. Focus now needs to be on distinguishing true capability from AI‑assisted polish and spotting the human behind the technology.”
As South African organisations navigate growing applicant volumes, similar looking CVs and increasing pressure to hire faster, many HR teams are finding that manual processes can no longer keep pace, slowing decision‑making and ultimately diminishing the candidate experience.
Samanatha-Jane comments, “As AI adoption continues to increase across industries, South Africa faces an important moment of balancing technological efficiency with the need for meaningful, human centred evaluation in hiring.
“At Robert Walters Africa, we believe authenticity remains a powerful differentiator. Our role is to help organisations see beyond algorithms, ensuring that real talent and real potential shine through in an increasingly AI‑shaped job market.”
Take a listen to the full interview on SAfm for insights into how AI is shaping the future of recruitment, with Samanatha-Jane Gravett Director at Robert Walters Africa.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Nompumelelo Khesa
Marketing Executive
T: +27 11 881 2414
E: Nompumelelo.Khesa@RobertWalters.com
About Robert Walters: With more than 3,200 people in 30 countries, Robert Walters Group delivers recruitment consultancy, staffing, recruitment process outsourcing and managed services across the globe. www.robertwaltersgroup.com
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