The hiring landscape is changing. AI is no longer just a supporting feature, it’s redefining talent acquisition, breaking down traditional barriers, and ensuring faster, fairer, and more effective hiring. While concerns about AI persist, candidate sentiment tells a different story; optimism, empowerment, and trust in AI’s potential to reshape recruitment for the better.
A 2024 report by the World Economic Forum found that AI powered hiring has improved recruitment efficiency by 35% globally, while a LinkedIn survey revealed that nearly 60% of candidates trust AI to make fairer hiring decisions. Instead of being stuck in outdated processes, AI is creating a merit based, skills driven recruitment experience, ensuring candidates are assessed for what they can do, not just where they’ve been.
Yet, the impact of AI varies across regions, shaped by local workforce expectations and hiring cultures. Here’s what candidates across the globe are saying about AI’s role in recruitment.
North America
In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, candidates see AI as a force for transparency and efficiency. AI driven tools eliminate unconscious biases and accelerate hiring timelines, making the process more objective and merit based.
A survey by Pew Research Center found that 67% of US job seekers believe AI creates a fairer hiring process by removing human bias. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, 56% of North American candidates say AI driven assessments make job applications more efficient.
A US candidate noted, "AI makes recruitment fairer. It removes biases that can sometimes come from human recruiters, which I appreciate."
Another candidate from Canada added, "AI is great for initial screening, but I still want to have a real conversation with a recruiter."
Candidates want AI to enhance recruitment, not replace human interaction, a balance that companies must carefully navigate. Maki does just this. With our AI powered phone screening agents and automated interview scheduling, candidates experience a smooth and engaging journey that seamlessly guides them to the recruiter. By handling pre screening conversations, scheduling interviews, and providing structured insights, Maki ensures recruiters focus on meaningful, high value interactions rather than administrative bottlenecks.
South America
South American job seekers, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, recognise AI’s potential to expand opportunities and break down traditional hiring barriers.
An IBM study found that 59% of candidates in South America trust AI powered hiring to be objective and skill based. Similarly, a Glassdoor report revealed that 48% of Brazilian candidates believe AI improves job accessibility by prioritising skills over background.
A Brazilian candidate shared, "AI allows me to be evaluated based on my skills rather than just my background. That’s a huge advantage."
An Argentinian candidate commented, "The AI screening was fast and efficient. I felt like my application was actually being seen."
While human touchpoints remain important, candidates increasingly view AI as an equaliser that democratises hiring.
EMEA
Across EMEA, AI is embraced as a tool for fairer, data driven hiring. Candidates appreciate AI’s ability to eliminate bias, improve efficiency, and create a meritocratic hiring process.
A report by McKinsey states that 72% of European job seekers believe AI improves fairness in hiring by ensuring a more skills driven selection process. In the Middle East, GulfTalent found that 61% of candidates prefer AI driven recruiting as it speeds up hiring.
A German candidate remarked, "AI levels the playing field. I don’t have to worry about discrimination, it’s all about my skills."
A French candidate added, "The AI process is fast and structured. It allows companies to focus on talent rather than just resumes."
A UAE candidate noted, "AI is a game changer. It helps match the right people with the right roles, faster than ever before."
Candidates in EMEA see AI as a structural shift in recruitment, enabling faster and more equitable hiring. Maki’s AI agents integrate seamlessly into HR workflows, automating candidate screening and scheduling to help companies quickly connect with top talent.
APAC
In the APAC region, AI is widely viewed as a critical innovation for modern hiring. Candidates appreciate AI’s role in speeding up recruitment, increasing transparency, and ensuring fairer evaluations.
According to Deloitte, 69% of APAC job seekers prefer AI driven recruitment for its speed and accuracy. Research from Indeed Australia shows that 53% of Australian candidates find AI powered assessments more reliable than traditional resume screenings.
An Australian candidate stated, "The AI assessment was straightforward and efficient. It felt like everyone had the same chance."
A candidate from India shared, "With AI, I know that my resume is being assessed based on skills, not just my background. That’s reassuring."
A Singaporean candidate added, "AI in recruitment shows that companies are forward thinking and innovative."
APAC candidates overwhelmingly see AI as a tool for fairness, efficiency, and transparency in hiring.
AI as the Future of Hiring
Despite ongoing debates, the global sentiment is clear, candidates are ready for AI powered recruitment. AI is seen as a catalyst for fairness, efficiency, and accessibility, ensuring faster hiring and more objective assessments.
The data highlights distinct regional perspectives:
- North America & APAC embrace AI’s ability to accelerate and improve hiring fairness.
- EMEA values AI for its role in creating a meritocratic hiring environment.
- South America is recognising AI’s potential to level the playing field and improve hiring access.
The challenge for organisations isn’t whether to adopt AI; it’s how to integrate it seamlessly with human driven processes. AI isn’t replacing recruiters; it’s freeing them to focus on what truly matters: strategic impact, human engagement, and unlocking talent potential.
Maki is leading this shift with AI powered phone screening agents, automated interview scheduling, and talent intelligence that ensures recruiters spend less time coordinating and more time hiring the best candidates.
AI isn’t just changing recruitment, it’s revolutionising how work gets done.
The companies that adapt now will lead the future of hiring. Those that don’t will fall behind. The AI revolution in HR has already begun, will you be part of it?
