Candidate satisfaction is declining across nearly every touchpoint in the recruitment process, with drops of up to 20% in speed and responsiveness, according to the latest Global Recruitment Insights and Data (GRID) 2025 Talent Trends report from Bullhorn.
Yet AI may be the industry’s saving grace. Among nearly 2,800 professionals surveyed globally, 77% of candidates who interacted with AI rated the experience positively, and 88% said AI voice agents performed as well—or better—than human interviewers.
The Loyalty Gap
Job seekers are increasingly frustrated by slow or absent communication. A striking 72% of respondents said they stopped working with a recruiter due to poor responsiveness. The report highlights AI as a tool that can rebuild trust: consistent, timely communication—like responding to every application—can increase candidate loyalty by up to 45%, with weekly check-ins boosting it to 86%.
“The future of recruiting is a powerful partnership between human expertise and AI efficiency,” said Lia Taniguchi, MBA, Senior Research Manager at Bullhorn. “Our data proves that using AI can build crucial trust and loyalty, while freeing up recruiters to focus on quality conversations that best support job seekers during such a vulnerable time.”
The Staffing Challenge
The report also shows a declining reliance on staffing firms: only 35% of candidates now view agencies as their go-to option—down from last year. As the talent market tightens, recruiters face heightened competition for attention, making AI-driven responsiveness a potential differentiator.
By automating routine touchpoints while retaining human judgment for high-value interactions, agencies can improve candidate experience, boost loyalty, and strengthen their relevance in an increasingly competitive hiring landscape.
About the GRID Talent Trends Report
The annual GRID Talent Trends Report surveys over 2,800 professionals who have engaged with staffing firms in the past three years. Participants span multiple industries across North America, the UK and Ireland, Benelux, DACH, and APAC. The 2025 edition draws on data collected in July 2025, highlighting global trends and emerging tools shaping the future of recruiting.
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