AI in Recruiting: Insights from 70,000 Job Interviews

A comprehensive new study analyzed over 70,000 job interviews, comparing experiences between human recruiters and automated voice agents. These findings validate the transformative potential of automated candidate screening for modern recruitment.

The research dives deep into a range of outcomes, but three data points stand out, achieved by AI-powered interviews:

• 12% more job offers

• 18% more job starts

• 17% higher retention rates

Just as importantly, these results came while reducing costs and improving efficiency for both candidates and businesses.

Together, the evidence shows how technology can expand opportunity, streamline hiring, and support better long-term outcomes.

The Advantages Of AI-Powered Interviews Over Traditional Methods

The proven benefits of AI interviewing aren’t about humans versus machines.

It’s not about replacing recruiters. AI-Recruiting is about empowering recruiters to be more effective and efficient in their process while improving the candidate experience.

AI takes on the first touchpoint: instantly engaging candidates, answering routine questions, and qualifying applicants at scale. This frees recruiters to step in at the right time, where conversations can be deeper, more meaningful, and focused on long-term fit.

And beyond the headline metrics, the research reveals something even more important: how candidates themselves experienced the process.

• Immediate Candidate Engagement: Candidates can begin their interview process the moment they apply, rather than waiting days or weeks to hear back. This responsiveness helps reduce drop-offs and keeps applicants engaged.

• Fairness and Accessibility: Applicants generally viewed automated interviews as fair. In some cases, they even felt that interacting with a voice agent reduced the chance of bias compared to human screeners.

• Consistency at Scale: While human recruiters naturally vary in style and availability, AI ensures a standardized experience for every applicant, critical in high-volume hiring environments.

• Balanced Outcomes: The benefits aren’t just about efficiency. AI-powered interviews contributed to stronger long-term results, including higher retention rates, showing that scaling speed doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.

By combining AI’s consistency and scalability with human recruiters’ empathy and judgment, organizations can design hiring processes that are both efficient and deeply human.

Case Study & Industry Perspectives

This blended model is exactly what we’ve seen in practice with Classet clients.

Joy, Classet’s AI agent, has led to a more effective and efficient hiring process: engaging candidates early, answering their questions, and qualifying applicants so that by the time they meet a recruiter, the conversations are more meaningful and in-depth.

• Sears Home Services leverages AI-powered interviews to scale skilled trades recruiting nationwide. Candidates complete interviews on demand, while recruiters focus on connecting with the most qualified individuals.

  "Our completion rate with Joy has gone up significantly. Before Classet, around 50% of people completed our interview form, whereas now we have a significantly higher completion rate, sitting around 70%." Leslie Ellis, TA Manager at Sears Home Services

• Mood Health uses Classet’s interview platform to strengthen its competitive advantage in healthcare hiring. By engaging candidates immediately and reducing delays, they were able to secure top talent faster.

  "A lot of interview time saved... a lot of time saved with emailing back and forth... and then a lot of time saved with no shows for first interviews." Mike Clare, CEO of Mood Health

• Goodsmith Home Services found that AI interviews allowed them to process applicants 10x faster and organize candidates more effectively. The AI handled the high-volume screening, but human recruiters remained central in the hiring decision.

Across these examples, the same lesson is clear: AI and human recruiters work best in tandem. The technology enables scale and consistency, while people bring the nuance and relationship-building that define great hires.

Transforming High-Volume Hiring for Critical Industries

This research particularly validates automated screening approaches for industries facing high application volumes and tight labor markets. Trust concerns were notably absent among actual job applicants, and AI interviews can increase applicants' cognitive and affective trust, addressing concerns about technology adoption in traditional industries.

The study's findings demonstrate that AI recruitment software creates fairer, more effective hiring processes while dramatically reducing costs. For organizations struggling with high-volume screening in competitive labor markets, the research provides clear evidence supporting instant, automated candidate engagement strategies.

Industry Applications

Skilled Trades: Comprehensive skill assessment and immediate engagement for trades positions where quick hiring decisions are crucial.

Healthcare: 24/7 screening capability for critical healthcare roles that need rapid staffing solutions.

Hospitality & Retail: High-volume candidate processing during peak hiring seasons with consistent quality standards.

Manufacturing: Standardized screening for safety-critical positions requiring specific qualifications and experience verification.

Implementation Best Practices

Successful AI interview implementation requires strategic planning:

1. Start with high-volume positions where cost savings are most apparent

2. Maintain transparency about AI usage throughout the candidate experience

3. Customize interview scripts for specific roles and company culture

4. Monitor candidate feedback and adjust processes based on insights

5. Integrate with existing ATS systems for seamless workflow management

The research validates that when implemented thoughtfully, AI interviewing technology enhances rather than replaces human judgment in hiring decisions.

Future of AI-Powered Recruitment

With nearly 70% of companies planning to use AI in hiring by 2025, early adopters are gaining a clear competitive advantage. The ability to process vast candidate volumes while maintaining quality standards positions AI interviews as essential infrastructure for modern recruitment.

As the labor market continues to evolve, organizations that leverage AI interview technology will be able to respond more quickly to staffing needs while providing superior candidate experiences that attract top talent.