More workers are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support their professional responsibilities and even to secure a new role, particularly those aged 25 to 29, according to new research by Hays.

The research, based on a survey of nearly 12,000 professionals and employers across the UK, found that whilst only 18% of professionals surveyed have used AI during the job application process, over a quarter (28%) of workers aged 25 to 29 have taken advantage of AI when applying for a new role.

Younger workers turning to AI during job hunt

When it comes to whether AI improves a person’s chances of securing a job, almost half (49%) of those who have used AI to help with their application say they have been more successful – increasing to six in ten (61%) for staff aged between 25 and 29.

As such, nearly a third (30%) of professionals aged 25 to 29 plan to use AI tools to support with job applications in the future, versus less than a quarter (21%) of overall workers.  

In terms of using AI tools in their current role to support with day-to-day activities, nearly a quarter (22%) of workers surveyed say they have used an AI tool in their role, increasing to 30% of workers aged 25 to 29.

Uptake of AI slow by employers to support with job applications

Only 4% of organisations are currently using AI tools to evaluate job applications, by scanning CVs or scoring candidates for instance. Whilst even fewer small organisations* (2%) are using AI to support with applications, very large organisations** (11%) are beginning to take advantage of AI during the application process.

Looking ahead, 16% of organisations expect to increase their use of AI to evaluate job applications in the future – jumping to over a third (36%) of very large organisations compared to just 7% of small organisations.

When it comes to transparency, most (78%) professionals would prefer to be informed if a hiring organisation uses AI to assess job applications, whereas only 54% of employers currently ensure they notify prospective staff when using AI to review their application.

Simon Winfield, CEO at Hays UK&I, comments: “Although utilising AI in the workplace differs across organisations and sectors, it’s promising to see that our future workforce is taking advantage of how AI might support them in different ways.

As our research shows, young workers are not only reaping the of the rewards of AI within their current role, but also when applying to secure a new position. Still, it’s crucial not to rely on AI, but to be able to articulate yourself in an interview setting for example, where the focus will be on people skills that AI arguably cannot compete with.

As both organisations and staff pursue plans to increase their use of AI, transparency is really important, so jobseekers and employers alike are not in the dark about whether AI has been used during the application and assessment process.

Employers ought to engage and support their workforce to get the best out of AI by providing all staff, regardless of age, the opportunity to learn and upskill, whilst focusing on how their unique human capabilities can be enhanced, rather than threatened, by AI.”