Andy Burnham criticizes Zoom interviews for young jobseekers

The hiring process for entry-level jobs has become increasingly mechanized, with many companies relying on digital technologies such as one-way video interviews and AI-driven screening tools. These methods often leave applicants feeling alienated, as they face repeated rejections without ever interacting with a human being. A recent opinion piece in the Guardian highlighted these concerns, noting that young people in particular are experiencing a harsh jobseeking environment. The article cited Andy Burnham, the prime minister, who voiced his doubts about the widespread use of Zoom and Microsoft Teams interviews on a recent employment-focused podcast. Burnham questioned whether applicants could properly convey their personal qualities without a face-to-face meeting, and he criticized the lack of human interaction in the recruitment process.

While online interviews offer certain advantages, such as reducing travel costs and giving opportunities to applicants who cannot afford long journeys, Burnham's concerns point to a dangerous drift towards selection processes that undervalue the importance of in-person conversations. The one-way video interview, where applicants respond to prerecorded questions within fixed time limits, is particularly disorientating, as interviewees speak into a void without feedback or the ability to interpret body language. AI-driven sorting processes have also been criticized for their opacity and susceptibility to algorithmic bias. A lack of transparency in recruitment software programming means that an unlevel playing field may be suspected but difficult to prove. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission settled an age discrimination case where a failed applicant reapplied with only her age changed and miraculously passed to the next round, illustrating the potential for bias.

Traditional recruitment processes were not bias-free, and new technologies can be used to open up possibilities for applicants rather than simply screening them out. However, the convenience for businesses in relying on tech to do the work is adding insult to injuries already inflicted by an unforgiving labour market. A recent report from the Institute for Public Policy Research found that young people in England were increasingly losing faith in their futures. The Information Commissioner's Office has been tasked by parliament with producing a code of practice on AI and automated decision-making. In a recent report, it found that when companies claimed AI-generated hiring recommendations were subjected to human review, that was often only partially true, if at all. Applicants deserve better, and the use of digital technologies is already changing the face of the entry-level jobs market. Interviewees should be protected from the downsides of their growing dominance in the recruitment process.