Artificial intelligence is playing a bigger role in the hiring process, from resume screening and candidate sourcing to video interviews. While AI can help employers improve efficiency and speed up hiring, AgHires latest Job Seeker Survey of over 1,200 industry professionals reveals candidates still want a hiring experience that feels personal and human.
As employers evaluate how and where to incorporate AI into recruiting, it's important to understand candidates’ perceptions. The message from agriculture professionals is clear: they are open to technology, but they don't want it to replace human interaction.
When asked how they would feel about completing a video interview conducted by AI instead of a person, candidates were divided:
These results suggest that while some candidates are comfortable with AI in the hiring process, many still have concerns about replacing human interaction with technology.
That uncertainty becomes even more apparent when candidates were asked whether they would still be interested in a job if AI conducted the first interview:
While only 14% said they would no longer be interested in the opportunity, an equal percentage indicated they were unsure. In fact, only 43% said they would definitely remain interested.
For employers, this signals that using AI in the hiring process is unlikely to automatically deter most candidates, but it may create hesitation for many. How AI is implemented, and how quickly candidates can connect with a real person afterward, may influence whether they continue through the hiring process.
One of the more interesting findings from the survey was how comfort levels with AI change across age groups.
The percentage of candidates who reported being comfortable with AI in the hiring process was:
While comfort generally trends upward among mid-career professionals, the differences are smaller than many employers might expect. Younger candidates, despite growing up with technology, are not automatically more trusting of AI-driven hiring processes.
This suggests familiarity with technology does not always translate into confidence in AI making hiring decisions. Candidates want assurance that their experience, qualifications, and potential are being evaluated fairly by people, not solely by algorithms.
The agriculture industry continues to face significant hiring challenges, making efficiency more important than ever. AI can certainly help recruiters and hiring managers save time by automating administrative tasks and improving workflows.
The key is using AI to enhance the hiring process rather than replace the human elements candidates value most.
Consider using AI for:
At the same time, maintain human involvement in:
If your organization uses AI during the recruitment process, transparency can help build trust. Let candidates know how AI is being used and what they can expect throughout the process.
Clear communication helps reduce uncertainty and reassures candidates that technology is supporting the process, not replacing human judgment.
The future of hiring will almost certainly include more AI. But according to agriculture candidates, successful hiring isn't about choosing between technology and people. It's about finding the right balance between the two.
AI can improve efficiency, consistency, and speed. Human interaction builds trust, strengthens your employer brand, and helps candidates feel valued throughout the process.
For agriculture employers looking to attract top talent, the most effective approach may be one that combines the best of both: leveraging technology where it adds value and efficiency, while keeping the hiring experience personal, transparent, and human-centered.
For more insights on the agriculture workforce, check out the full survey report.
At AgHires, we stay closely connected to the agriculture workforce through our recruiting and executive search efforts, industry research, and conversations with candidates every day. If you're looking to modernize your hiring process while maintaining the human connection that candidates value, our team can help. Learn more about how we can support your next professional or executive search.