A new survey reveals that artificial intelligence is now the leading cause of stress for recruiters, marking a first in the study’s 19-year history. The report by hiring firm Employ shows that 33% of recruiters identified AI-polished resumes as their primary stressor, surpassing concerns about a lack of qualified candidates.

AI’s Role in Recruitment

Based on responses from over 1,200 U.S.-based HR professionals, the study highlights AI’s complex impact on recruitment. While 68% of recruiters use AI alongside other tools, and 66% find it helpful, only 18% report a significant shift from administrative tasks to higher-value work.

This is further illustrated by the fact that 43% of hiring teams aim to improve candidate quality, yet 30% struggle to identify and prioritize qualified candidates. The technology, though beneficial, falls short of fully meeting HR professionals’ needs. Satisfaction with primary recruitment systems has dropped to 69%, down from 82% in 2025.

Human Oversight in AI-Driven Hiring

As AI integrates into recruitment, concerns grow about its potential to overlook candidates with “hidden talent.” Jacqueline Grant, CEO of The Management Academy, stresses that HR teams must take responsibility for AI-produced results and make final hiring decisions.

Recruitment has historically faced challenges during economic shifts, requiring quick adaptation. With easing market pressures, recruiters can now evaluate their processes and technology investments. Employ CEO Jerry Jao notes that this evaluation is essential for understanding AI tools’ effectiveness.

Recruitment Trends and Stressors

Despite AI’s growing presence, the survey shows a slight decrease in recruitment stress levels. 36% of respondents find recruiting more stressful than a year ago, down from 45% in 2025 and 54% in 2024. This reduction is attributed to AI-powered technology and better candidate expectation management.

Looking ahead, 74% of respondents expect increased hiring activity, with 60% planning to expand their teams in the next 12 months. However, recruiting budgets are tightening; only 51% anticipate budget increases, compared to 67% in 2025. As recruitment changes, HR professionals must balance AI integration with human oversight, ensuring a thoughtful approach to hiring decisions.