AI interviews in biopharma hiring can backfire, survey finds
AI-led interviews are uncommon in biopharma but can leave candidates with a negative impression, according to a BioSpace survey. One applicant at Amgen said the AI misquoted their answers, while another felt the process was impersonal. Recruiting experts say AI is more often used for screening and scheduling than for conducting interviews.
The survey data indicates AI's role in hiring is largely administrative rather than conversational. Roughly one-third of employers use artificial intelligence for resume screening, while only about one in six deploy it for candidate interviews. Recruiting experts observe that biopharma companies typically reserve AI for sourcing, scheduling, and recording interactions, reserving human-led conversations for later stages.
The negative experiences reported by applicants highlight a reputational risk for employers. One candidate at Amgen described AI repeatedly misquoting their answers, while another felt the technology signaled indifference to their qualifications. Experts note that AI-led interviews appear most defensible for high-volume, lower-level roles, whereas senior positions—particularly those involving regulatory interaction or organizational leadership—demand human judgment that automated systems cannot replicate.
This story could shape how job seekers perceive employers who over-automate hiring, potentially discouraging top talent from pursuing roles at companies that rely heavily on AI interviews. Candidates may feel devalued when their qualifications are assessed by machines, which could harm employer branding in a competitive talent market. However, AI's efficiency benefits may outweigh drawbacks for high-volume recruiting, suggesting companies must balance speed with candidate experience to avoid alienating the skilled professionals they seek.