A highly qualified graduate is expressing concerns that Artificial Intelligence (AI) screening tools are blocking her path to employment, despite a strong academic record and extensive experience.

Frustration with Automated Systems

Karyna Lohvynenko, a recent graduate, has applied for over 400 jobs and received only five interview opportunities. She feels “ghosted” by the automated systems used in the recruitment process.

Impressive Background Overlooked

Karyna’s credentials include being a student ambassador at the United Nations and graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a degree in business and management. She also received scholarships from six US universities before her education was disrupted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Extensive Professional Experience

Beyond her academic achievements, Karyna has held positions with the office of Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelensky, represented Ukraine on a national youth council, and worked with British and American councils, as well as the King’s Trust.

The Problem of Keyword Matching

Karyna suspects that AI algorithms are filtering out her applications because her CV lacks the precise keywords the systems are programmed to identify. The high volume of applicants – with over 150 applying for a single barista position – exacerbates this issue, leading employers to rely heavily on automated screening.

Impersonal AI Interviews

Even when she secures an interview, it’s often conducted by an AI interviewer or chatbot. Karyna found this process impersonal and limiting. During one interview, the AI abruptly moved to the next question after a brief pause, preventing her from fully elaborating on her experience.

Concerns About Algorithmic Bias

Karyna believes these AI-driven assessments fail to capture her personality and potential, as a human recruiter never reviews the recorded interviews. She feels “invisible” and disillusioned with the recruitment process, now anticipating rejection.

Despite advice to target smaller firms, she believes these positions often favor interns or candidates with existing connections. Karyna questions the fairness of a system where applicants are essentially communicating with a “wall” and tailoring responses to appease AI algorithms.

She acknowledges the practical benefits of AI for employers but argues that it disadvantages job seekers, creating a frustrating and dehumanizing experience. Karyna’s dream is to work in government, potentially even returning to Ukraine one day, but faces the immediate challenge of securing her first full-time role.