Teen's Experience with AI Recruitment Feedback Raises Concerns

Jesse Dench, a 16-year-old applicant for a position at Woolworths, received an AI-generated personality insights report following his interview. The report, produced by Sapia AI, included both positive and negative assessments that Jesse and his mother, Louise Hinton-Dench, found to be presumptuous and inaccurate. Jesse, who is dyslexic, had sought assistance from his mother to prepare for the interview, which involved answering five generic questions about his experiences and adaptability.

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The AI report described Jesse as “self-sufficient” and noted his pride in customer service, but it also included criticisms that he might “struggle with distractions” and was “not one to try new things easily.” Hinton-Dench expressed frustration, stating, “It’s basically just giving you a bunch of unwanted feedback that you’ve never asked for.” She emphasized that her son is proactive and has experience in various jobs, including as a trained barista.

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Michael Whitbrock, a computer scientist, commented on the use of AI in recruitment, suggesting that the issues with the insights reports stem more from personality testing practices than from AI technology itself. He noted that Sapia AI utilizes the HEXACO model to analyze personality traits but expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such profiling. Whitbrock advocated for AI to focus on skills relevant to specific roles rather than personality assessments.

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In response to Jesse's experience, Woolworths acknowledged the situation and stated that candidates like Jesse, who are neurodiverse, can request alternatives to the AI-generated assessments. The company clarified that while AI is part of their recruitment process, it does not make final hiring decisions. Woolworths expressed regret over Jesse's experience and confirmed that they offer non-AI assessment options for those who need them.

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Hinton-Dench criticized the reliance on AI for evaluating young applicants, arguing that it is inappropriate to psychoanalyze teenagers based on limited interactions. She described the process as a rite of passage for many young people entering the workforce and highlighted the importance of human judgment in recruitment.

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At the time of publication, Jesse was awaiting a response regarding his application after submitting a physical copy of his CV to the local Woolworths manager. The incident has sparked discussions about the role of AI in recruitment and the need for more personalized approaches that consider individual circumstances and backgrounds.

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• “It’s basically just giving you a bunch of unwanted feedback that you’ve never asked for,” — Louise Hinton-Dench, Jesse's Mother

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• “I’m a solo mum, so there is only so much assistance I can give with his independence.” — Louise Hinton-Dench, Jesse's Mother

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• “While we use AI as part of our recruitment process for some roles, once we progress to video interview and beyond, AI is not making hiring decisions.” — Woolworths Statement

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• “He was unfamiliar with the specifics of Sapia AI but said there was “immense opportunity” to make unpleasant recruitment experiences more personalised and human by using AI effectively.” — Michael Whitbrock, Computer Scientist

The New Zealand Herald