‘Where’s the humanity?’ Why job seekers say hiring is ‘broken’

Key Points:

• Job seekers like Todd Hendricks face a challenging hiring process in 2026, complicated by fierce competition, increased use of AI in recruitment, and a lack of trust in employers amid a slow job market and significant tech industry layoffs.
• The volume of applications per job has surged, with recruiters overwhelmed by hundreds of resumes, leading to many candidates not receiving responses and applying to even more jobs, creating a frustrating cycle.
• AI tools are widely used by recruiters and applicants alike, but heavy reliance on automated systems and applicant tracking software can result in qualified candidates being overlooked due to minor errors or lack of human review.
• Many job postings are “ghost jobs” that may never lead to real hires, causing confusion and mistrust among applicants who struggle to discern whether roles are genuine or merely used to build talent pipelines.
• Job seekers increasingly doubt the accuracy of job descriptions and face numerous scams in the hiring process, emphasizing the need for careful vetting of opportunities and trusting one’s instincts to avoid fraudulent offers.