University of Chicago: 78% of Candidates Prefer Being Interviewed by AI

AI interviews are often considered controversial. Many people associate them with a lack of human interaction or reduced trust.

However, a recent U.S. study shows a completely different picture:
The majority of candidates prefer AI interviews—when given the choice.

So what’s behind this?

Study from the U.S.: 78% Choose AI Interviews Voluntarily

A large-scale field experiment by the University of Chicago (Chicago Booth) examined the use of AI interviews in real hiring processes.

Sample: around 70,000 applicants
Setting: real job applications, not a survey
Comparison: AI interviews vs. human interviews

👉 Key result: 78% of candidates actively chose AI interviews instead of speaking with a recruiter.

Why AI Interviews Are Well Received by Candidates

The study clearly shows: AI interviews are not chosen randomly—they offer concrete advantages.

1. AI Interviews Reduce Stress in the Hiring Process

Many candidates perceive traditional interviews as stressful.

AI interviews, on the other hand, are perceived as:

less intimidating
less judgmental
more relaxed

👉 This leads to a better candidate experience—especially for younger or international talent.

2. More Fairness Through Structured AI Interviews

A key advantage of AI interviews:

identical questions for all candidates
consistent evaluation
fewer subjective influences

👉 As a result, many candidates perceive AI interviews as fairer than human interviews.

3. Flexibility and Control for Candidates

AI interviews often offer:

flexible scheduling
clearly defined processes
standardized workflows

👉 Candidates have more control over their interview situation.

AI Interviews Also Improve Hiring Outcomes

In addition to high acceptance, the data also shows clear performance benefits:

more job offers
higher acceptance rates
better employee retention

Further context

👉 This means: AI interviews are not only popular—they also deliver better results.

AI Interviews vs. Traditional Interviews: What’s Changing

Many discussions about AI interviews are based on surveys, which often show skepticism.

However, the study makes one thing clear:

👉 What people say differs from what they actually do.

In surveys: skepticism toward AI interviews
In practice: clear preference for AI interviews

The Key Success Factor: Experience

AI interviews are accepted when they are well designed.

Important factors include:

transparency in the process
clear structure
perceived fairness
ease of use

👉 Technology alone is not enough—
what matters is the user experience of AI interviews.

Conclusion: AI Interviews Are Already Accepted in Practice

Key takeaways from the study:

78% of candidates voluntarily choose AI interviews
AI interviews are perceived as fairer and less stressful
Companies benefit from better hiring outcomes

👉 AI interviews are not just a trend—they are becoming a new standard in recruiting.

AI Interviews at lizzyAI

At lizzyAI, this is exactly where we focus:

structured AI interviews
fair and transparent processes
better candidate experience

👉 Our goal:To design AI interviews that candidates not only accept—but actively prefer.