About 30% of major Japanese companies using AI for recruiting, poll says
About 30% of major Japanese companies have introduced or plan to introduce artificial intelligence in their employee recruitment activities, according to a survey by Jiji Press.
Of the 100 major companies surveyed, eight said that they will use AI to recruit students who will graduate in spring 2026, while 21 companies said they have already introduced AI.
The results show that companies are looking to AI to increase the efficiency of recruitment efforts as competition for human resources heats up.
Food and beverage maker Kirin Holdings has begun using "AI interviews" for the first round of interviews to recruit students graduating next spring. In such interviews, AI interviewers and students interact online.
AI interviews are "aimed at eliminating personal biases and achieving accurate and appropriate evaluations," the company said.
Fujitsu began using AI several years ago to help screen paperwork, such as checking documents for plagiarism.
Meanwhile, 56 companies said they have no plans to introduce AI. Restaurant chain operator Zensho Holdings said that it is "important to assess (applicants) through direct communication," while Nippon Paper Industries said that there is "insufficient verification of the information collection capability and accuracy of AI."
Also in the survey, 78 companies said they will not set restrictions on the use of generative AI by job applicants.
"If they can use AI well to cover areas where they are not good at, it would be useful in business," electronics and machinery maker Toshiba said.
Four companies said they will impose restrictions on AI use, with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance saying it is warning applicants against using the technology as the company may not be able to properly evaluate the skills and abilities it is looking for.
Several firms including textile maker Toray Industries said that the widespread use of generative AI has led to an increase in similar application documents, increasing the burden on those in charge of evaluating them.
The survey sent out questionnaires in mid-February and received responses by mid-March.
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