AI-driven interviews risk alienating biotech and pharma job seekers, experts warn

AI interview tools are being introduced by biotech and pharma firms to speed up candidate screening, but they can create negative experiences for applicants.

Candidates described frustrations such as repeated incorrect answers and feeling the process was impersonal, with one applicant noting the AI repeated their answers incorrectly and another saying the use of a large language model made them feel the company didn't care about their qualifications.

A 2025 iHire report showed that about a third of employers already use AI somewhere in hiring, though the technology is not yet standard for biopharma interviews. Experts caution that poor implementation could damage employer brand and deter talent.

Recruiting specialists suggest keeping AI in a supportive role and ensuring human interaction remains central to preserve candidate engagement.