'Computer says no': Is digital recruitment failing candidates?

Many individuals will remember Matt Lucas' and David Walliams' popular comedy show Little Britain. For a while, catchphrases from the show became social currency in themselves, with many mimicking the characters.

One of the show's most memorable sketches centred around a deliberately obstructive receptionist, played by Walliams, who answered all questions put to her with 'computer says no'. A reply that offered no detail, no extras and no help to those who wanted more. For job candidates who engage in online job applications, it can often feel the same.

Whilst AI and automated online recruitment tools are helping those in hiring to quickly sift between applicants and accrue an organised database, for many jobseekers they just aren't benefitting in the same way recruiters are.

For example, some application forms ask candidates to upload a CV, and then, on a separate online form, ask them to fill in information such as their addresses, school or university attended. This additional information, required to be input separately, is often already included on the CV they provided.