Hiring Benchmarks 2026: When AI Efficiency Hurts Candidate Experience

In this episode, we examine the 2026 State of Global Hiring Benchmarks Report by Starred, which analysed more than 2.5 million hiring data points to uncover a growing disconnect in recruitment. While Hiring Manager NPS is at record highs, thanks to improved internal processes and AI-driven efficiency, candidate satisfaction is stagnating. Nearly 70% of rejections now happen at the application stage, often without any human interaction, leaving many candidates frustrated and damaging employer brands. We explore why the best hiring teams are shifting focus from pure speed to quality of hire, transparency and clear communication, ensuring that automation supports, rather than replaces, human ownership of the hiring process. Tune in to learn how leading organisations are reducing friction while protecting candidate trust in an increasingly automated recruitment landscape.