More complaints arise about Woolworths’ use of AI personality analysis in job interviews

More Woolworths job applicants have come forward with their own “laughable” experiences of being judged and seemingly rejected in interviews run by an AI that made “ridiculous assumptions” about them.  In one case, the AI told a 16-year-old boy his “self-belief” could “alienate” people.  This comes after the Herald reported on a Wellington teenager who applied to work at the supermarket chain and received “pretty stupid” comments from an AI interview about his personality and work style.  Some of the applicants say they were very qualified for roles they think the AI rejected them for, while others say Woolworths’ system is disproportionately disadvantaging young people.  Meanwhile, Woolworths said it has been using the AI tool since 2020 and its recruitment process was designed to be “fair and accessible”.  Steve Holt, 51, has tried to get a job at Woolworths for years but said he keeps getting seemingly rejected by the AI interview system.  Steve Holt, 51, has worked in warehouses and handled stock his whole career.  Despite that, he said he had been rejected in six Woolworths job applications, submitting his latest application in October.  Each time, he submitted an application online and was prompted to complete a written chat-style interview run through Sapia AI, an Australian-based AI hiring platform used by Woolworths.  He said his applications were never progressed and he never got to speak to a human being about the roles.  “It just makes these ridiculous assumptions without even meeting you ... no interview, no nothing.  “This is just a computer programme.”  Holt is a solo parent who homeschools his neurodivergent son while coping with his own health issues.  He is currently on a benefit and is looking for a part-time job.  Holt said he was an “affable” person who “was not an a***hole” and would have been capable of stacking shelves in a supermarket if it was not for the AI interview.  “I did not pass the AI bouncer,” he said.  Holt said he was “100%” certain he would have a much higher chance at getting hired by Woolworths if he was offered an in-person interview with a local manager.    Auckland mum Lucy Scott told the Herald she lodged a formal complaint with Woolworths after her 16-year-old son received feedback from AI that was “completely disconnected” from who he was.  Her son was told he prioritises “speed” over “accuracy”, his “self-belief” could “alienate” people, and he was “at risk of investing too much emotional energy in other people’s problems”.  “These statements directly contradict real-world feedback from previous employers,” she said.  Scott and her son live in a semi-rural area where job opportunities for young people are limited.  She described him as a “respectful” and “eager to learn” team player who had experience doing long, physically demanding shifts.  “This process feels like a barrier rather than a pathway, especially for entry-level roles that should be accessible to young people willing to work hard and learn.”  Woolworths uses an AI tool called Sapia AI to help assess applicants.  Suzanne, who did not want to share her last name, is a semi-retired woman who applied for two retail assistant jobs at Woolworths in February.  She told the Herald she had extensive customer service experience, including 20 years working for an airline.  She was rejected for both roles, which surprised her because she was “well overskilled” and “well overqualified” for them.  Suzanne said the AI interview feedback she received called her introverted, which she said was “laughable” because she was known to talk a lot.  AI also said Suzanne was resistant to change, too routine-driven and too laid-back.  “When you have done 20 years of flying and living out of a suitcase, I think you are reasonably flexible, so that’s completely inaccurate.”  At the en...

Go to News Site