Artificial intelligence is not just changing how tech companies build products; it is now fundamentally reshaping how new graduates enter the workforce. A new research questionnaire commissioned by St Thomas University reveals that AI-driven recruitment systems are increasingly influencing whether early-career tech job seekers ever reach a human reviewer, as application volumes surge, ghost jobs rise, and recruiters adopt automated screening tools at scale. For a generation entering the industry at the precise moment AI disrupts hiring models, these shifts are redefining access to entry-level workforces, mental health impacts, and long-term career confidence.
The study, which surveyed 450 early-career US tech workers and 170 tech hiring professionals, found that job seekers applied to an average of 25 roles before securing their first job. Nearly one in five respondents had to submit more than 50 applications, while only 21% of applications resulted in direct human interviews. Nearly three in four believed AI resume filters blocked their applications from being seen, and 78% encountered ‘ghost jobs’, listings that were outdated, fake or never responded to. Another 75% felt certain employers kept postings open merely to collect resumes. Over the past three months, job seekers applied to an average of 16 positions and spent around five hours per week on job searches.
Education remains meaningful for talent, with 57% not regretting pursuing a tech degree and 40% saying their education prepared them for today’s AI-aligned job demands. Over three in five respondents still believe tech remains a viable long-term path. However, uncertainty is driving behavioural change: 36% have considered graduate school due to job search challenges, over half have considered shifting industries, and one in four are already applying outside tech. The job market is taking a psychological toll, with 46% saying the experience has harmed their mental health and two in five reporting reduced self-worth. Finance, media, consulting and healthcare remain the most preferred alternative sectors.
On the employer side, AI adoption is widespread. Nearly half of hiring professionals now use AI to screen resumes, while 28% rely on it to schedule interviews or assess candidates through testing methods. Other uses include chatbots, ranking tools and video interview analytics. While only 18% require candidates to have AI-specific skills, 53% of employers have not changed minimum experience requirements. Nearly two in five expect entry-level hiring to increase in the next year, and 58% say their organisations do not post ghost listings.The future of entry-level tech roles remains uncertain, with 42% of employers expecting recovery after the initial AI disruption, while 34% believe these roles are gradually disappearing. An additional 42% believe AI could eliminate most entry-level white-collar jobs within five years.
The findings reinforce that while tech remains a viable career path, entry-level access will increasingly depend on fair AI systems, strengthened employability support, and clearer hiring signals that prevent wasted effort and protect early-career talent inclusion.