[Job Change × AI Survey] 87% Withdraw from Selection Due to AI Responses: The Challenge of 'Silent Ghosting' in Hiring Processes

LANY Inc. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Keita Takeuchi), a digital marketing support company, conducted a survey on the actual state of AI usage among job seekers through its think tank, 'LANY LLMO LAB'.

The survey targeted 111 individuals aged 25-45 who had used conversational generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to research specific companies during job hunting within the past year. The results and analysis regarding the impact of AI usage in the hiring process were announced on June 4, 2026.

1. Survey Highlights

01 | Approximately 90% of users who researched company information using conversational generative AI during job hunting have experienced 'withdrawing applications or declining selection' triggered by AI information.

02 | The most common trigger for withdrawal was 'unfavorable evaluation compared to other companies' at 69.1%, followed by 'citation of negative reviews' at over 40%.

03 | 91.5% of respondents have felt that AI-provided company information was 'not factual or accurate'.

Related article published by LANY LLMO LAB:

URL: https://www.lany.co.jp/lany-llmo-lab/job-candidate-ghosting

2. Analyst Comments

This survey reveals a change where 'conversational AI' is beginning to act as a new filter between company-provided information and job seekers in the information gathering process.

In reality, while job seekers verify AI information themselves, they are significantly influenced in their decision-making, often withdrawing before applying due to concerns about perceived risks.

Understanding how one's company is mentioned by AI and implementing LLMO (AI Search Optimization) to comprehensively optimize all web-based information sources will be a crucial step in future recruitment strategies.

*LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization): An optimization method to ensure that AI, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, correctly reflects company information when generating responses.

■ Analyst Profile

Keita Takeuchi, Representative Director of LANY Inc. / Head of LANY LLMO LAB

Promoted SEO for TownWork and BtoB marketing for AirWork at Recruit. Experienced in a wide range of areas including advertising operations and CRM.

Particularly strong in SEO for large-scale sites and BtoB marketing. Also leads LANY's own BtoB marketing, driving business growth using YouTube and offline strategies.

3. Survey Results (Data and Analysis)

[Survey Overview]

Survey Name: Survey on the Actual State of 'Silent Ghosting' Caused by AI in the Hiring Process

Survey Method: Internet survey planned by 'Lisapy®', a research marketing service provided by IDEATECH

Survey Period: April 1, 2026 - April 3, 2026

Valid Responses: 111 individuals aged 25-45 who have conducted job hunting within the past year and used conversational generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, etc.) to research specific companies during that process.

*Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not always equal 100%.

[Usage Conditions]

1. Clearly state 'LANY Inc.' as the information source.
2. When using on a website, include the following link as the source.

URL: https://www.lany.co.jp/lany-llmo-lab/job-candidate-ghosting

1) Timing of Using AI for Company Research: 'After receiving a scout email or offer' tops at 53.2%

When asked 'Q1. At what timing did you use conversational generative AI to research company information during your job hunting? (Multiple answers allowed)' (n=111), the responses were: 'After receiving a scout email or offer' 53.2%, 'When I was unsure whether to apply' 40.5%, 'Before an interview' 38.7%.

After receiving a scout email or offer: 53.2%
When I was unsure whether to apply: 40.5%
Before an interview: 38.7%
Immediately after finding a job listing: 37.8%
After an interview (when deciding whether to continue the selection process): 20.7%
When comparing multiple companies: 15.3%
After receiving a job offer (when deciding whether to accept): 12.6%
Other: 0.0%
Don't know / Can't answer: 0.9%

2) Over 90% Have Seen Negative Information About Companies When Using AI

When asked 'Q2. Have you ever encountered information that gave you a negative impression of a company (content that causes concern or a negative image) when asking a conversational generative AI about a company?' (n=111), 92.8% answered 'Yes', and 7.2% answered 'No'.

Yes: 92.8%
No: 7.2%
Don't know / Can't answer: 0.0%

3) Most Common Negative Information Seen: 'Overtime is heavy / Poor work-life balance' at 63.1%

When asked 'Q3. For those who answered 'Yes' in Q2, what kind of negative information did you see? (Multiple answers allowed)' (n=103), the responses were: 'Information that overtime is heavy / work-life balance is poor' 63.1%, 'Negative information about company culture or workplace relationships' 35.9%, 'Information that salary levels are low / compensation is not good' 30.1%.

Information that overtime is heavy / work-life balance is poor: 63.1%
Negative information about company culture or workplace relationships: 35.9%
Information that salary levels are low / compensation is not good: 30.1%
Information that turnover rate is high / personnel changes are frequent: 27.2%
Concerns about business future or management stability: 18.4%
Information was abstract and lacked substance, failing to convey the company's reality: 17.5%
Evaluation that the company is inferior compared to others: 15.5%
Information that seemed questionable or not factual: 6.8%
Other: 0.0%
Don't know / Can't answer: 0.0%

4) Approximately 90% Have Withdrawn Applications or Declined Selection Due to AI Information

When asked 'Q4. Have you ever withdrawn an application or declined a selection process triggered by company information you found using conversational generative AI?' (n=111), 87.4% answered 'Yes', and 12.6% answered 'No'.

Yes: 87.4%
No: 12.6%
Don't know / Can't answer: 0.0%

5) Triggers for Withdrawal: 'Unfavorable evaluation compared to other companies' tops at 69.1%, 'Citation of negative reviews' also around 40%

When asked 'Q5. For those who answered 'Yes' in Q4, please tell us the characteristics of the AI information that triggered your withdrawal of application or decline of selection. (Multiple answers allowed)' (n=97), the responses were: 'It gave an unfavorable evaluation compared to other companies' 69.1%, 'It cited negative reviews or voices of former employees' 40.2%, 'It contained negative information about the company's reputation or image' 35.1%.