While most candidates find value in technology, they are frustrated when it supersedes the human aspect of the process, according to a survey released today by Randstad US. Accordingly, 82% of respondents agreed they are often frustrated with an overly automated job search experience.

Respondents weighed in on the specific role technology should play during the job search process: Almost all respondents, 95%, agreed technology should be used to aid the recruitment experience, not replace it, and 87% of respondents agreed technology has made the job search process more impersonal.

The ideal candidate experience leverages innovative technology, but puts human interaction first, according to the report. Eighty-two percent of those surveyed agreed the ideal interaction with a company is one where innovative technologies are behind the scenes and second to personal, human interaction.

Additionally, human interaction drives positive impressions of potential employers. Beyond the overall job offer, the top two aspects of the respondents’ last job search that contributed to a positive impression of a potential employer centered on personal interaction. Respondents named “the degree of personal, human interaction during the process,” and “the recruiter/hiring manager I worked with,” as having most influenced their positive impression. 

“The findings reinforce what we’ve believed for quite some time, that successful talent acquisition lies at the intersection between technology and human touch,” said Randstad North America CEO Linda Galipeau. “By leveraging emerging technologies, we are able to deliver on our clients’ and candidates’ expectations in a predominately digital world, but with more freedom to focus on the human connection. If done correctly, the right combination of personal interaction with the power of today’s intelligent machines can create an experience that is inherently more human.”

Research findings are based on an OmniPulse survey fielded by national polling firm Research Now on behalf of Randstad US. The survey included 1,200 adult respondents was fielded between June 19 and June 23.