When Recruiters Don’t Read CVs: The Psychology of Wasted Interviews

 

In today’s digital hiring system, most recruiters don’t read your CV — they scan it. Algorithms and keyword filters decide who gets shortlisted, not human judgment. Unfortunately, this leads to many professionals being called for interviews without real intent to evaluate their skills.


When a recruiter hasn’t studied your profile properly, the interview often feels like a waste of time. They repeat what’s already on your CV, show little emotional engagement, and leave you questioning your worth. Psychologically, this can trigger feelings of rejection, even when the issue lies in the system — not in you.


As a clinical psychologist, I see this as a symptom of automation over empathy. Recruitment is supposed to be a human process, yet it has become mechanical. The result? Candidates face emotional exhaustion and self-doubt after robotic interviews.


Remember: a careless evaluation doesn’t define your competence. It only reveals the gap between technology and human understanding in modern workplaces.


Keywords:

ATS recruitment, keyword scanning, job interview stress, hiring psychology, recruiter behavior, work stress, HR psychology

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