Almost two-thirds of candidates for jobs at charities are using artificial intelligence when applying for roles, according to new research.
Published this week as part of CharityJob’s latest Perspectives on AI in Charity Sector Recruitment report, respondents said the technology’s growing use was making recruitment less fair and more competitive.
The report, which surveyed more than 3,200 charity jobseekers and recruiters in June 2025, also highlighted that there remains a strong preference for human decision‑making over AI assessment, particularly among younger candidates.
Most applicants using AI to help with cover letters
Some 90% of candidates said that they were familiar with AI and 64% said that they had used the technology to help them with the job application process, while 35% said they had not, and 1% said they didn’t know.
Respondents aged 25 to 34 were most likely to have used AI (69%), followed closely by those aged 35-49 (65%). Those aged 50 or above were the least likely to have used it.
Most respondents reported using AI to help them to create their cover letter, with more than half also saying they used it to help them with their interview preparation.
However, 84% of candidates agreed that they would prefer a recruiter to review their application rather than AI.
Despite many candidates using AI, 72% agreed that they were concerned about the future of the technology, with 69% agreeing that they found it harder for their job applications to stand out because of an increase in people using AI to tailor theirs.
When asked if they were likely to use AI in future to help with another job application process, only one in five said they were. Meanwhile, more than half said they would be unlikely to use it.
Use of AI in workplace
Candidates were asked if they used AI in their current role. Some 52% said they did, which is an increase from 40% who reported using it at work last year.
Those working in the charity sector were more likely to have used AI within their jobs (56%), compared with those working in the private sector (51%) and public sector (42%).
This marks a shift from last year, when the private sector led the way (45%), just ahead of the charity sector (43%), with the public sector much further behind at 26%.
Raya Wexler, co-founder of CharityJob, said: “AI can be a powerful tool in charity recruitment, but only if it’s used responsibly.
“Our research shows strong support for AI as a support tool – but not as a decision-maker. The sector has an opportunity now to set clear, ethical standards that protect fairness and ensure people remain at the heart of hiring.”
