Technology is powerful only to the extent that it does not trespass on human interaction, a recent study by worldwide HR service provider Randstad North America has found after querying workers about job search automation.

In an increasingly streamlined world, the HR sector is impacted by technological advances along with other industries — but not necessarily always for the better. Of Randstad’s survey respondents, 82 percent admitted to frustration with “overly automated” job search events.

Even more — 95 percent — agreed that technology should augment recruitment but not replace it; while 87 percent also agree that technology has rendered the procedure less personalized. The findings were perceived to be in alignment with previous anecdotal evidence relayed by Randstad’s own recruiting professionals.

"The findings reinforce what we've believed for quite some time, that successful talent acquisition lies at the intersection between technology and human touch," Randstad North America CEO Linda Galipeau said. “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."

Today’s jobseekers also have advanced their expectations of the candidate experience as a result of technology, often conveying feedback on process length and communication efficacy. Galipeau added that today’s employers will be evaluated not only for their company’s inherent qualifications, but also for that first experience they provide for potential colleagues.