“12,000 Applicants, 0 Hires: When AI Meets a Broken Hiring Process”

12,000 Applicants. 450 Interviews. 0 Hires: A Tech Hiring Crisis in the Age of AI?

In a surprising twist that’s sparking debate across the tech community, a leading tech firm opened 3 junior developer positions—offering salaries up to ₹20 LPA—only to walk away without a single hire.

From 12,000 applications to 450 interviews, the hiring pipeline collapsed. Why? The answer appears to lie in the overuse—and misuse—of AI tools like ChatGPT during coding assessments.

Despite allowing the use of AI, candidates faltered when asked to explain their code or discuss time/space complexity. Recruiters flagged widespread “vibe coding,” where applicants pasted AI-generated answers without comprehension—undermining the intent of the evaluation process.

💡 Key Concerns Raised:

• Are we witnessing a gap between AI-assisted output and genuine coding capability?

• Is the current recruitment model scalable—or broken?

• How do hiring teams balance innovation with authenticity?

The incident, originally shared via Reddit, has triggered a deeper discussion:
👉 Should AI be allowed in coding rounds?
👉 Are companies focusing too much on screening volume and not enough on process quality?
👉 Is the over-reliance on resume filters hurting talent visibility?

As the tech landscape evolves, so must our hiring strategies. This case offers a strong reminder: Tools can assist talent—but they can’t replace it.