The Journal. Is an Algorithm Blocking Your Job Search? One Man Is Trying to Find Out.
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Aug 14, 2025 Derek Mobley, a determined job seeker who faced over 100 rejections after losing his IT job, is suing Workday for allegedly discriminating against him through its hiring algorithm. He shares the emotional toll of automated rejections and the frustration of navigating modern application processes. The discussion sheds light on the complexities of proving algorithmic bias, especially concerning age and race. With insights from WSJ’s Lauren Weber, the conversation raises crucial questions about the fairness of AI in recruitment and its broader implications for job seekers.
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Long, Demoralizing Job Hunt
- Derek Mobley was laid off from an IT job and applied to over 150 roles with almost no callbacks.
- He described the period as demoralizing and emotionally and financially stressful.
Late-Night Rejection Email Sparked Suspicion
- Derek noticed odd automated emails at 1:30 a.m. and suspected bots were reviewing applications.
- That moment led him to question whether algorithms were blocking his job prospects.
Keyword Matching Drives Early Screening
- Recruiting algorithms often use keyword matches to score and sort applicants against job descriptions.
- These systems prioritize textual fit over holistic candidate evaluation.