The Rise of AI in Job Applications and Its Downsides

No one particularly enjoys writing job applications. Highlighting your work achievements and documenting your skill set can be laborious, leading many job candidates to turn to artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT for assistance.

While AI tools have made it easier to apply for jobs at scale, they have also flooded the job market with generic CVs, making it harder for employers to identify the right talent. This trend is causing applications to stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Recruiters are lamenting this technology, with many taking to LinkedIn recently to warn candidates that the human element is clearly missing from many applications. Sydney cybersecurity recruiter Simon Mooney, for instance, pointed out that overused words like "spearheaded" are red flags. He emphasizes that applications written personally show authenticity and are more engaging.

According to recruitment agency Hays, about 20% of job applications for advertised roles are clearly written by AI. Telltale signs include American spelling in Australian roles, generic terms without evidence, and a lack of detail on what the candidate brings to the role.

Matthew Dickason, head of Hays Asia Pacific, explains that this leads to a recruitment system gridlocked by volume, not value, causing frustration on both sides. AI applications come across as articulate but not authentic, and when jobseekers rely too heavily on AI, quality and legitimacy suffer.

In response, employers and recruitment firms are adding steps to the application process that can only be completed by humans, such as requesting video submissions. Dickason advises that while it's okay to use AI for help, candidates should personalize the content to ensure accuracy and relevance, highlighting human skills like collaboration and teamwork that employers value most.

He also notes that recruiters can use AI to detect if a CV was AI-generated, underscoring the importance of authenticity in job applications.