AI’s influence on job hunting is altering the traditional hiring process, with employers facing a surge in AI-generated applications and concerns over its impact on job applications, interview decisions, and resume writing.
As AI tools like ChatGPT become more accessible, job seekers are increasingly relying on them throughout the job search process, from resume writing to interview prep.
But while these tools help candidates stand out, many employers are now overwhelmed by the ‘tsunami’ of AI-generated applications. On LinkedIn alone, the number of job applications has increased by more than 45% in the last year, with an average of 11,000 submitted every minute, a number that AI helps to fuel.
With this in mind, leading resume writing service TopResume.com conducted a survey to reveal how hiring managers truly feel about the use of AI in the hiring process, as well as on the boundaries that they are willing to set:
Twenty percent of hiring managers consider heavy reliance on AI in applications a red flag.
Over a third of hiring managers can spot AI-generated job applications in under 20 seconds.
One in five (19.6%) hiring managers would reject a candidate who used AI in resume or cover letter writing.
Over a third of hiring managers do not use AI at all in their recruitment process.
Only 19.2% of hiring managers use AI for resume screening – its most common function.
When it comes to demonstrating skills and experience, it seems that HR professionals prefer hearing from a person, rather than an algorithm.
14.5% of hiring managers say AI use in job applications is unacceptable
While candidates may view AI as a useful tool to navigate the job search, hiring managers, now flooded with AI-generated applications, strongly believe there are areas in the hiring process where AI use is completely unacceptable.
In fact, 57% of hiring managers say AI should never be used during interviews, 40.8% believe AI should not be used during skills assessments, while 30.3% draw the line at resume writing, and 25% say cover letters should remain AI-free. Perhaps most notably, 14.5% say AI has no place at any stage of the hiring process.
