The problem of AI abuse in writing job applications in the UK

Candidates are increasingly turning to generative AI (the kind used in chatbot products like ChatGPT and Gemini) to generate text snippets to help write CVs and job applications.

According to estimates from recruiters and employers interviewed by the Financial Times, as well as numerous published surveys, this figure could be as high as 50% of applicants.

Recruiters are facing a huge volume of CVs from AI-powered candidates. Photo: FT montage

“Candidates can copy and paste any application question into ChatGPT, which can then be copied and pasted back into the application form,” said Khyati Sundaram, CEO of recruitment platform Applied.

According to a survey of 2,500 UK employees by HR startup Beamery, around 46% of job seekers are using generative AI to search for and apply for positions. In a separate poll of 5,000 global job seekers by creative platform Canva, 45% used AI to create or edit their CV.

“The use of AI is increasing,” said Andy Heyes, regional managing director of UK-based tech recruitment firm Harvey Nash. “There are obvious signs like American grammar and stereotyped job applications that show candidates are using AI.”

“If not edited properly, the language can become awkward and generic, and hiring managers can spot this,” says Victoria McLean, managing director of career consultancy CityCV. “Whereas CVs need to showcase the candidate’s personality, passions and story, and that’s something AI can’t do.”

Many major employers have taken a zero-tolerance stance on the use of AI. The Big Four accounting firms – Deloitte, EY, PwC and KPMG – have warned graduates against using AI to write their job applications.

In a recent survey of 1,500 job-seeking students, consulting firm Neurosight found that 57% used ChatGPT to help write their job applications.

Many employers hope that if a candidate cheats or lies during the hiring process, the in-person or online interview will eventually catch them out.

“Candidates are getting pretty lazy about how they stand out in the job market, so they’re turning to AI to create or exaggerate their actual experience,” said Ross Crook, global managing director at recruitment firm Morgan McKinley.

Hoai Phuong (according to FT)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/van-nan-lam-dung-ai-lam-ho-so-xin-viec-o-vuong-quoc-anh-post307652.html