38% of HR Managers More Likely to Interview Candidates Who Use AI in Job Applications xD

Job seekers have long sought out ways to make the job search quicker, easier and more effective. Today, AI tools have become a go-to for applicants who want to alleviate the stress of resume and cover letter writing. It’s a trend that might be here to stay.

To find out what recruiters think about the use of these tools, Zety, a career service dedicated to resumes and cover letters, polled 500 HR managers about their opinions and experiences with job seekers using AI during the application and interview process.

The results found that 36% of HR managers believe most job seekers use artificial intelligence to enhance—or even create—their application materials. HR professionals feel applicants are using this technology across all areas of the application process, most often for:

• Resume writing (58%)
• Cover letter writing (52%)
• Filling out job applications (43%)
• Presentations and projects (38%)
• Skills testing (34%)
• Writing email correspondences (33%)

HR’s Opinion on AI Use

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, integrating artificial intelligence in the application process is gaining significant traction. According to Zety’s study, the majority of HR professionals approve of candidates leveraging AI for essential job search tasks, including:

• Resume creation (66%)
• Cover letter writing (66%)
• Applying to jobs (59%)

However, opinions on the ethics of using AI remain divided. While 58% of HR managers believe it’s ethical for candidates to utilize AI during their job search, 42% still consider it unethical.

Additionally, 62% of HR managers say their organizations actively work to identify AI-generated content in application materials, and 38% admit their companies don’t make such efforts. This highlights the differing policies and strategies businesses are adopting as they navigate working alongside AI tools.

AI’s Impact on the Interview Process

As AI technology continues to shape recruitment, its influence extends into the interview process, impacting how candidates are assessed and decisions are made. While AI offers significant opportunities, it also presents potential risks.

Key insights from HR professionals:

• 38% are more likely to interview candidates who use AI to enhance their applications.
• 36% say AI usage doesn’t affect their decisions, indicating a neutral stance.
• 26% are less likely to interview candidates who rely heavily on AI.

Concerns About AI in Skills Testing

Once a candidate lands the job interview, many companies will require a skills assessment, and 34% of HR managers believe job seekers use AI to complete these assessments. While there is general support for AI use in tasks like resume and cover letter writing, HR’s concerns intensify when considering AI's impact on skills testing:

• 38% of HR managers are somewhat concerned that AI will skew skills testing results.
• 33% of HR managers are highly concerned that AI will skew skills testing results.
• 29% of HR managers are not at all concerned that the use of AI will skew testing results.

While HR managers recognize the value that AI brings to the process of writing job application materials, organizations are focused on detecting AI-generated materials, especially when they are being used in skills testing. As AI evolves, both applicants and employers must navigate the use of these tools with transparency. While AI can enhance resume and cover letter writing efficiency, job seekers should strive to accurately represent their skills and experience to ensure they are a good fit for the role. 

For media inquiries, contact Skyler Acevedo, public relations specialist, at skyler.acevedo@bold.com.