AI Is Reshaping Job Applications — Unfortunately They All Look The Same

The evolving landscape of job applications: As the job market becomes more competitive, applicants are turning to new technologies, including generative AI and digital design tools, to create standout CVs and cover letters.

• The UK job market has seen a decrease in vacancies, leading job seekers to explore innovative methods to distinguish themselves from other applicants.
• Advanced technologies have made it easier to create sophisticated CVs and cover letters, moving away from traditional plain text formats.
• However, this trend has led to a “sea of sameness” in job applications, with many CVs and cover letters following similar templates and lacking individuality.

The double-edged sword of digital tools: While digital platforms offer opportunities for creativity, they also present challenges in maintaining uniqueness and authenticity in job applications.

• Many applicants use preset CV templates provided by software providers, resulting in visually similar applications.
• Some job seekers are experimenting with new formats, such as adding animations to CVs or producing video applications, to stand out.
• Govind Balakrishnan of Adobe Express warns that while creativity can be beneficial, applicants should be cautious not to appear gimmicky, which could backfire.

Trends in visual communication: There is a growing emphasis on visual elements in job applications, with digital tools enabling applicants to create visually compelling presentations without specialized design skills.

• Canva, a design platform, reported that over 900 million users created CVs on their platform last year.
• A survey of hiring managers found that 39% considered excessive text in CVs to be their biggest grievance.
• There’s a trend towards linking additional information or attaching separate work portfolios, keeping the main CV concise and visually appealing.

The impact of generative AI: The use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini has become prevalent in job application processes, offering both benefits and drawbacks.

• Nearly 45% of jobseekers have used generative AI to build, update, or improve their CVs, often with positive results.
• AI chatbots can generate cover letters and responses to job-specific questions based on input from job descriptions and personal CVs.
• However, the use of AI has led to issues of plagiarism and repetitive content across multiple applications, resulting in swift rejections by employers.

Challenges for employers: The widespread use of AI in job applications has created new challenges for employers in the hiring process.

• Some employers are overwhelmed by the high volume of AI-generated submissions.
• Companies like Neurosight are working on creating pre-hire assessments and advising on eliminating bias in tests to address concerns about applicants using AI to present inauthentic versions of themselves.
• There’s growing anxiety among employers about the potential for bad hires due to AI-generated applications that may not accurately represent candidates.

Best practices for applicants: Experts advise on striking a balance between utilizing technology and maintaining authenticity in job applications.

• Nicky Hutchinson, an employability consultant, suggests using AI as a tool for generating potential interview questions or structuring applications, rather than relying on it entirely.
• Applicants are encouraged to inject their personality into AI-generated content to avoid generic and bland results.
• When enhancing the visual appeal of CVs, it’s crucial not to compromise on content quality or space for important information.

Looking ahead: The future of job applications: As technology continues to evolve, both applicants and employers will need to adapt to new norms in the job application process.

• The use of AI and digital tools in job applications is likely to become more sophisticated, requiring applicants to be more strategic in their approach.
• Employers may need to develop more advanced screening methods to effectively evaluate AI-enhanced applications.
• The balance between technological assistance and personal authenticity will remain a key challenge in the job market, driving innovation in both application and recruitment processes.