With approximately half of all job seekers now leveraging artificial intelligence tools to craft résumés and applications, employers are grappling with an unprecedented surge in candidate volume, the Financial Times reported.

This AI-driven influx has more than doubled the number of applicants per position, creating a double-edged sword for recruiters and hiring managers. While AI assistance simplifies the application process for job seekers, it simultaneously raises concerns about the authenticity and quality of candidates, potentially prolonging job searches as recruiters struggle to navigate this new hiring landscape.

How AI Is Impacting The Job Application Process

In recent years, the proliferation of online job boards and “easy-apply” features has greatly increased the number of job applicants, and now the introduction of AI has added another layer of complexity to the situation.

Job applications are surging at a rate four times faster than job openings, according to Workday’s latest Global Workforce Report. While open requisitions grew by a modest 7%, applications skyrocketed by 31%, intensifying competition among job seekers.

To maintain a competitive edge, candidates are increasingly turning to AI tools. A majority of job seekers (82%) believe that their rivals for similar positions are likely using AI to enhance or overstate their job applications, a recent survey by Capterra, a software review and comparison platform, found. This perception is driving many candidates to adopt AI technologies in their job application strategies.

Research from Capterra’s 2024 Job Seeker AI Survey shows that 58% of applicants are utilizing AI tools to assist with their ongoing job search. The primary ways job seekers are utilizing this fast-emerging technology include writing or improving their résumés (40%), identifying suitable job openings (37%) and composing or enhancing their cover letters (33%).

Notably, candidates who incorporate AI into their job search process are able to submit, on average, nearly 50% more applications than those who don’t use AI assistance.

When survey participants were asked about key advantages to using AI in their job hunt, the two most frequently mentioned benefits were the ability to submit applications more quickly and the potential to present themselves as more attractive candidates to employers.

However, the integration of AI into the job search process has introduced a new set of ethical issues and potential pitfalls for both employers and candidates. Capterra’s survey revealed that a significant portion (83%) of job seekers are using AI in ways that could be considered deceptive or counterproductive.

Nearly a third (29%) of applicants have employed AI to complete test assignments or skills assessments, potentially masking their true capabilities. Similarly, more than a quarter (28%) have used AI to craft interview responses or to mass-apply to positions indiscriminately (26%).

These practices not only raise questions about the authenticity of applications, but also threaten to overwhelm recruiting systems, ultimately undermining the efficiency and integrity of the hiring process.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Although AI has emerged as a powerful job search tool, it’s not a silver bullet. For job seekers, the optimal approach is to leverage it as a foundation, using it to ease and enhance their application process. However, the human touch remains crucial. Candidates must personalize their applications with authentic examples of their experiences and unique qualifications to stand out in a crowded labor market.

While AI offers new opportunities, it’s essential to recognize that traditional methods haven’t lost their value. Networking and employee referral programs continue to be highly effective strategies for both employers and job seekers to make meaningful connections.

How Companies Can Improve The Situation

Companies could employ several strategies to cut down on the clutter of job seekers who use gimmicks to game the system to get their résumés noticed. Maintaining transparency about the hiring process and the qualities the company values in candidates can deter individuals who might otherwise attempt to exploit the system.

Organizations can adopt new screening techniques to detect AI-generated applications, while also utilizing AI to enhance their own hiring processes. Additionally, companies may incorporate video introductions in the initial application stage to confirm that a real person is behind the submission.

Moreover, employers should prioritize cultivating stronger connections with passive candidates by engaging in networking, utilizing employee referral programs and conducting targeted outreach. This approach can attract high-quality applicants who have a genuine interest in the position and the organization.