Love it or hate it, AI has become prevalent in job seeking and as a result, hiring managers and recruiters need to adapt their screening processes. When reviewing applications potentially created or enhanced by AI recruiters would do well to follow this advice...
AI's role in job applications
Candidates are increasingly using AI tools to:
• Optimise CVs for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Generate cover letters
• Prepare for interviews
• Enhance their job search strategies
While these tools can help candidates present themselves effectively, they also present new challenges for hiring teams.
Potential benefits of AI-enhanced applications
• More relevant applications: AI can help candidates better match their skills to job requirements
• Improved readability: AI-optimised CVs may be clearer and more concise
• Wider talent pool: AI job matching may bring in candidates you might have overlooked
Challenges to consider
• Authenticity concerns: How much of the application truly represents the candidate?
• Overreliance on keywords: Some candidates may stuff applications with AI-suggested keywords
• Uniformity: AI could lead to less diverse and creative applications
• Skill inflation: AI might help candidates present skills they don't fully possess
To assess AI-enhanced applications fairly:
Look beyond keywords:
• Focus on specific examples and achievements
• Seek unique insights about the company or role
Implement varied assessment methods:
• Use skills tests or job-specific assignments
• Conduct thorough interviews to verify skills and experiences
Value soft skills and cultural fit:
• These are harder for AI to fake or enhance
• Look for genuine personality and communication skills in interviews
Be aware of AI-generated language:
• Watch for overly generic or fluffy statements
• Ask candidates to elaborate on specific points in their application
• Train your team to recognise AI-enhanced content
AI is now a regular feature of the recruitment landscape. By understanding its role and maintaining your focus on genuine skills, cultural fit and human connection, AI could/should be an enhancement rather than a degradation of the hiring process.
Always remember! The goal is to find the best person for the job, not the best AI-enhanced application!
If you're looking to hire and feeling unsure about where to start, we're here to assist you every step of the way - from determining competitive salary ranges and writing compelling job postings that attract top talent to conducting interviews that identify the best candidates for your team.
The Aspire Jobs team are real humans and believe strongly that the human touch is an essential part of successful hiring and talent acquisition.