AI-generated CVs: a recruitment trend that's here to stay

With the huge surge in the use of AI in the recruitment sector (this article not being one of them!), a considerable area of concern is the generation of CVs using AI. We take a look at whether you can rely on what you read in a CV. 

AI is, undoubtably, brilliant at creating CVs from scratch and often provides a useful starting point from which a CV can be expanded and developed. However, empowering candidates to upload a job advert they intend to apply for, their LinkedIn profile and their existing CV to produce a CV tailored to that job spec that uses their data and information presents a real problem for businesses and hiring managers - how do you adapt your current recruitment methods to spot AI generated CVs?

CVs tend to follow a standard structure, with most adhering to a tried-and-tested format. Using AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with structuring a CV can significantly speed up what is often a time-consuming and daunting task.

Many candidates use ChatGPT to refine personal statements, reword achievements concisely, or enhance their overall presentation. However, the key is refinement - ensuring the CV authentically represents their skills, experience, and key accomplishments. This is especially crucial in property roles, where demonstrating real expertise is vital. The challenge arises when a CV appears entirely AI-generated, which can raise concerns about a candidate’s integrity and actual capabilities.

Around 60% of candidates have used generative-AI to help them build or boost their CV, and the number is increasing daily.  

So, whilst the use of AI in the early stages of drafting a CV is, in principle OK, there are undoubtedly some bigger challenges to be faced by businesses. 

How to spot an AI-generated CV

With AI evolving rapidly, identifying an entirely AI-generated CV is becoming more difficult. However, there are a few key red flags to watch out for:

1. Generic content

AI-generated CVs often use repetitive, overly polished phrases without real substance. Achievements may sound impressive but lack specific examples or meaningful context. Additionally, they often fail to reflect the candidate’s unique personality or experiences.

2. Unnatural or inconsistent language

One of the easiest giveaways is awkward sentence structure or inconsistent tone. AI tools sometimes overuse complex words or generate sentences that don’t flow naturally. You might also notice words used incorrectly, unusual context or U.S. spelling applied. 

3. Poor structure and logical flow

A well-crafted CV should guide the hiring manager through the candidate’s background logically. AI-generated content can sometimes jump between sections or present information in a way that feels disjointed, making it harder to follow.

What does this mean for businesses?

With more candidates using AI to enhance their CVs, companies hiring directly face new challenges. AI-assisted applications may lead to an increased number of candidates passing the initial screening stage, requiring more time and resources for the pre-screening stages. This can lengthen recruitment processes and increase the risk of losing strong candidates along the way. 

Skipping this step isn’t an option either - without proper screening, hiring managers could end up conducting more interviews than necessary, leading to interview fatigue and inefficiencies in the process and increases the risk of recruiting someone who isn't quite who they they appear to be on their CV. 

The importance of leveraging your recruiter's experience

These new challenghes highlight the value of working with a good recruitment agency, such as Carriera. Agencies have pre-screened talent pools built from long-term relationships, allowing them to identify top candidates quickly. 

Moreover, recruitment agencies conduct detailed pre-screening interviews, ensuring candidates possess the skills and experience they claim. This helps prevent hiring managers from wasting time on AI-enhanced applications that lack real substance.

In some cases, AI-generated CVs may even cause great candidates to undersell themselves. A skilled recruiter can spot hidden potential, ensuring strong candidates aren’t overlooked simply because their AI-assisted CVs don’t fully showcase their abilities.

A trend that's here to stay

AI generated CVs are here to stay, and they will only grow in adoption and sophistication. Upskilling recruitment teams on how to spot AI or ChatGPT generated CVs is the first step. Beyond that, looking at how you can adapt and evolve your recruitment processes including the technology such as AI content detectors to support screening is essential to staying ahead of the game.