AI job application rise risks employing incapable staff, boss warns

One business owner stated that the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in job applications may lead employers to hire candidates who are not qualified for the job. This phenomenon raises concerns about the authenticity of applicants' abilities and questions the fairness of the hiring process. Further investigation into the ethical implications of AI in recruitment is needed.

James Robinson, owner of an advertising company, said that he and other business leaders have noticed a "clear trend" of job seekers using generative AI chatbots. He warned that applicants skilled in using AI technology may "engineer" the hiring process but are actually "not up to the job." Career consultant Megan Cooper also pointed out that while AI can be a useful tool for job seekers, it should never replace "human judgment." The integration of AI should be approached with caution to avoid misrepresentation.

A recent UK survey of more than 2,000 job seekers found that slightly less than half used AI to assist in the job search process. Mr. Robinson, who runs Hello Starling, an advertising company in Cardiff, said that the company receives job applications filled with AI-generated sentences. He cited common phrases often found in cover letters, such as "leverage their skillset" and "my skills align with your organisation's objectives and goals." The standardization of language raises questions about genuine interest and unique qualifications.

Mr. Robinson shared his experience of receiving AI-generated job applications on LinkedIn, and the responses from other business leaders "really surprised" him. Many indicated that they were facing the same problem and asked, "How do we distinguish between a real person and a robot? Do we need to use AI to combat this phenomenon and take the initiative?" Mr. Robinson believes that this in itself is a real challenge, and he is not alone in facing it. Collaborative efforts may be required to address this widespread issue.

Megan Cooper, a career consultant at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said she is working to guide students on the ethical norms of using AI in the job search process. She emphasized that AI can be used as a tool and aid, playing a complementary role, but should never replace human judgment. She also noted that in many cases, students use AI because they believe employers expect applicants to understand and confidently use generative AI. Students do not want to be seen as cheating or making mistakes. Therefore, the university encourages students to understand when it is appropriate to use AI, such as during the research phase of the application process, or to ask AI for feedback or help build a resume. Clear guidelines are essential to navigate the appropriate use of AI.

Student Jasmine James believes that using AI is too risky and may involve issues such as plagiarism, so she avoids using AI in university assignments. Student Jacob Morgan, on the other hand, believes that AI is a very useful tool, and he often uses AI instead of Google for searches because AI can provide better results. He believes that AI technology will continue to develop and get better and better. Timothy Mitchell, a computer security student, believes that people who do not use AI are "cheating themselves" because everyone is using AI, including tutors and employers. He believes that concerns about the widespread use of AI are somewhat unfounded, and that humans are best at creative work, while AI cannot surpass what it has learned. Generative AI should be used in a way that assists humans, rather than replacing them. A balanced perspective is necessary to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks.