Spotting AI-generated job applications

The rise of AI in job applications

As Artificial Intelligence become popular among job seekers, Talent Acquisition professionals face a new challenge: distinguishing between human-generated and AI-generated content.

Excessive use of AI in resumes and cover letters can obscure a candidate's genuine skills, experiences, and unique perspectives, leading to a less effective recruitment process and potentially missing out on top talent.

To ensure your organisation continues to attract and hire the best candidates in an AI-driven world, it's essential to understand how to identify AI-generated content and assess genuine skills.

Identifying ChatGPT-Generated Content

When reviewing job applications, keep an eye out for these telltale signs of AI-generated content:

• Generic phrases: AI-generated job applications often contain phrases like "I am a highly motivated individual" or "I possess excellent communication skills." Human-written applications typically include more specific, personal examples.
• Overly formal, Americanised words: AI-generated content tends to use more formal words and phrases, such as "utilized" instead of "used" (note ChatGPT uses American English, rather than Australian English which is another give-away). "proficient in" instead of "skilled in," or "demonstrated ability to" instead of "showed I can."
• Inconsistent writing styles: If the writing style varies significantly between the resume and cover letter, or within the same document, it may indicate AI involvement.
• Suspiciously polished: Applications that lack the human touch may be a red flag. AI-generated cover letters often feature flawless grammar and vocabulary but may lack the genuine enthusiasm and personal voice of a human-written letter. If it seems too good to be true, it might be.

AI detection tools

Fed up by weeding out job applications written by Artificial Intelligence, some employers are now burying AI prompts within their job ads. Others are simply trying to use human intuition to decipher authenticity vs artificial intelligence.

As the use of AI in job applications grows, so does the market for AI detection tools. Some current options include:

• GPTZero: Scores the likelihood of AI involvement in a text.
• Originality.AI and Copyleaks: Compare text against databases of AI-generated content.
  

While these tools are a useful first step, they are not fool-proof. Use them alongside your own judgement, considering the content's relevance, specificity, and alignment with the candidate's background.

As AI continues to evolve, stay informed about the latest detection tools, but remember that the most effective approach combines technology with the expertise of seasoned HR professionals.

Assessing true HR capabilities

To best understand a person’s genuine skills, conduct thorough interviews that require specific examples and detailed explanations of their experiences. Assigning practical tests or discussing case studies can help differentiate between AI-assisted knowledge and genuine understanding.

Verify claims made in the application through background checks and references to ensure the candidate possesses the skills and experience they claim.

Arm yourself with knowledge

To effectively navigate the age of AI in job applications, consider providing training your Talent Acquisition team and hiring managers. Arm them with the knowledge and tools to identify AI-generated content, assess genuine candidate skills, and make informed hiring decisions.

While the excessive use of ChatGPT in job applications can be concerning, AI tools can be useful for refining resumes or generating ideas when used appropriately. Establish guidelines for acceptable AI use in your hiring process, and communicate them to candidates.

Embracing AI in recruitment

While some HR professionals are wary of AI in job applications, forward-thinking companies (particularly those in the tech sector) are embracing it. Employers are starting to recognise that AI skills are crucial for current and future success across all roles, including HR.

Consider Canva's innovative approach. The popular design platform has integrated AI into its hiring process, as explained by Melanie Anderson, their Head of Talent Acquisition:

Canva's AI-friendly recruitment strategy includes:

• AI-driven assessments: Final-stage candidates complete tasks using Canva's AI tools, demonstrating practical skills.
• AI-enhanced applications: Applicants are encouraged to use AI in creating their application materials and presentations.
• AI utilisation insights: Candidates explain their AI usage, from idea generation to visual creation, showing their thought process.

This approach helps Canva identify candidates who can effectively incorporate AI into their daily work.

For HR managers, evaluating a candidate's AI literacy could be increasingly important. Assessing how applicants leverage AI in their roles might uncover innovative thinkers. The ideal person will likely combine traditional HR expertise with an understanding of emerging technologies, positioning your organisation for future success.

How can we help

Collaborating with a specialist HR recruiter like The Next Step can help you navigate the challenges of AI in hiring. With over 25 years of experience and the most comprehensive network of Human Resources professionals in Australia, our expert consultants have screened countless resumes and are attuned to identifying genuine talent.

Our team goes beyond filtering resumes by digging beneath the surface to interrogate HR capabilities and validate candidate skills before presenting them to you, saving you time and ensuring you interview qualified, authentic applicants.

To further enhance the hiring process, we offer optional capability and skills testing, not only to remove unconscious bias but also to benchmark HR capabilities against the wider Australian HR community. Our proprietary tools and deep industry knowledge help you make informed hiring decisions, adding rigour to your Talent Acquisition process.

Conclusion

As AI tools like ChatGPT become more sophisticated, HR professionals must continue to adapt their practices for evaluating job applicants. By understanding how to spot AI-generated content, assessing true HR skills, and partnering with specialist recruiters, you can ensure that your organisation continues to attract and hire the best human talent in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Our experienced recruitment consultants can guide you through the hiring process, ensuring you access genuine, qualified candidates who will drive your company's success.