'It's when they're using AI to mask a skills deficiency that recruiters need to be on guard'
More than half of jobseekers globally are using AI tools in their job search, raising red flags for employers who are encouraged to be on the lookout for potential deception.
Capterra's 2024 Job Seeker AI Survey, which polled nearly 3,000 jobseekers globally, found that 58% are using artificial intelligence tools in their current job search.
The most common use for AI tools is for writing or refining a resume, as cited by 40% of the respondents.
More than three in 10 jobseekers also said they use AI to find relevant job openings (37%), write or refine their cover letter (33%), and conduct mock interviews (31%).
Worryingly, more than a quarter of respondents may not be using AI appropriately in their job search, as some use it for completing a test assignment or skills assessment (29%), generating interview answers (28%), and applying en masse to jobs (26%).
"What makes this issue so complex is that not all AI uses are necessarily bad," said Brian Westfall, principal HR analyst at Capterra, in a statement.
"If a job seeker is using AI to refine their resume or cover letter, most employers won't bat an eye. It's when they're using AI to mask a skills deficiency that recruiters need to be on guard."
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What can recruiters do against AI deception?
According to Capterra, employers can fight back against AI deception by clearly communicating which uses are acceptable from the start.
They can also make use of tools to detect fraudulent content, as well as shifting to video or in-person interviews to avoid AI-generated responses.
Capterra further underscored that putting greater emphasis on candidate references and ensuring that the hiring manager has sufficient time for thorough screening is crucial.
"As more job seekers realise the benefits of AI to their job search, employers will need to move quickly to draw their line in the sand on what constitutes AI fair play," the report read. "Those that then combine the right AI detection tools with critical recruiting processes and culture changes will have a clear advantage in identifying and hiring truly talented candidates."