Many job seekers use artificial intelligence to write their resumes and assist other aspects of applying for jobs. However, a new report from TopResume shows that while organizations may use AI to screen applicants, hiring managers are pushing back these job seekers.
A survey of 600 US employment managers found that almost 20% of recruiters refuse job seekers who use AI-generated resumes or cover letters. And 14.5% of managers believe that candidates should not use AI when applying for a job.
There is a complex relationship between AI, recruitment applications and employment processes. Here's what small businesses need to know about how employment candidates use technology and what recruiting leaders think about it.
How job seekers use AI in their applications
According to a report by TopResume, more job seekers are using AI to draft resumes and cover letters and use cover letters, as they believe the algorithm is screening resumes.
According to a 2025 market trend report by career group companies, roughly two-thirds of job seekers say they use AI when applying for jobs, including writing resumes and cover letters, practicing interviews, career guidance, and completing headshots.
The report also showed that he said he believed that AI would help and hurt both his job hunting.
Still, according to another ServiceNow survey, 65% of people are uncomfortable with companies using AI in hiring and hiring, and 90% are hoping ahead of time about how they will use their technology for employment.
[Read more: Top 8 Things to Look for on a Candidate’s Resume]
Employment managers believe that applicants should not use AI, but over 60% of companies accept AI tools as part of the hiring process or employment.
What do recruiters think about applicants using AI?
According to a report from TopResume, a third (33.5%) of hiring managers say they can quickly detect resumes created with AI.
One in five reject these resumes, but another 20% say the candidates who rely on AI are the red flag. However, 52% of hiring managers said it was acceptable to use AI for proofreading or support in drafting documents, but believe that the final product should be human-produced, reflecting the individual's own language, skills and efforts.
In addition to creating a resume, employment managers are most concerned about using AI to help job seekers answer job interview questions. 57% should never use it during a bot whispering tool or interview.
Overall, 14.5% of hiring managers said that applicants should not use AI at any stage of the hiring process. More specifically, they consider skills assessments (40.8%), resume writing (30.3%), and cover letters (25%) to be unacceptable.
Do companies use AI too?
According to TopResume, employment managers believe that applicants should not use AI, but over 60% of companies accept AI tools as part of the hiring process.
Approximately 20% of people use technology for resume screening. Other AI uses include creating job ads, drafting interview questions, and automatically contacting interview candidates.
In short, the report suggests that candidates will continue to use AI to apply for employment. However, despite the use of technology that many employment managers have during the hiring process, this can undermine the chances of winning roles.
[Read more: Need a Resume? How to Create One That Highlights Your Small Business Skills]
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