Should Job Seekers Be Using AI to Create Resumes and Cover Letters?

And Should Recruiters Be Concerned?

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are changing the job search game. With a few prompts, candidates can generate tailored resumes and cover letters in seconds. But as the use of AI increases, so do the questions:

• Should job seekers be using AI to help with applications?

• Can HR professionals and recruiters spot AI-generated content?

• And if they can — should it matter?

As someone who’s worked extensively in HR and supported hundreds of job seekers and employers, I believe this conversation deserves nuance. Let’s explore both sides.

Why Candidates Are Turning to AI

Writing about your own career can be incredibly difficult. Even experienced professionals struggle to summarize their value in a concise, compelling way.

AI tools, when used thoughtfully, can:

• Help express accomplishments more clearly

• Reduce stress and time spent formatting

• Improve grammar and tone, especially for non-native English speakers

• Tailor resumes more quickly to different roles

In many ways, using AI to polish a resume is no different than working with a career coach or mentor — it's a form of support. As long as the content reflects the candidate’s true experience, it can be a very effective tool.

But Here’s the Line

There’s a difference between support and substitution.

As recruiters and HR professionals, we are trained to recognize language that feels off — overly generic, full of buzzwords, or lacking in real-world detail. Here are a few common red flags:

• Cover letters that sound like a TED Talk but lack specifics

• Resumes filled with broad, fluffy language but no metrics or outcomes

• Inconsistencies between documents and LinkedIn profiles

• A disconnect between what's written and how a candidate presents in interviews

These signs don’t automatically mean a candidate is unqualified — but they may raise questions about authenticity.

Should Recruiters Disregard AI-Assisted Applications?

Not necessarily.

The real question is whether the documents accurately reflect the candidate’s experience, skills, and values.

If someone uses AI to make their resume more polished and articulate — but the content is theirs and holds up in conversation — that’s a win. It means we’re evaluating their fit based on substance, not just writing ability.

However, if AI is being used to fabricate achievements or present a version of the candidate that isn’t real, that’s a problem — and it’s not the AI that’s to blame, it’s the intent.

What HR Teams Can Do Instead

AI is here to stay. Rather than fight it, recruiters can adapt by focusing on the things that AI can’t fake:

• Ask situational questions in interviews: “Tell me how you handled ___”

• Request examples or stories that add depth to the resume

• Use work samples or short assessments when appropriate

• Look for consistency across application materials and interviews

• Stay curious, not punitive

This approach not only helps identify strong candidates, it creates a fairer process for people who may not be professional writers but have great talent to offer.

Guidance for Job Seekers

If you're a job seeker considering AI tools, here’s my advice:

• Use AI as a draft tool, not a final product

• Customize every document to reflect your voice and experience

• Remove buzzwords that don’t add value

• Prepare to speak confidently about everything in your application

• Focus more on clarity and accuracy than cleverness

A polished resume can get you in the door. A genuine story and aligned values will get you hired.

Final Thoughts

AI is changing how we work, hire, and present ourselves — and that’s not a bad thing. When used ethically and intentionally, AI can make the hiring process more efficient and inclusive.

For HR and recruiters, the goal isn’t to “catch” AI use — it’s to find the best person for the job.

For job seekers, the goal isn’t to impress a system — it’s to represent yourself clearly and confidently.

Human connection is still at the heart of hiring. AI is just another tool to help us get there.