In the rapidly evolving landscape of job recruitment, a groundbreaking study by Oriel Partners, a London-based PA and administrative recruitment agency, has shed light on a significant shift: the rising influence of AI in enhancing CVs.
Our agency embarked on a research project to delve into the capabilities of ChatGPT, an AI tool increasingly used in CV creation. By modifying 100 real CVs for a specific job listing and comparing them with their original versions, we aimed to uncover the extent of AI’s role in this domain.
The results were eye-opening. ChatGPT made an average of 14 embellishments per CV, with changes ranging from slight rewordings to substantial additions in skills and experiences. This finding raises critical questions about the authenticity of AI-assisted CVs.
We categorised these modifications into three main areas:
| Embellishments to CVs | Avg. Number of Embellishments |
| “Embellishments” to Profile section | 7 |
| “Embellishments” to Key Skills & Attributes | 4 |
| “Embellishments” to Professional Experience | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
This led to a noticeable discrepancy in scoring between the AI-enhanced and original CVs when using an AI-powered screening tool. The embellished versions scored an average of 9.4 out of 10, contrasting 8.3 for the unaltered ones, suggesting a potentially unfair advantage for candidates using AI tools to “improve” their CVs.
| Type of CV | Agv. Scores |
| Embellished CVs Avg. Score | 9.4 |
| Normal CVs Avg. Score | 8.3 |
The implications are profound, especially considering a recent Kaspersky survey that found 42% of workers would consider using AI like ChatGPT for their job applications. This trend marks a significant shift in recruitment dynamics and highlights the need for new strategies to maintain fairness and authenticity in the hiring process.
As Co-Founder of a recruitment agency, I find these developments concerning. The ability of AI to fabricate details on CVs challenges the traditional methods of screening candidates. This necessitates more rigorous measures in the interview process to distinguish genuine applicants.
Therefore, we advocate for a balanced approach to using AI in recruitment. Employers should develop methods to detect AI-enhanced CVs, potentially integrating more thorough interviews and skill assessments. For job seekers, this serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of authenticity in their applications.
Our study marks a crucial step in understanding and managing AI’s role in recruitment. We call for responsible and ethical AI practices that safeguard the interests of both employers and job seekers.
Here’s how to mitigate the risks of AI-assisted CVs:
1. Enhancing Awareness Among Employers
Employers need to be educated about the capabilities and limitations of AI-assisted CVs. Understanding how AI can embellish or alter CV information is crucial in developing a discerning eye when reviewing applications. Workshops, webinars, and training sessions can be instrumental in raising awareness.
2. Implementing Advanced Screening Technologies
As AI evolves, so must the technologies used to screen CVs. Employers can invest in advanced software differentiating between human-generated and AI-assisted content. These tools could look for patterns typical of AI, such as overly polished language or skills that seem incongruent with the applicant’s experience level.
3. Encouraging Transparency from Job Seekers
Organisations can encourage applicants to disclose if they have used AI tools in their CV preparation. This transparency allows employers to view the CV in the proper context and appreciate the candidate’s honesty. A statement or a checkbox during the application process could facilitate this transparency.
4. Incorporating In-depth Interviews and Assessments
To counterbalance the potential inaccuracies in AI-enhanced CVs, employers should place greater emphasis on interviews and practical assessments. Behavioural interviews, case studies, and skill-based tasks can provide more accurate insights into a candidate’s true capabilities and fit for the role.
5. Building AI-Proof Job Descriptions
Refining job descriptions to be more specific and detailed can help in attracting the right candidates. By clearly outlining the required skills, experiences, and qualifications, employers can reduce the effectiveness of AI in overfitting CVs to job descriptions.
6. Fostering an Ethical AI Culture
Companies should advocate for ethical AI use in job applications. This involves setting industry standards and best practices for AI tools in CV preparation, ensuring they enhance rather than fabricate an applicant’s qualifications.
7. Regularly Updating Recruitment Policies
As AI technology evolves, so should recruitment policies. Regularly reviewing and updating these policies will help employers stay ahead of the curve in managing AI-assisted applications effectively.
8. Collaborating with AI Developers
Engaging in dialogue with AI developers can provide insights into how these tools operate. This collaboration can lead to the development of AI that supports the recruitment process more transparently and ethically.
9. Promoting a Culture of Authenticity
Organisations should promote a culture where authenticity and genuine skills are valued over polished, potentially misleading resumes. This cultural shift can discourage candidates from overly relying on AI for CV enhancement.
10. Legal and Ethical Compliance
Finally, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards is paramount. Organisations should be aware of the legal implications of AI in recruitment, including potential biases and discrimination, and take steps to ensure their recruitment processes are fair and compliant.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, integrating AI into the recruitment process, particularly in CV creation, is a trend that cannot be ignored. The challenges it presents, such as potential inaccuracies and fairness issues, require a multifaceted response. Employers need to become more adept at identifying AI-assisted CVs, ensuring their hiring processes remain grounded in authenticity and fairness.
Simultaneously, job seekers must be aware of the importance of maintaining integrity in their applications. This balanced approach, commitment to ethical practices, and ongoing adaptation to technological advancements are key to successfully navigating this new era of AI-assisted recruitment. By taking these proactive steps, we can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, ensuring a recruitment landscape that is equitable, efficient, and true to the values of both employers and job seekers.
By Olivia Coughtrie, Co-Founder, Oriel Partners.
