AI job application rise risks employing incapable staff, boss warns
A growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in job applications risks employers hiring candidates who cannot do the work, a business owner has said. Advertising boss James Robinson said he and other business leaders were seeing a "real trend" in applicants using generative AI chatbots, and warned that candidates who were good at using the technology could "engineer" the process without being "capable of doing the job".
Careers adviser Megan Cooper said that while AI could be a useful tool for job hunters, it should never replace "human judgement". A recent survey of more than 2,000 job applicants in the UK found just under half had used AI to help them with the application process.
Challenges of AI in Job Applications
Mr Robinson, who runs Hello Starling, a Cardiff-based advertising agency, said vacancies at his business were attracting applications that were riddled with AI-generated sentences. He noted common phrases like 'leverage their skillset' and 'my skills align with your organisation's objectives and goals' often used by applicants. Mr Robinson expressed the difficulty in distinguishing between real applicants and AI-generated ones.
Generative AI is a technology used to create content that mimics human-like qualities by learning from existing data such as text and images available online. While AI can assist in making job applications more concise, it presents challenges in determining the authenticity of candidates.
The Role of AI in Job Hunting
At Cardiff Metropolitan University, careers advisor Megan Cooper emphasized the ethical use of AI in job applications. She stated that AI should complement but not replace human judgement in the recruitment process. Students were encouraged to leverage AI for tasks like feedback on CVs and cover letters while ensuring their unique qualities shine through during interviews.
While some students like Jasmine James expressed concerns about the risks of using AI in academic work, others like Jacob Morgan found it to be a helpful tool for research and information gathering. Timothy Mitchell, a computer security student, believed that AI was integral in modern education and professional environments despite concerns about its widespread use.
Embracing AI Technology
As AI technology continues to advance, its integration into various aspects of society including job applications presents both opportunities and challenges. Businesses and individuals are urged to navigate the evolving landscape of AI with caution, ensuring that its use enhances rather than compromises the recruitment process.
