Employers are buried in AI-generated resumes

Employers are seeing a significant increase in AI-generated job applications, with LinkedIn currently processing around 11,000 applications per minute—a 45% increase compared to the previous year, according to new data reported by The New York Times.

The use of AI has introduced new challenges to the traditional hiring process, as large volumes of applications can now be generated automatically. Tools like ChatGPT have made it easier for job seekers to quickly tailor résumés to job descriptions, often inserting relevant keywords with minimal input. This shift has resulted in an increasingly automated exchange between applicants and employers, both of whom are now using AI tools to manage different aspects of the hiring process.

The Times highlights the experience of HR consultant Katie Tanner, who received over 1,200 applications for a single remote job listing. She ultimately removed the post and continued reviewing submissions for several months afterward.

The rise in generative AI tools began in 2022, when companies and individuals started using these technologies to simplify job searches. Since then, their role has expanded significantly. Some job seekers now use advanced AI agents that automatically search for roles and submit applications on their behalf. Recruiters have reported that many applications now appear highly similar, which makes it more difficult to assess individual candidates' qualifications and interest.

Although technology has long supported résumé creation—from typewriters and word processors to templates and spellcheck—the capabilities of AI represent a substantial shift. Unlike earlier tools that helped candidates improve a single résumé, AI tools can rapidly generate hundreds of tailored applications, changing the dynamic of the job application process.

As a result, some companies developing AI technologies have expressed caution. For instance, Anthropic recently recommended that applicants not use large language models (LLMs) to generate their application materials, citing concerns about authenticity in hiring—a notable stance from a company focused on AI development.