Recent quantitative research has brought to light a significant trend in the job-seeking landscape – almost half of job applicants are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their resumes. The study, drawing insights from 5,000 hiring managers and an equal number of job seekers across global regions, reveals that 45% of applicants have turned to generative AI to craft, refine, or update their resumes.Contrary to expectations, hiring managers exhibit high acceptance of AI in the job application process, with 90% considering it appropriate. Notably, nearly half of them find AI useful in creating content for the interview process. The findings underscore a departure from traditional text-only resumes, with 71% of participants predicting the obsolescence of the typical CV in the coming years.

Amy Schultz, Canva’s global head of talent acquisition, emphasizes the positive impact of AI in job-seeking, noting its ability to make the experience more manageable. She states, “If there’s something that can make you feel better about that experience, then I think that folks should lean into that.”While AI is hailed for democratizing the job-seeking process, offering intuitive tools for creative processes, it comes with both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, language models prove beneficial for improving written communication skills, particularly for non-native English speakers. However, access to top-tier AI models, such as GPT-4, comes at a cost, potentially limiting its use for certain users.

In the broader context, concerns have arisen regarding the use of AI in recruiting, with controversies surrounding bias and discrimination in automated resume-scanning tools. Despite these challenges, AI-enhanced resumes demonstrate an increased success rate for candidates, as corroborated by additional research.Research conducted by Emma van Inwegen, an MIT Sloan Ph.D. candidate, and colleagues in 2023 supports the positive impact of AI on job applications. Applicants using AI tools to enhance spelling, grammar, and usage in their resumes stand an 8% better chance of securing employment. The study involved a comprehensive analysis of nearly half a million newcomers to a global online labor marketplace.

In a randomized experiment, applicants using AI or ‘algorithmic assistance’ received 7.8% more job offers and commanded higher wages compared to their counterparts. Van Inwegen emphasizes the significance of well-written resumes, stating, “The one with the better-written resume is more likely to get hired.” The study also highlighted specific errors that deter employers, emphasizing the importance of flawless spelling while surprisingly favoring "flowery language."In summary, these studies collectively underscore AI's potential to level the playing field for job seekers, offering valuable insights for applicants navigating an evolving job market.