Job seekers turn to AI for help with resumes and cover letters, employers follow suit
The traditional process of job applications is rapidly evolving, with more applicants and employers turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for assistance. AI is being used to write resumes, craft cover letters, and even prepare for interviews, reshaping how job seekers present themselves and how companies assess candidates, NOS reports.
Job applicants, especially those struggling to express themselves in writing, are increasingly using AI to craft the perfect cover letter. Jackie Vedder, 18, shares her experience with NOS: “I’m really bad at writing those ‘make-believe’ types of texts,” she said. “So, I asked ChatGPT, ‘Write a profile for my resume,’ and it hit the mark.”
This trend reflects a wider movement where applicants are leaning on AI tools for writing assistance, much like asking a family member or friend for help, according to job application expert Aaltje Vincent. "People find it difficult to write application letters. Now a chatbot helps instead of a family member."
Djurre Holtrop, a lead researcher at Tilburg University, sees potential in AI for job applications. “AI can help better express qualities without being unfair,” he said to NOS. “If you use it honestly, it can actually increase your chances.”
On the employer side, AI is becoming a tool in the hiring process as well. The platform Welovehumans, for example, uses AI avatars to interact with candidates, asking questions and creating a candidate profile based on responses. Sjouke Blom, a personnel manager at the tech company Photonfirst, told NOS it has proven effective. "It saves search time. You notice that people applying through this platform are genuinely seeking jobs, which is different from when we contact people through LinkedIn, where the response rate is very low."
However, Vincent points out that these AI systems have their pros and cons. “They can make applying easier, especially for those with weaker language skills,” she said. “But I have trouble with the idea that it sounds like a one-way street. We ask, you answer. That’s not the way things should be in 2025.”
The rise of AI in recruitment also raises concerns about authenticity. Some applicants, in their quest to perfect their resumes, may use AI to embellish details—sometimes to the point of providing inaccurate information.
Since 2025, companies using AI in recruitment must adhere to stricter rules. These include ensuring AI involvement in screening and interviews is clearly disclosed. According to Holtrop, many companies remain ill-prepared for these changes. “Many organizations still don’t have a strategy for AI in job applications,” he said.
For job seekers, the rules surrounding AI use are still unclear. As it stands, applicants are unsure whether AI use in their job application process is permissible. However, starting next year, the European Union will require applicants to disclose if they’ve used AI to edit or prepare their application materials.
Despite the potential benefits of AI, it’s not without its challenges. Jackie Vedder recounts her experience using ChatGPT: “I forgot a few important details, and I got a lot of questions about that. In the end, I wasn’t called for a formal interview. Next time, I’ll write my cover letter myself, so I’m sure I won’t forget anything important.”
