Why AI Resumes Are Overwhelming Recruiters and ManagersRecruiters are seeing resumes flood their inboxes, the majority of which are created with AI. Some are nearly identical.

The job market is increasingly challenging for both job seekers and employers, with artificial intelligence (AI) exacerbating the disconnect. Despite 1.5 million Americans being unemployed for six months or more, per the Labor Department’s May 2025 jobs report, and recent college graduates facing a 5.8% unemployment rate (up from 4.6% a year ago, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York), companies struggle to find suitable candidates. Job seekers are turning to AI to optimize resumes with keywords or automate mass applications on platforms like LinkedIn, which saw a 45% surge in applications over the past year. This flood of often identical, AI-generated resumes overwhelms hiring managers, with some receiving hundreds or thousands of submissions, making it harder to identify qualified candidates. Andrew Hilger, former Allegis Group president, noted on LinkedIn that grad students using AI submitted 1,200 tailored applications in weeks, underscoring the scale of the issue. He advises candidates to prioritize human connections, calling job hunting a “contact sport.” However, reliance on AI can backfire for applicants, as their resumes get lost in the deluge, reducing their chances of a response despite strong qualifications. The problem is compounded by bad actors. In January 2025, the Justice Department indicted five individuals, including two North Koreans, for a scheme placing North Korean nationals in remote U.S. IT roles, affecting 64 companies since 2018. Some scammers even use AI to alter their appearance in video interviews. Gartner predicts that by 2028, 25% of global job candidates could be fake, driven by AI-generated profiles. To stand out, candidates should leverage referrals from company insiders or professional contacts for introductions. Cover letters are also regaining value; a 2023 Resume Genius survey found 83% of 625 U.S. hiring managers frequently read them, with 94% saying they influence interview decisions. A personalized letter can significantly boost a candidate’s chances, per a recent Harvard Business Review post. Employers are also using AI, with tools like HireVue to rank video interview responses. Chipotle’s AI platform, Ava Cado, has cut hiring times by 75%. While AI streamlines processes, it’s clear the technology is creating as many challenges as opportunities in the job market.