Forty percent of job seekers are now using artificial intelligence to boost their chances of landing a job, according to a recent report by Jobseeker. As AI-generated cover letters become more common, candidates need to ensure that the technology doesn’t hurt their chances of getting hired.
Andreas Voniatis, an SEO expert turned data scientist and CEO of Artios, offered advice on how to balance AI use with a personal touch.
Lack of Personality
Voniatis explains that AI-written applications often feel impersonal. They tend to stick to stiff, formal language when describing work history, creating a “manufactured feel” that recruiters easily spot, especially after reading thousands of genuine applications.
He adds, “AI tends to lean on formal vocabulary that sounds like a college essay or business manual.” Words such as additionally, crucial, underscores, endeavor, leveraged, synergy, facilitate, or driven by a passion for innovation can raise red flags for recruiters.
Missing Personal Success Stories
Humans excel at sharing unique personal stories — something AI can’t replicate. Voniatis warns that vague achievements without detailed examples make it clear the applicant may have relied heavily on AI assistance.
Formatting Issues
Small but noticeable formatting problems can reveal AI-generated documents. “Watch for odd spacing, unusual alignment, or random font changes that wouldn’t be found in carefully prepared human resumes,” Voniatis says.
Too Perfect Without Human Flaws
Employers notice flawless, fluid sentences without variation. “Human writing naturally varies sentence length and sometimes includes clunky sentences. AI-produced text often lacks this natural irregularity, making it too perfect,” he notes.
While Voniatis doesn’t think job seekers should be penalized for using AI, he believes hiring managers must ensure applications genuinely represent the candidate. He recommends asking detailed follow-up questions during interviews to confirm the applicant truly understands and has experienced what they claim on their resume.