CINCINNATI — Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common tool for job seekers, helping applicants write resumes, craft cover letters and prepare for interviews. But workforce experts say relying too heavily on the technology could do more harm than good.
“The employers are getting hundreds of resumes that all look identical,” said Ryan McCarty, branch director for Robert Half Cincinnati. “It’s very hard to sift through what’s real and what’s not.”
A recent Robert Half survey found that 67% of HR leaders say AI-generated applications are slowing the hiring process, while 84% report heavier workloads because of the increase in AI-assisted applications. Nearly two-thirds of hiring managers also say AI-enhanced resumes make it harder to verify candidates’ skills and experience.
McCarty said recruiting firms are increasingly helping employers distinguish polished applications from qualified candidates. As more businesses adopt AI in their own operations, he expects employers to place greater emphasis on traditional hiring practices.
“They want to do an in-person interview. They want to look you in the eye to see what your interpersonal communication skills look like,” McCarty said.
While AI continues to reshape the hiring process, workforce organizations say technology should complement, not replace, a candidate’s own abilities.
Hamilton County OhioMeansJobs works with job seekers by offering resume assistance, interview preparation, career coaching and job readiness classes. The organization also provides tools that help applicants identify positions that best match their skills.
“There’s two pieces, you upload a resume, and then you click on what your skill sets are,” said Christine Bean, an operator with Hamilton County OhioMeansJobs. “Our system will say whether it is a good fit, a great fit, or better fit.”
Beyond online tools, Bean said the organization works with clients long after they’ve secured employment. “We try to stay with you for 18 months,” Bean said. “We’re here to work with you nonstop.”
Both Robert Half and OhioMeansJobs encourage job seekers to view AI as a resource rather than a replacement for their own experience, communication skills and critical thinking.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, McCarty said candidates should think of AI as “a copilot, not a ghostwriter.”