In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, a new term has emerged to describe the pitfalls of this technological revolution: “AI slop.” First appearing in Google searches in 2024, the phrase has gained traction and was recently added to the Cambridge English Dictionary. “AI slop” refers to the deluge of low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence, which is now infiltrating various aspects of daily life, including the job application process.
The phenomenon of AI slop is particularly evident in the realm of resume writing. While AI tools like ChatGPT can assist in polishing resumes, they are increasingly being used to create entire cover letters and CVs from scratch. This trend has led to a surge in AI-generated resumes that often contain inaccurate information, posing challenges for employers. According to the 2024 Global Workforce Report by Remote, an HR platform, 83% of Australian companies reported receiving AI-generated resumes with inaccuracies in the past six months.
The Impact on Hiring Practices
As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, hiring professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to discern genuine candidates from those relying heavily on AI tools. Lisa Millar, an HR Business Partner at Clifford Chance, one of the world’s largest law firms, has witnessed this shift firsthand. With over 20 years of experience and having reviewed approximately 40,000 CVs, Millar notes a significant increase in AI-assisted resumes, particularly for entry-level positions.
“CVs are becoming more and more similar lately with students using online templates like Canva and other AI tools to assist them,” Millar observes. “It’s becoming harder to see someone’s true personality shine through and understand who they really are.”
Recognizing AI-Generated Resumes
Millar identifies several tell-tale signs of AI-generated resumes, including uniform language and a lack of customization for specific job applications. “It’s also obvious when people don’t tailor their applications to the firms they’re applying to,” she adds. Despite the challenges, Millar believes that AI can be a valuable tool if used correctly.
“The last thing a recruiter wants to see is a generic resume. Use AI to assist, not replace, your thinking.”
Best Practices for Job Seekers
To avoid falling into the trap of AI slop, job seekers should view the resume creation process as consisting of three distinct stages: the start, middle, and end. AI can be particularly useful at the beginning and end of this process. For instance, it can help generate initial ideas or a first draft and later be used to polish the final document. However, the middle stage requires human intervention to ensure the resume reflects personal experiences and insights.
Tim Duggan, author of Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better, emphasizes the importance of personal input. “If you use AI as the start, middle, and end of the entire process without adding any critical thought, you’re most likely to end up with generic content that no one wants to read,” he warns.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Recruitment
As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in recruitment will likely expand. However, the need for human oversight and critical thinking remains crucial. Employers and job seekers alike must navigate this new landscape with caution, ensuring that AI serves as a tool rather than a crutch.
For those preparing for job interviews, the advice is clear: resist the temptation to rely solely on AI-generated content. Instead, craft resumes from a personal perspective, incorporating genuine experiences and unique details that set you apart. Only then can we hope to mitigate the spread of AI slop and maintain the integrity of the job application process.
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