How to Spot the Use of AI in Job Applications

Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, only 27% of professionals across the UK admitted to having tried the tool at least once. Fast forward two years later, however, and now usage has more than doubled, with 62% admitting to using it in the workplace. This is a trend that is not unique to the UK; it is happening all across the world.

As the advancements of technology continue to rise and improve, both workers and employers are turning to AI in job recruitment. It is now expected that job candidates are likely to enhance their job applications and prospects through the use of artificial intelligence.

With this in mind, AIPRM shared insights on how to spot the use of AI in job applications and CVs, as well as in the workplace in general.

Top tips for spotting AI job applications

Here are tell-tale signs that ChatGPT has been used in the hiring process:

1. The use of overly long or complex sentences that have a range of unusual vocabulary, patterns or phrases that ChatGPT commonly employs such as “dive into”, this is indicative of overly formal, robotic language.
2. Inconsistency in their language, writing style or tone of voice throughout all documents.
3. An inability to explain or solve real-world problems during a video interview, these scenarios usually stems from the skills or experience listed on an application.
4. Obvious reliance on reading ChatGPT generated responses during an interview.
5. The inability to explain, defend or recall specific parts of the CV or cover letter.

Are your employees using ChatGPT in the workplace?

Christoph Cemper, AIPRM CEO and founder, also shares tips on how to know if your employees are using ChatGPT in the workplace: 

“On the infrastructure level, you could utilize network traffic monitoring tools to detect access to chat.openai.com, though employees might circumvent this by using personal devices or mobile networks.

On the results level, indicators may include an inability to explain, remember, or defend certain task outcomes. As well as spotting sudden improvements or changes in writing quality, style, or tone and finding inconsistencies across results, and quality issues.”

That being said, the use of AI in job applications and the workplace isn’t inherently bad. Christoph Cemper explains:

“Although, the risks of using unreviewed or “hallucinated” information could lead to misunderstandings, errors, and concerns over security and privacy issues, the level of intelligence AI holds could benefit the workplace through increased employee productivity and output levels across writing, coding, brainstorming, idea generation, and visual creation.”

So, how do you implement AI positively in the workplace:

Tips to implement AI positively in the workplace

1. Implement guidelines and policies covering acceptable use, privacy, security, personal data protection, and confidentiality of company secrets.
2. Provide training and resources, including how-tos, workflows and lists of approved or suggested prompts for the team.
3. Ensure a consistent writing style and tone, including the use of custom profiles or styles in prompts to align with brand guidelines.
4. Emphasize augmentation rather than replacement of human capabilities.