How Recruiters Can Tell You Used AI On Your Resume—And Why It Matters

Forbes

5 hours ago

Tammy Homegardner, career coach and LinkedIn expert (Linked Into Jobs); author and founder of The Job Search School.
Here's a topic that's been coming up in conversations with job seekers lately: using AI to help write your resume or cover letter. With tools like ChatGPT, it's easy to plug in some information and get a pretty polished result. But here's the thing: recruiters are catching on. They're noticing when a resume feels like it came from a robot—and in some cases, it's costing people interviews.
If you're using AI in your job search, don't panic. AI can be an invaluable tool when used effectively. However, you must ensure that you're not letting it take over. Let's break down what recruiters are noticing, why it matters and how to use AI smartly without hurting your chances.
Yes, Recruiters Can Tell
Many recruiters have started to recognize the telltale signs of AI-generated applications. A New York Post article quotes Laurie Chamberlin, head of LHH Recruitment Solutions: "A good recruiter can spot an AI-written application from a mile away." She explains that AI-generated resumes often follow the same structure, use overly formal or vague language and lack the personal touches that real human experience brings to the table.
The same article quotes Bonnie Dilber, a recruiter at Zapier, saying that nearly 25% of the resumes she sees are clearly AI-written. She says AI-generated resumes sound robotic and lack the details that prove someone is actually qualified for the job.
What Gives It Away
I've observed that AI-generated resumes typically share a few red flags:
• Generic Buzzwords: Terms like "results-driven," "go-getter," and "team player" are overused and vague without context to back them up.
• No Personal Touch: The content feels copy-pasted, with little to no reflection of the applicant's personality, values or goals.
• Weird Formatting Or Placeholders: Some people forget to remove template prompts, such as "[Insert accomplishment here]• Mismatch With Job Descriptions: Since bots and AI tools often struggle to understand nuance, people frequently submit the same generic resume to dozens of jobs, even when it's not a good fit.
What Happens Behind The Scenes
Job seekers have been using resume auto-submit bots to blast their resumes to hundreds of openings—sometimes even before the listings go fully public. But this tactic is backfiring. Employers are seeing the same resume repeatedly, and they're becoming frustrated.
It's widely known in my industry that some major companies are already utilizing AI tools to scan applications and filter out low-quality or suspicious submissions. If your resume doesn't align with the role or appears to have been generated and sent out indiscriminately, there's a good chance it will be filtered out before a human ever sees it.
Several recruiters I have spoken to recently reported that job seekers using ChatGPT and other AI tools to apply for jobs is creating an influx of unqualified applications. And when that happens, hiring teams start tightening their filters and scrutinizing every resume more critically.
Real Talk: What I've Seen With My Clients
One client, "Jane," thought she'd save time by using AI to write her entire resume. She provided the AI with an older version of her resume and asked it to update it. She attempted to use the resume as the AI had given it to her, without adding any detail. Jane's resume was generic and included details that didn't even apply to her, while omitting her best accomplishments (since she hadn't told the AI about them).
Another client, "Tom," let a bot handle all his applications for several weeks. However, he noticed a sharp drop in interview requests. Upon closer examination, we discovered that several companies had received the same resume for completely different roles. In one case, we asked for feedback and learned that a recruiter had flagged it because they saw his name repeatedly applying to every opening the company had, from entry-level to executive. It made him appear careless and desperate rather than committed.
So, Should You Use AI At All?
Yes—but use it wisely.
AI is a great assistant, but it's not a replacement for you. It can help you brainstorm ideas, structure your thoughts and even suggest more effective wording. But you should never rely on it to write your resume or cover letter from start to finish. The end result must sound like you. It should reflect your experience, your voice and the unique strengths you bring to the table.
Here are a few ways to use AI the right way:
• Use it to generate a rough draft, then revise it with your real-life accomplishments and specific results.
• Don't skip the customization step. Tailor your resume for every job—yes, every single one. It's more work, but it makes a difference.
• If you're using AI to summarize an experience or reword something, review the tone. Does it sound like you?
And no, you don't need to retype everything by hand. That's a myth. But you do need to personalize and proofread it carefully.
The Bottom Line
Recruiters don't care if you used AI—they care if you relied on it. They want to know that you understand the job you're applying for and that you're presenting your experience in a thoughtful, relevant way. Using AI without customization makes your application feel lazy and forgettable. When that happens, you might never get the chance to explain yourself.
So use AI like you would a GPS: helpful for guidance, but you still need to drive the car.
I'll leave you with a quote that feels especially relevant right now. Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg is often quoted as saying: "Technology is best when it brings people together."
Let AI help you get your foot in the door, but make sure your unique story is what walks through it.
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?