AI use complicates graduate job applications

Graduates are using artificial intelligence to prepare job applications, while employers are trying to distinguish appropriate assistance from misconduct, according to a BBC report by Daniel Thomas.

Tom, a 22-year-old from Maidstone, told the BBC he applied for more than 200 jobs before becoming a restaurant manager last month. He used AI to help with CVs and cover letters and identify keywords, but said he did not use it in assessments or interviews. He argued that candidates face pressure to use AI when some employers use it to screen applications.

The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) surveyed 155 large UK graduate employers this summer. It found employers were becoming more accepting of AI for some recruitment stages, especially CVs and cover letters. But 92% had encountered or suspected AI misconduct, up from 85% the previous year. The ISE said graduate jobs currently receive an average of 141 applications each. While 16% of surveyed employers use AI to screen candidates, more than half plan to introduce it.

EDF closed its graduate recruitment scheme early after receiving 12,000 applications, a 10% increase on the previous year. Hollie Moody, who leads early careers recruitment at EDF, said AI may have contributed to the increase. She described its use as a moral dilemma and said EDF seeks authenticity, personality and diversity of thought.

A trainee accountant told the BBC he applied for 50 graduate jobs and used AI in each application for research, CV editing and practice questions. He said he knew people who had applied for 100 jobs and might use AI to cheat.