UPDATE: New findings reveal that the rise of AI-generated content, dubbed “AI slop,” is jeopardizing job seekers’ chances of landing interviews. This alarming trend has surged since its mention in Google searches in 2024 and was officially recognized in the Cambridge English Dictionary last month.
The 2024 Global Workforce Report by Remote indicates that a staggering 83% of Australian companies received AI-generated resumes in the past six months, many containing inaccurate information. As job applicants increasingly rely on AI to create cover letters and CVs, hiring managers are left sifting through a flood of generic applications that lack genuine personality.
Lisa Millar, a HR Business Partner at Clifford Chance, one of the world’s largest law firms, reports seeing over 40,000 CVs throughout her two-decade career. She notes a significant shift as AI-generated resumes dominate the entry-level job market. “It is clear that CVs are becoming more and more similar,” Millar states. “Students are using online templates like Canva and AI tools, making it harder to see someone’s true personality.”
The consequences of this trend are immediate. Millar highlights critical signs of AI-generated content, including vague language and a failure to tailor applications to specific firms. “The last thing a recruiter wants to see is a generic resume,” she emphasizes. Effective job applications require personal touches, detailed research, and unique insights into the desired role.
Experts recommend leveraging AI as a supportive tool rather than a complete solution. Millar advises job seekers to use AI at the beginning to generate ideas or drafts, but to inject their unique voice and experiences into the final product. “AI is useful at either end but still needs human intervention in the middle,” she explains.
To avoid falling victim to “AI slop,” job seekers are encouraged to think critically about their application process. Candidates should focus on creating a nuanced narrative of their career, highlighting personal growth and authentic experiences.
Tim Duggan, author of “Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better,” stresses the importance of genuine engagement in job applications. “Write it from your perspective, add genuine learnings, and finish it off with the little details that will help you stand out,” he advises.
As the job market continues to evolve with technology, it’s crucial for candidates to adapt their strategies. The ability to showcase individuality and authenticity in applications will become increasingly vital in a landscape flooded with AI-generated content.
The time to act is now—job seekers must navigate this new reality by ensuring their applications reflect their true selves to stand out amid the “AI slop.”
