A study of 2.5 million anonymised CVs has found clear evidence of a growing dependency on AI tools like ChatGPT in job applications. The research*, shows a sharp rise in ‘AI fingerprints’ on CVs since ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022.
Analysing 2,549,710 CVs from across the UK, the research found that the average use of em dashes (a statistical marker of AI writing) more than doubled post-ChatGPT launch (0.10 to 0.20 per CV). More significantly, modelling suggests that one in ten CVs could contain these fingerprints by 2030 if current trends continue.
Commenting on the findings, John Parkinson, CEO of HRGO, said: “We’re seeing more and more AI fingerprints in CVs, and that’s creating real challenges for hiring managers who are already under pressure. Too often, AI-generated CVs appear polished on the surface but add noise to the process. When content is machine-generated, the information can be less dependable and applications often end up looking the same. In a market where differentiation matters, candidates risk blending into the background when their CV looks like everyone else’s.”
The findings come at a time when 80% of UK hiring managers rejected AI-assisted CVs and cover letters in the past year, according to CV Genius.
“While AI can make CVs look similar and sometimes add noise, it’s also becoming increasingly common to use AI in the application process,” John continued. “Most candidates are simply trying to make the best impression with the tools they have, and dismissing those who use AI risks overlooking a large portion of potentially valuable talent. That’s why we’ve developed and implemented semantic search technology; it goes beyond the wording of a CV to highlight real skills and capabilities, helping employers identify genuine talent. Technology-driven recruitment solutions allow businesses to cut through the noise and find people who truly make a difference.”
*Research from HRGO Recruitment
