In today’s competitive job market, it’s tempting to turn to tools like ChatGPT to generate a “perfect” CV in seconds. But while these platforms can be excellent assistants, relying on AI to write your CV from scratch can do more harm than good.
As a specialist recruitment agency with decades of experience supporting professionals across the UK and Europe, we’ve seen first-hand the pitfalls of AI-generated CVs. The truth is – we know when it’s AI. So do hiring managers. Increasingly, so do screening tools.
Below, we explain why letting AI take over your CV is a mistake, and how you can use it effectively without compromising your credibility.
The Risks of AI-Generated CVs
1. Inaccurate or Misleading Content
AI tools aren’t mind readers. When prompted with limited or vague information, they often fill in the gaps – creating details about responsibilities, skills, or achievements that simply aren’t true. This can land you in trouble during interviews when you’re unable to support what’s on your CV.
2. Overly Flamboyant or Robotic Language
AI-generated content often includes exaggerated or unnatural wording. Overuse of corporate jargon, repetitive buzzwords, or hollow phrases can dilute your message and make your CV read like a sales pitch. Recruiters are looking for clarity, honesty, and relevance – not copywritten clichés.
3. A Lack of Authenticity
AI-generated CVs frequently lack the nuance that comes from lived experience. This absence of personal voice makes applications feel generic and impersonal. In an environment where employers are hiring for culture fit as well as skill, failing to sound like yourself can be a costly mistake.
4. It’s Easy to Spot
Whether it’s inconsistent formatting, vague bullet points, or text that sounds too polished, recruiters can often tell when a CV has been generated using AI. When we suspect it’s not written by the candidate, it raises immediate concerns about honesty and suitability.
Use AI Like a Sous-Chef, Not the Head Chef
We’re not saying don’t use AI at all. In fact, tools like ChatGPT can be extremely helpful when used correctly – but they should play a supporting role. Think of it like being in a kitchen: you are the head chef, crafting the dish with your own ingredients and flavour. AI is the sous-chef, offering guidance, handling prep, and assisting with presentation.
Use AI in your CV to:
- Refine grammar and sentence structure
- Offer suggestions on how to format your CV
- Tailor your language to a specific industry or role
- Provide feedback on clarity and readability
But never use it to create content from scratch. Your experience, achievements, and personality should lead the way.
Employers Are Responding to the Rise of AI
With the surge in AI-generated content, businesses are adapting their recruitment processes. Many are now using specialist screening software, such as Copyleaks and GPTZero, which can detect whether CVs or cover letters have been written by artificial intelligence.
Others are changing how they conduct interviews. Some organisations are favouring in-person interviews from the first stage, seeking a more human connection early on. Others are using tools integrated into platforms like Microsoft Teams – for example, HireVue – which can detect real-time AI-assisted answers being used during interviews.
This reflects a wider move towards valuing authenticity, adaptability, and honest communication over manufactured perfection.
Our Advice
Don’t outsource your career to a machine. While AI can be helpful for fine-tuning your CV, it should never be responsible for telling your story. Recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more attuned to spotting AI-generated content – and software is now doing the same.
Instead, use AI as a tool to enhance your CV:
- Start with your own draft
- Use AI to improve structure, grammar, and clarity
- Make sure everything written is factually accurate and true to you
If in doubt, seek professional guidance. At Cooper Lomaz, our team works with candidates every day to craft CVs that reflect their real strengths and stand out to employers. We’ll help ensure your application showcases your experience with honesty and impact.
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