Hiscox, a specialist insurer, has launched a new campaign to highlight the challenges faced by recruiters and hiring managers in the age of AI-driven tools being used by job applicants.
1 shows that 53% of job applicants in the last 12 months have used AI-powered tools for CV creation. AI CV builders are designed to make the CV-creation process easier by automating, customising, and optimising content. They also perform job matching and analysis.
The study highlights that AI is also widely used to support remote interviews (29%), and to complete online tasks and assessments (45%).
Pete Treloar commented Pete Treloar Chief Underwriting officer, Hiscox UK . “Using tools to improve language, customize experience, and enhance presentation can help candidates to level up their applications, but they need to be used in the right places and with the correct timing.”
Hiscox found that 37% of respondents said they wouldn’t correct embellishments on their CV generated by AI tools, such as exaggerating skills, experience or interests. This is a concern for the integrity of the application process, and it’s particularly difficult for hiring managers and recruiters who are unable to differentiate between applications that are honest and those that use AI to embellish.
Treloar continues While it is easy to see why candidates would use AI to increase their chances of being successful, it can be detrimental to an application if it’s used incorrectly. For example, large language models can produce content and responses that appear generic and impersonal. They may not reflect the skills, experience, and suitability of a candidate for a particular role.
It’s a problem for recruiters and hiring manager who are unable to accurately assess a candidate. Insurance is important because if they give their clients incorrect information or make poor recommendations, it could lead to serious claims.
Opinions on the use of AI tools among candidates remain divided despite their prevalence throughout the application process. Four out of ten candidates (41%) believe that AI tools are unfair to other applicants, and 42 % think it is misleading for recruiters and employers. Contrary to this, 59% believe its use is a “fair game”, and 46% think that applicants who do not make full use of AI tools are at a disadvantage.
How candidates use AI:
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Know how to identify AI abuse and be aware of it
Candidates who abuse AI are likely to submit a large number of applications that sound the same and have a mismatch in their written responses with their assessments or interviews. Check for stilted or impersonal language, answers without specificity and anecdotes and overly polished applications. You can call the company to verify authenticity if you are unsure.
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Inform your clients
You can help employers better understand AI, its risks and prevalence. Encourage an open-minded and proactive approach to the use of AI by candidates, with a goal to promote fairness rather than forbiddance.
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Check job applications for AI vulnerabilities
Examine your end-to-end recruitment process (or that of your client) to determine where AI tools are most likely to be misused. For example, it’s easy to misuse generative AI during remote interviews and verbal tests. However, this is less likely when task-based assessments and interviews are conducted. Working with clients, improve and humanise areas that are at risk.
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Clarify the candidate AI policy
Encourage employers to be open about their preferences and guide candidates where AI can and cannot be used. AI tools to help with interview preparation or CV structure, for example, can be used, but they should not be used during live interviews.
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Be sure to cover yourself
Your client may sue you if you miss the signs of a fraud or give incorrect advice. Professional indemnity can give you peace of mind, and help pay for any claims that may arise.
Dishonesty during the application process
In total, 38% admit lying on their CV. The most common embellishment was exaggerating their experience (53%). This was followed by adding untrue hobbies (41%), a false level of skill proficiency (33%), and fake references (14%).
The Perfect Candidate Campaign
Hiscox has launched a campaign to highlight the challenges facing recruiters and hiring managers, as AI tools are increasingly used by job applicants. Hiscox created a CV generated by AI that, at first glance appears to be the “Perfect Candidate”. The small print revealed lies, deceit and AI exaggerations. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/xf57sNZNlTQ.
This is the first in a series of Hiscox campaign highlighting the risks that are largely unknown to specialist sectors such as recruitment. It also highlights the importance of specialist insurance.
To learn more about the insurable risks that recruitment companies face from new threats like AI deception, visit hiscox.co.uk/the-perfect-candidate
2 out of 3 job seekers use AI tools to write CVs originally appeared on HR News.
