How do you approach applying for a job in 2025? Application forms are extremely time-consuming. Many people, especially graduates, are reaping the benefits of AI to assist in completing applications. AI can be a significant time-saver and it’s hard for many applicants to imagine not engaging in some shape or form with AI as part of the recruitment process.
However, when you become over-reliant on AI, there can be some unintended consequences. In this post, I explore the risks of using AI in applications.
What’s the current picture for graduate job applications?
At the end of last year, The ISE stated that the application ratio of graduate applications to graduate level jobs hit an all-time high. UK employers reported that the number of graduate applications they received exceeded 1.2 million. That equates to 140 applications for every position.
This surge in applications was due largely to the use of AI.
What has this meant for graduate recruiters?
UK LMI expert Charlie Ball, in a recent webinar, shared that while the overall quality of applications submitted has increased, the process has become a numbers game. Some applicants do not match the job criteria, but apply anyway, as the process of applying is so much quicker with AI.
Recruiters, on the receiving end, however, report that while the overall quality of applications has improved, they’ve found it’s hard to tell applications apart, with the proliferation of generic AI statements, jargon and buzzwords.
This exponential increase in applications means graduate recruitment has become a costly business. It takes longer to work through the sheer volume of applications and to shortlist effectively, with so little to distinguish between applicants.
While AI may save applicants time, it’s taken graduate recruiters longer to shortlist. This increased cost to recruiters has led to a corresponding decrease in the number of graduate jobs available. The increase in applications has meant the chances of making the shortlist are even lower than before. So a lose-lose for both parties.
My advice to applicants
Unless you’re specifically applying for a graduate job with a large organisation, it’s unlikely that the application odds will be as intense as 140:1. However, I would give the same advice, whether you’re applying for graduate jobs or any other job.
Some aspects of AI can save time when making applications. If you’re going to use it, do so with the following caveats.
Personalise your application
The way to make your application stand out is to create a bespoke document. Take time to complete a first draft without using AI to assist you. Ensure any skills examples you use are personalised and evidence-based.
- Use the language in the Person Specification to provide examples of the skills the recruiter is looking for.
- If you’re stuck on how to present your examples, then seek assistance from AI.
- Mind your language. AI has become notoriously jargon-filled, with hiring teams wearied by the language they find peppered throughout many applications. Below are some of the words and phrases you should avoid. Try a thesaurus if you’re struggling for alternatives.
- It can be helpful to use AI for spelling and grammar checks, but remember to change American to UK spellings. American language can also feel a bit OTT, so you may want to remove the superlatives.
- AI can exaggerate and sometimes lies. Make sure you don’t claim credit for things you didn’t do. If an employer discovers you’ve lied in your application form, you could be dismissed. Recruiters also use AI to assist with shortlisting and use plagiarism software.
- If an employer has clearly stated that they do not accept the use of AI- follow their instructions.
According to Claude:
“Here are 10 overused adjectives AI commonly uses to describe applicants’ personalities in graduate application materials:”
- Passionate
- Motivated
- Dedicated
- Innovative
- Dynamic
- Adaptable
- Resourceful
- Detail-oriented
- Proactive
- Ambitious
Without supporting evidence, these are meaningless descriptors. They sound more like something from The BBC’s “The Apprentice.” And that’s not a positive recommendation.
According to Chat GPT:
Phrases that routinely appear when using AI in applications include, according to Chat GPT:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- I am a team player who works well with others
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- I thrive in both independent and team environments
- I lead by example and inspire those around me
- I am a natural problem-solver who thinks outside the box
- I have a strong work ethic and always give 110%
- I am passionate about making a difference
Of course these are qualities graduate recruiters value- but they are bland and meaningless without qualification. Even with examples, the wording make me feel slightly nauseous. (Anything over 100% is my particular pet hate).
When AI searches for examples of jobs you’re applying for, it doesn’t draw from the specific job role or organisation you’re targeting. It draws from a broad selection within its data bank. The resulting generic phrasing could apply to any number of job roles. This results in very ‘vanilla’ suggestions.
Recruiters value authentic examples and experiences. The best applications reflect your genuine motivations and accomplishments.
The AI virtual horse has bolted, so there’s little point in me suggesting it shouldn’t be harnessed. However, make sure you’re using AI to enhance your unique skills, examples and experiences, not to dumb them down so your application is automatically rejected.
“It’s better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction.” ― Gandhi