Career Experts Warn Overreliance on AI in Resumes Could Derail Job Prospects

As artificial intelligence becomes a common tool for job seekers, career experts are warning that excessive reliance on AI to craft resumes and applications could backfire. According to new findings and professional coaches, automated tools often fabricate details, create overly uniform submissions, or introduce glaring errors that may cost candidates interviews or job offers.

A 2025 Market Trend Report from recruitment firm Career Group Companies reveals that about 65% of candidates now use AI during the job application process. While the technology can streamline tasks such as editing cover letters or tailoring resumes, experts say blind trust in AI risks misrepresenting qualifications and weakening a candidate’s chances.

Jen DeLorenzo, a career coach and founder of The Career Raven, cautions that AI systems can “hallucinate,” or fabricate information when prompted. “When AI is asked to rewrite a resume to coordinate with a job description, it is going to start to lie if the title doesn’t 100% align,” DeLorenzo said.

People exchanging documents | Source: Pexels

Uniformity and Errors Raise Red Flags

Jessye Kass Karlin, a fractional recruiter and former career coach, says AI-generated resumes often appear formulaic. “You can totally tell when someone has used AI, because suddenly I have six applications that all have the same sort of structure and format,” Karlin noted. She emphasized that authentic, thoughtful responses help candidates stand out.

One of DeLorenzo’s clients learned the risks firsthand after sending multiple AI-edited resumes without reviewing them. The tool had exaggerated her work experience, leaving her unprepared to discuss those details in interviews. “You have to be able to speak to your bullet points, and if you don’t have a story, it’s going to become crystal clear,” DeLorenzo said.

Karlin has also witnessed AI-related mishaps, including applicants accidentally leaving AI prompts in their submissions. She recalled a notable example where an applicant answered, “Why do you want to work here?” with “As artificial intelligence, I do not have emotions.” “I was like, OK, we definitely need to proofread,” Karlin said.

Woman in a job interview | Source: Pexels

Best Practices for Responsible AI Use

Despite these warnings, DeLorenzo does not advise job seekers to avoid AI entirely. Instead, she recommends using the technology as a secondary resource. “You have to be really careful with it,” she said. “Unfortunately, with people wanting to rewrite their resume every time, it’s easy to get lazy with it.”

Karlin added that AI-generated resumes are often filled with keywords, creating what she calls “word salad.” She finds that applicants who write in their own words to describe their impact tend to be more effective.

DeLorenzo suggests writing resumes and cover letters independently, then using AI to refine the language. Even well-trained AI can make glaring mistakes, such as misnaming a company, she said. “You really still have to take a look and double-check before you send it over, because that could be embarrassing,” she warned. “It could ruin your chances for sure.”

Woman in a job interview | Source: Pexels

Human Touch Remains Essential

Karlin acknowledged that the job search process can feel “exhausting and overwhelming,” making it tempting to “just let the tools take over.” But she stressed that employers are ultimately seeking genuine candidates. “Employers want to hire you, not the tools you can use,” she said.

The experts’ advice underscores that while AI can assist with applications, human oversight, authenticity, and careful proofreading remain critical to success in today’s competitive job market.