Candidate Pulse: Generative AI in the Job Search

Candidate Pulse: Generative AI in the Job Search

Generative AI, or GenAI, is increasingly becoming an integral part of our daily lives in various ways. It aids in content creation, facilitates brainstorming sessions, and serves numerous other purposes. Now, it's starting to make its presence felt in the job market, changing how people apply for jobs and how companies find new employees.

As GenAI makes its way into the job search and recruitment arena, it's vital to grasp its impact. It's reshaping not only how job seekers find opportunities, but also how they gear up for interviews, business cases, and other recruitment phases. On the flip side, it's modifying how employers assess and interact with potential hires, adding a new dimension to the recruitment workflow.

In October 2023, we conducted a global survey with over 1,800 participants, asking three questions about the impact of GenAI…

In October 2023, we conducted a global survey with over 1,800 participants, asking three questions about the impact of GenAI…

In October 2023, we conducted a global survey with over 1,800 participants, asking three questions about the impact of GenAI…

Have you ever used a GenAI tool in an application process?

Do you consider using an AI tool like ChatGPT in the application process as cheating?

On a scale of 1-5, how concerned are you that other candidates might gain an unfair advantage by using an AI tool like ChatGPT?

Top takeaways:

Approximately 1 out of 3 candidates have started using GenAI in the hiring process.

While GenAI tools have only gained popularity in the past year, mainly thanks to Open AI’s ChatGPT, job seekers have already recognized their significant potential inthe job search. This is evident from the fact that approximately 1 out of 3, specifically 31% of respondents, have employed GenAI tools in some capacity during theirapplication processes

While GenAI tools have only gained popularity in the past year, mainly thanks to Open AI’s ChatGPT, job seekers have already recognized their significant potential inthe job search. This is evident from the fact that approximately 1 out of 3, specifically 31% of respondents, have employed GenAI tools in some capacity during theirapplication processes

There is a divided stance on using GenAI, with 47% considering it cheating and 53% seeing it as fair play.


The reality for employers is straightforward: whether they consider it cheating or not, they must acknowledge their limited ability to prevent its use. Even if they explicitly prohibit GenAI in their processes, there are no foolproof methods to verify whether a resume, cover letter, or business case received AI assistance. This leads us to the question of candidates' ethical boundaries when using GenAI, and the responses are almost evenly split.


The reality for employers is straightforward: whether they consider it cheating or not, they must acknowledge their limited ability to prevent its use. Even if they explicitly prohibit GenAI in their processes, there are no foolproof methods to verify whether a resume, cover letter, or business case received AI assistance. This leads us to the question of candidates' ethical boundaries when using GenAI, and the responses are almost evenly split.

The majority of candidates express no concern over GenAI providing an unfair advantage in the hiring process.

We wanted to inquire about candidates' feelings regarding the use of GenAI by other candidates. This question is relevant not only to those who do not use GenAI but also to those who do, as other candidates could be using it for more purposes than them, or in a more effective manner. What we found is that, in general, candidates do not express significant concerns about this issue.

We wanted to inquire about candidates' feelings regarding the use of GenAI by other candidates. This question is relevant not only to those who do not use GenAI but also to those who do, as other candidates could be using it for more purposes than them, or in a more effective manner. What we found is that, in general, candidates do not express significant concerns about this issue.

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