Hilton received 12,000 Gen Z applications for just 72 internship spots—its CHRO says AI has made the hospitality gigs more competitive

Hilton has received an overwhelming number of applications from Gen Z candidates for its internship and entry-level positions, with 12,000 applicants vying for just 72 spots in the current cycle. This level of competitiveness is comparable to the acceptance rate at prestigious Ivy League universities. Laura Fuentes, Hilton's chief human resources officer, attributes this surge in applications to AI technology, which has made it easier for candidates to tailor their resumes and apply to numerous roles simultaneously.

However, this increased efficiency has also led to a deluge of applications for each position, making the selection process more challenging. The Hilton Launch program, the company's early career initiative, has become particularly competitive, with only 0.4% of applicants accepted after a two-year rotational program that combines corporate training and hands-on experience in hotel operations.

Fuentes advises Gen Z job seekers to be more strategic in their application efforts, emphasizing the importance of genuine interest and authenticity in a hiring market saturated with AI-generated submissions.