Neither side thinks hiring is working': Gen Z job seekers are rewriting their CVs as they're worried about sounding like AI — and they aren't alone
AI’s role in hiring is under scrutiny as jobseekers try to sound more human while simultaneously passing AI screening.
Job applications are becoming a daunting task for Gen Z job seekers, as they grapple with AI detection and the need to appear both human and attractive to AI screening systems. According to a survey by Greenhouse, a hiring platform, a majority of 1,100 job seekers in the UK and Ireland are aware of the challenges posed by AI in the hiring process.
The research, part of the 2026 Greenhouse Future of Hiring Report, reveals that 81% of applicants are rejected without an interview, suggesting that AI screening is playing a significant role in the job application journey.
The primary challenge for job seekers is getting their applications in front of a human. To do so, their applications must stand out enough to be flagged by AI systems, typically those configured to evaluate CVs and applications. Greenhouse's findings indicate that 97% of job seekers wish they could showcase something that cannot be included in their application, hinting at a potential new approach to the hiring process.
However, the main concern is the difficulty of passing AI screening, be it through a written application or an AI interview.
A notable 42% of candidates have experienced AI interviews in the past year, with 57% stating that they were able to demonstrate their skills during these interactions. This shift in the job application landscape is raising concerns among hiring professionals. Sharawn Tipton, Chief People Officer at Greenhouse, noted that neither side, candidates nor employers, seem to be finding success in the current hiring system.
She explained that applications are being sent into a black hole, while employers are dealing with AI-polished CVs that all look the same.
Tipton emphasized that the application process has evolved from a front door to a dead end, as candidates need a system that provides a fair shot at employment. Despite the significant challenges, Greenhouse's Ophir Samson suggested a solution: trust must be built into the process from the start. Samson believes that applicants need to understand how they are being screened before they submit their CVs.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
