AI-driven job applications raise concerns over quality, says Bengaluru founder

Bengaluru: The growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications is triggering fresh concerns among recruiters, with many claiming that while the number of applicants has surged, the quality of candidates has significantly declined.

Highlighting the issue, Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Raj Vikramaditya, founder of Take U Forward, shared his experience on social media platform X, pointing to a worrying trend of AI-generated, low-effort job applications flooding hiring pipelines.

Citing a recent hiring process for a User Experience (UX) role, he revealed that most applications appeared to be created using AI tools. “All we saw in the first round was AI-generated content—simple copy-paste, zero effort, and no research,” he said, expressing disappointment over the lack of originality among candidates.

According to him, while the volume of applications has increased dramatically, genuine talent has become harder to identify. Out of 35 shortlisted candidates, the majority submitted generic, templated responses that lacked personal insight or demonstrated interest in the role.

“What’s missing is individuality and intent. Very few candidates showed any real curiosity or effort to understand the job,” he noted. In fact, only one candidate stood out for demonstrating sincerity, research, and a personalised approach—and was ultimately selected for the role.

The post quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread discussion among professionals and recruiters. Many echoed similar concerns, stating that the misuse of AI tools has led to a surge in “cookie-cutter” applications that make it difficult to differentiate between candidates.

Experts believe that while AI can be a powerful tool for improving productivity, its overuse—especially in job applications—can backfire. Recruiters are increasingly looking for authenticity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, which cannot be effectively conveyed through generic AI-generated responses.

The trend also reflects a broader shift in hiring challenges, where companies are forced to spend more time filtering applications rather than evaluating meaningful talent. This not only slows down the recruitment process but also increases the risk of overlooking genuinely capable candidates.

Industry observers suggest that job seekers must strike a balance between using AI tools and showcasing their own skills. Personalised applications, original thinking, and a clear demonstration of interest in the role are becoming more crucial than ever.

As AI continues to reshape workplaces and hiring practices, the debate around its responsible use is gaining momentum. While technology offers convenience, experts warn that over-reliance could ultimately harm candidates’ chances in an increasingly competitive job market.