A.I. Sludge Has Entered the Job Search
Human resources professionals are facing a surge of challenges as the number of job applications explodes. Many of these applications are generated or assisted by artificial intelligence tools, creating an overwhelming backlog for employers and frustration for candidates alike.
Katie Tanner, an HR consultant in Utah, experienced this firsthand. She posted a remote tech job requiring just three years of experience and expected strong interest. What she didn’t expect was the flood: 400 applications in 12 hours, 600 by 24 hours, and over 1,200 within a few days. She eventually had to remove the post but is still sorting through candidates three months later.
The Scale of the Problem
LinkedIn reports a 45% increase in applications over the past year, now averaging 11,000 applications per minute. A major factor is the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which can quickly tailor résumés to job descriptions by inserting every relevant keyword. Some candidates even use AI agents that autonomously find and apply for jobs on their behalf.
For recruiters, this means many résumés appear strikingly similar, making it tougher to gauge genuine interest or qualifications. The flood of applications, sometimes called an “applicant tsunami,” is expected to grow.
How Employers Are Responding
- Automated chat or video interviews, sometimes conducted by AI, are becoming common to filter candidates faster.
- Companies like Chipotle have implemented AI chatbots to screen and schedule interviews, cutting hiring time by 75%.
These tools help reduce the workload but also introduce new challenges around candidate experience and fairness.
What HR Professionals Can Do
Dealing with AI-driven application surges requires a strategic approach:
- Leverage AI tools to assist screening, but maintain human oversight to ensure quality and fairness.
- Adapt job postings to minimize generic, AI-generated applications by focusing on specific, role-relevant questions or tasks.
- Consider implementing asynchronous video or chat interviews to efficiently assess candidates.
Exploring training on AI tools in recruitment can help HR teams stay effective. For practical courses on AI and automation tools that improve hiring processes, check resources like Complete AI Training.
The influx of AI-assisted applications is reshaping recruitment workflows. Staying informed and adopting thoughtful AI strategies will help HR professionals manage the growing volume without sacrificing candidate quality.
Your membership also unlocks:
