Recruiters are facing a new problem: too many job applications created with artificial intelligence. AI tools can write résumés and cover letters in seconds. They can also change an application to match each job description. This saves time for job seekers, but it also allows people to apply for hundreds of jobs very quickly.
The number of applications has risen sharply. Greenhouse studied more than 640 million applications from over 6,000 companies. It found that the average number of applications for each job increased from 116 in 2022 to 244 in 2025. At the same time, recruiting teams became smaller. As a result, recruiters must read more applications with fewer workers. (greenhouse.com)
High numbers are not the only issue. Many AI-written résumés use similar words and expressions, so candidates can begin to look the same. Some applications also contain false or exaggerated information. In Greenhouse’s 2026 survey, 91% of recruiters said they had seen some form of candidate deception. Common examples included exaggerated résumés, false references, and AI assistance during interviews. (greenhouse.com)
Because recruiters cannot check every document carefully, companies are using AI to screen applications. However, this creates an “AI versus AI” situation: candidates use AI to prepare applications, while employers use AI to judge them. This may cause qualified people to be missed. Trust is also becoming weaker. A Gartner survey found that only 26% of job applicants trusted AI to evaluate them fairly. (gartner.com)
For job seekers, the best answer may not be sending more applications. A clear and honest résumé can be more effective than a perfect-sounding AI document. AI can give useful support, but applicants should add real experiences, exact results, and their own voice. In a sea of similar applications, being human may become the strongest advantage.










