AI-Generated CVs: How to Spot Them – Tips from Our Recruitment Team

Posted on: 05th March 2025
by Namratha Ambat
CV Assistance IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights Job Interview Preparation

As a marketing professional in an IT recruitment agency, I spend a lot of time speaking with our recruiters, gaining insights into the latest hiring trends and challenges shaping the industry. Through these conversations—and discussions with my wider network of in-house recruiters—one issue keeps coming up: the growth of AI-generated CVs. Hiring managers are increasingly caught off guard when candidates who seem perfect on paper struggle to deliver in interviews. This trend is becoming more common, and if you’re not aware of it, you could be wasting valuable time and resources. That’s why today, I want to share some key strategies our consultants use to spot these CVs early, helping our clients avoid unnecessary hiring headaches.

Why AI-Generated CVs Are on the Rise

With the advancement of AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and other AI-powered resume builders, job seekers can now craft the perfect CV in minutes. These tools use machine learning algorithms to optimise resumes with keyword stuffing, tailored job descriptions, and even AI-generated work experience bullet points. While AI can be a helpful tool for candidates who struggle with writing, it also enables individuals to present themselves in ways that may not align with their real-world skills or experience.

This is just as important for candidates as it is for hiring managers. Overpromising on your CV and then underdelivering in an interview can create false expectations and harm your credibility. If you’re using AI to help craft your CV, take the time to review it carefully to ensure it accurately reflects your skills and experience.

Our recruiters have noticed a pattern with AI-generated CVs—they often inflate a candidate’s expertise, listing advanced proficiency in niche programming languages, a deep understanding of complex processes, or multiple senior-level roles that don’t quite add up upon closer inspection.

How to Spot an AI-Generated CV

Our team has developed several methods to help identify AI-generated CVs early in the hiring process. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Overly Polished Yet Generic Language

  Many AI-generated CVs use language that sounds too perfect yet lacks authenticity. If every bullet point reads like a well-crafted LinkedIn post rather than a genuine description of work experience, this could be your first clue.

  Example:

  "Innovative and results-driven software engineer with a passion for cutting-edge technology, leveraging AI and cloud computing to drive scalable solutions in high-growth environments."

  While this sounds impressive, it lacks the specificity of a real person’s experience. Compare it to a more genuine bullet point:

  "Developed a cloud-based microservices architecture that reduced deployment time by 40% for a fintech startup."
   

• Inconsistent Career Progression

  AI-generated CVs sometimes list rapid career progression that seems unrealistic. If a candidate has jumped from junior roles to senior leadership in just a few years, it's worth questioning how they achieved this trajectory. Cross-check their LinkedIn profile for endorsements, work history, and any inconsistencies.

  Example: A candidate lists the following career history:

  2021-2022: Junior Software Engineer

  2022-2023: Senior Software Engineer

  2023-Present: Head of Engineering

  While quick promotions happen, they should align with tangible achievements. If there's no clear evidence of how they climbed the ranks so fast, it could be AI-generated fluff.
   

• Too Many Buzzwords and Industry Jargon

  AI-generated CVs tend to overuse buzzwords without context. If a candidate’s resume is stuffed with keywords but lacks specific examples of projects or contributions, it's a red flag.

  Example:

  "Implemented AI-driven, cloud-native solutions to enhance cross-functional collaboration and drive digital transformation."

  A real candidate might instead say:

  "Designed and deployed an AI-powered chatbot for internal IT support, reducing ticket resolution time by 30%."
   

• A Lack of Personal Touch

  Genuine CVs often include a bit of personal touch, whether it's a short summary about their career journey, specific projects they’re proud of, or even hobbies. AI-generated resumes tend to lack this human element, making them feel impersonal and overly optimised.
   

• Poorly Matched CV and Interview Performance

  The ultimate test is the interview. Many hiring managers report that candidates with AI-generated CVs often struggle to back up their claims in a conversation. They might falter when asked about projects they supposedly worked on, or they may use vague answers when discussing technical challenges.

  Example:

  CVs can be generated to mention all the buzzwords and technical skills required on a job add/spec. They are created to get recognised and get an interview rather than tell the candidate's true story. In many cases, the CV mentions technical skills without proof of how the candidate developed them. These CVs are created based on what the hiring team wants to see rather than giving an accurate account of the candidate's current skills and background. In an interview process, this candidate will be found out when they can't answer questions about technical skills/tools mentioned on their CV.

  If they struggle to provide details, their CV may not reflect their actual experience.

How to Protect Your Hiring Process

Now that we know how to identify AI-generated CVs, here are some best practices to protect your hiring process:

1. Use Structured Interviews

   Develop a set of structured interview questions that require candidates to provide real-world examples. Behavioral and situational questions work well to separate genuine experience from AI-enhanced CVs.

2. Introduce Practical Assessments

   For technical roles, implement coding challenges or real-world problem-solving tests. A candidate with true experience will be able to demonstrate their skills, while those who relied heavily on AI for their CV will struggle.

3. Cross-Check Online Profiles

   Compare the candidate's CV with their LinkedIn profile, GitHub contributions, or any other professional footprint. Real professionals often have online activity that supports their experience claims.

4. Partner with a Recruitment Agency

   Agencies like ours specialise in vetting candidates beyond their CVs. Our recruiters conduct in-depth screenings to assess a candidate’s real skills and experience before they ever reach your desk.

Final Thoughts

AI-generated CVs are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean they have to disrupt your hiring process. By staying vigilant, asking the right questions, and leveraging recruitment expertise, you can filter out inauthentic candidates and ensure you’re hiring the best talent for your team.

At GemPool, we work closely with hiring managers to navigate challenges like this and ensure a smooth hiring process. If you need support in identifying top talent without the AI-generated fluff or need support with your general hiring process, reach out to our team today.