Are Recruiters Using AI to Detect AI-Written CVs?
Yes — and it's becoming more common across the UK job market.
As more students and graduates use AI tools to help write their CVs, recruiters are responding by introducing AI detection and language-analysis tools into their hiring process. These tools are designed to spot CVs that sound overly generic or mass-produced, especially those written entirely by AI.
Recruiters aren't trying to ban AI — but they are trying to filter out low-effort applications.
How AI CV Detection Tools Work
AI detection systems don't check which tool you used. Instead, they analyse how your CV is written.
They look for patterns such as:
- Repeated sentence structures
- Over-polished but vague wording
- Heavy use of buzzwords with no examples
- Skills listed without explanation or results
CVs created using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Google Gemini — and not edited by the student — often share the same language patterns. This makes them easier for systems to flag.
Why Generic AI CVs Get Rejected
Recruiters review hundreds, sometimes thousands, of CVs. When many applications sound almost identical, it becomes difficult to tell candidates apart.
According to Prospects UK, over two-thirds of large employers have noticed a rise in AI-generated or AI-assisted CVs, leading many to tighten their screening process. Some employers now automatically reject CVs that appear too generic before a human even reads them.
From a recruiter's point of view, generic CVs raise concerns:
- They don't clearly show how skills were gained
- They avoid specific examples or achievements
- They suggest the candidate may struggle to explain their experience in an interview
Is Using AI on Your CV a Bad Idea?
No — using AI is not the problem.
The issue is submitting a CV that looks like it was copied and pasted straight from an AI tool.
Many recruiters openly accept that students use AI for:
- Improving grammar and spelling
- Structuring their CV properly
- Matching keywords to job descriptions
What they don't want to see is a CV that lacks personality, detail, or proof of real experience.
How Students Can Use AI Without Getting Flagged
If you choose to use AI, use it smartly.
Here's how to stay safe:
- Always rewrite AI content in your own words
- Add specific examples from your studies, jobs, or placements
- Include numbers or results where possible
- Avoid vague phrases like "excellent communication skills" without proof
- Make sure you can explain everything on your CV in an interview
When AI is used as a support tool, not a replacement, your CV is far less likely to be flagged by detection systems.
Final Thoughts: Sound Human, Not Perfect
In 2026, the strongest student CVs are not the most polished — they are the most authentic.
AI can help you write faster and smarter, but recruiters still want to see your story, your effort, and your understanding of the role. A CV that sounds human, specific, and honest will always perform better than one that sounds perfect but empty.