The rise of AI has triggered a wave of change in the job market. Recruiters are calling it a “tsunami of sameness” as thousands of AI-generated CVs and cover letters flood their systems. For jobseekers, this creates both opportunity and risk.
Why competition has exploded
Graduate employers are receiving record numbers of applications. In 2019, there were around 50 applications for each role. By 2024, the figure had jumped to 140, and some vacancies now receive thousands of submissions within hours. Tools such as LazyApply allow jobseekers to fire off hundreds of applications a day with almost no effort, leading to sheer volume but a very low success rate.
The risks of relying on AI
While AI can draft a CV or cover letter in seconds, recruiters say many of these documents sound the same. Generic phrasing, overly polished answers, and a “middle-of-the-road” tone make applications easy to spot — and dismiss. Candidates who rely solely on AI risk being screened out as low-effort or inauthentic.
Employers are also responding with their own AI tools: automated video interviews, psychometric games, and keyword-scanning software. The result is a cat-and-mouse game, with both sides trying to outwit the other.
How to stand out in the AI era
If you’re serious about landing a role, volume won’t help. Quality will. Here’s how:
- Personalise with purpose. Use AI to brainstorm ideas, but always rewrite in your own voice. Share concrete examples of achievements, not just buzzwords.
- Focus on fit. Apply only for roles that genuinely match your skills and interests. Spray-and-pray applications rarely lead to interviews.
- Show your humanity. Employers still want self-awareness, resilience, and good communication skills. Let your personality and motivation come through.
- Prepare for curveballs. Video interviews may include unexpected questions to test if a candidate is relying on AI. Practise speaking naturally without a script.
- Invest in relationships. Specialist recruiters, networking, and in-person conversations are becoming more valuable as employers seek authenticity.
Final thought
AI is here to stay in recruitment, but it doesn’t replace what makes you unique. Employers are tired of sameness — they’re looking for people who can show individuality, commitment, and real potential. Use AI as a tool, not a crutch, and make sure your application reflects you.
And if you’d like personalised help with your job search, I’m here to support you.
