Homepage 360PR newsroom
Register as BUSINESS Register as PR AGENCY Register as JOURNALIST

A Quarter of Australians Admit to Using Artificial Intelligence on CVs and Cover Letters

Announcement posted by 360PR 09 Sep 2025

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a tool of choice for job seekers, with new research from people2people Recruitment revealing that 1 in 4 Australians (25%) have used AI to help write their CV or cover letter. For some, it has become a frequent habit - with 14% admitting they use it a lot.

 

Generationally, AI use during the job search is highest among:

  • Gen X (33%)
  • Millennials/Gen Z (24%)
  • Baby Boomers (22%)

 

But while AI promises efficiency, it is also raising concerns about honesty in applications. The research found:

  • 35% of Australians have lied or exaggerated on a CV or cover letter, and 24% admitted to doing so multiple times.
  • 45% of Millennials/Gen Z were likely to exaggerate, compared with 32% of Gen X and 31% of Baby Boomers.
  • 90% of Australians believe AI makes it easier to mislead on job applications, with Baby Boomers the most wary (96%).
  • The biggest fear when using AI is "sounding fake" (33%), followed by getting caught (23%) and accidentally lying (12%). Interestingly, 32% say they have no fear at all when using AI.

 

Catherine Kennedy, NSW Managing Director at people2people Recruitment, says while AI can be a powerful support tool, job seekers need to tread carefully.

 

"AI can help candidates polish their applications, but employers are looking for authenticity. A CV or cover letter that sounds fake or over-engineered can raise red flags. AI should be used as an assistant, not a replacement for personal voice, accuracy, and honesty."

 

She adds that the risks extend beyond job seekers themselves: "Hiring managers are becoming more alert to AI-written applications, and many now run extra screening or verification steps. Candidates who rely too heavily on AI risk being overlooked before they even get to interview. The most successful applications are still the ones that feel real and human."

 

Advice for job seekers using AI in applications

  1. Keep it authentic - Use AI for structure or grammar, but ensure your skills, experience, and tone are your own.
  2. Fact-check everything - AI tools can 'make up' details. Always double-check that what's written is accurate.
  3. Add personalisation - Tailor applications to the role and employer. Employers can spot generic AI text instantly.
  4. Don't overdo it - Use AI as a polish, not to create your application from scratch.
  5. Be honest - Exaggeration can backfire. Employers often verify experience, and dishonesty can cost you the job.

 

"AI is here to stay, and job seekers are embracing it. But trust is the currency of recruitment - and if candidates misuse AI, they risk damaging their credibility before they even reach the interview stage," adds Catherine.

 

www.people2people.com.au

 

 

About people2people: people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005. At people2people recruitment, their focus is on identifying potential today to build careers and businesses of tomorrow. Recruitment expertise includes accounting & finance, business support, executive, government, human resources, legal, marketing & digital, property, sales, supply chain management and technology. 

 

For further information or interview requests, please contact: 

Lisa Solomons @ 360 PR | e: lisa@360pr.com.au | p: 0416 175 518