Recruiters are facing an overwhelming influx of resumes from fake job seekers, especially for remote tech jobs, throttling the hiring process for both employers and legitimate candidates.
One engineering manager estimated that about one-third of the resumes submitted for open positions are fraudulent. Other recruiters say that just ferreting out fake candidates from the real ones consumes hours of time every week.
Why should legitimate candidates be concerned about the surge in fake applicants?
Because you may be mistaken for a fake candidate and automatically rejected unless you do something to prove that you’re human.
"As a job seeker, it’s important to understand what’s going on in the market," explained Scott Leserman, principal recruitment consultant for Higher Talent Solutions LLC.
Taking a few extra steps to establish yourself as a legitimate, human, and engaged candidate can keep you out of the auto-reject pile, he added.
Here’s how to distinguish yourself from fake job seekers during the initial stages of the hiring process.
Don’t Let AI Do All the Work
If you let AI do all the work, you could be mistaken for a fake applicant.
"Using AI to build your resume and mass apply for jobs may seem easy, but you just become part of the noise," Leserman said.
Recruiters are wary of resumes that seem too perfect or match the job description exactly. The key to seeming authentic is to humanize yourself.
Make a few modifications to your resume to prove that you are authentic.
For instance, always include an original personal summary at the top of your resume, describing who you are, what you’re seeking, and what you can offer, incorporating elements that resonate with human experience and emotion.
To avoid a bot-like appearance, use a similar title to the one in the job description, not one that matches exactly, at the top of your resume. To appease the applicant tracking system (ATS) and show that you put some thought into building your resume, consider adding the title from the job description in parentheses.
Include a few extra things about yourself that don’t match the job description. Add a list of courses you’re taking, or a list of side projects or hackathons you’ve participated in. Also, cross-reference your code repositories, project portfolios, and video channels.
Having a strong online presence helps establish you as a real person, not a bot, noted Matt Grove, principal consultant at Recruiting Toolbox.
Interacting with others on social media, especially when sharing technical projects through videos, certifies that you are human and passionate. Having referrals and recommendations from former colleagues can also help put recruiters at ease.
After all, bots don’t have profiles that demonstrate significant activity, expertise, and a strong portfolio of projects on GitHub.
AI, despite its advancements, still struggles with details and providing context. Optimizing your work history or project descriptions with specific details about the steps you took and the outcomes you achieved is something a bot can’t do. It simply matches the requirements in the job description.
AI can’t make judgment calls either, Grove noted. So, if you’re asked to describe a challenge you faced or the way you would approach a problem during an initial phone screen, always talk about why you chose one option over another to put any questions about your authenticity to rest.
Also, don’t be alarmed if a recruiter asks you to wave to the camera or hold up fingers during a virtual interview. Be ready to engage in small talk. They want to ensure that you are a real person and not an AI-generated deepfake.
Make the Recruiter Want to Talk to You
Taking the time to send a brief introductory email to a recruiter before submitting your application can make them want to delve deeper.
"I always spend a bit more time reviewing someone’s resume if they reach out to me directly," Leserman admitted. Getting into the running is crucial, even if it doesn’t result in an offer.
An introductory email doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. It just needs to reference the specific role and company, highlight how your skills and experience align with their needs, and express enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Referring to a mutual contact or organization you belong to can be a powerful way to establish a human connection with a potential employer as well. Getting a referral or even an introduction from a current employee at the company can keep you from being mistaken for a deepfake while significantly increasing your chances of landing an interview.
Acknowledging the problem with fake candidates is another way to win over a recruiter and verify that you’re human.
For example, it's always a good idea to close your email with an offer to participate in a FaceTime call or online coffee chat.
By taking the initiative to address the growing problem of fake candidates and demonstrating your willingness to be resourceful, job seekers can help put recruiters and hiring managers at ease.
At the very least, quashing any concerns about your authenticity can enhance your chances of being considered for a position.