Employers, please use postmarked letters for job applications

In an unconventional proposal, a commentator suggests that employers should eliminate digital job applications in favor of requiring handwritten, postmarked letters. The rationale behind this recommendation is to combat the surge of automated job applications generated by large language models (LLMs), which have simplified the application process to the point of saturation with low-quality submissions. By raising the financial and logistical barriers to applying—such as requiring a stamp and handwritten cover letters—it's theorized that this would filter out less serious candidates and reduce the influx of automated applications.

This suggestion highlights a growing concern within the AI/ML community regarding the impact of LLMs on job markets. The commentator notes that while the traditional hiring process has become increasingly convoluted, reverting to more "physical" application methods could restore some integrity and genuine interest in job applications. However, skepticism remains about whether employers will embrace such changes, as many companies may opt for third-party systems that falsely claim to protect against AI-fueled submissions. The discussion raises important questions about the future of job applications in the age of AI and the potential for innovative solutions to counteract the challenges posed by automation.