We posted a job. Then came the AI slop, impersonator and recruiter scam (themarkup.org)

Andrew Losowsky, Product Director at The Markup and CalMatters, shared his frustrating experience while hiring an engineer that highlighted the challenges posed by generative AI in recruitment. After posting a job ad, he was inundated with over 400 applications within 12 hours, many of which displayed clear signs of inauthenticity, such as identical contact information, suspiciously formatted email addresses, and patterned resume designs. The use of AI tools for job applications has surged, with 65% of jobseekers reportedly relying on them, contributing to a troubling increase in fake candidates, particularly in technical roles. The significance of this situation lies in its implications for the AI and recruitment landscape. As AI continues to permeate hiring processes, both employers and candidates must navigate a minefield of automation-driven deception. Losowsky's experience serves as a stark reminder that while AI can streamline job hunting, it also enables scams and eliminates genuine candidates from consideration. After realizing the prevalence of likely fraudulent applications, the team pivoted to direct outreach, stemming the tide of inauthentic submissions. This incident underscores the necessity for companies to develop robust vetting processes and remain vigilant against the influx of AI-generated resumes and impersonations, ensuring that genuine talent can still be identified and recruited effectively.