AI for job applications: Rules for resumes, cover letters and headshots

They’re all over LinkedIn but the slick-looking AI-generated photos can raise red flags for hiring managers and recruiters.

“AI headshots are starting to appear more frequently on LinkedIn, but they can actually hinder more than help,” she told nine.com.au.

“Hiring managers value authenticity, and using a generated image risks being seen as misleading.”

Shane Little, managing director of enterprise solutions APAC at Hays, agreed that AI headshots can raise concerns if they don’t reflect how a candidate presents in real life.

“While they may look polished and professional at first glance, recruiters are increasingly cautious about images that feel overly stylised,” he told nine.com.au.

“If an AI headshot creates a mismatch between expectations and reality, particularly in video interviews or in‑person meetings as it can undermine trust.”

AI headshots are unlikely to significantly boost a candidate’s prospects and can actually work against them.

The same can be said for AI generated cover letters or resumes.

“Using AI to generate a cover letter or resume can hurt your chances if it’s used poorly or without personalisation,” Little explained.

“Recruiters are increasingly spotting applications that sound generic, overly polished or disconnected from a candidate’s real experience, which can raise concerns about authenticity and effort.”

While there’s no harm in using AI tools to draft your resume or cover letter, that’s as far as it should go.

Generic AI-generated cover letters or resumes can feel impersonal or misaligned with the role, which can hurt a candidate’s chances at landing the job.

They may also be flagged by AI-based screening tools, which are becoming more common in recruitment, especially for high-volume roles.

“AI screeners may look for and penalise things like unusual formatting, excessive jargon and AI‑style phrasing,” Giuseppe Carabetta, associate professor of workplace and business law at the University of Technology Sydney, told nine.com.au.

“Some systems try and flag applications that appear templated or mass‑generated.”

And there’s no direct law requiring employers to disclose their use of resume‑screening AI tools.

So if you do get AI to help write your resume, make sure you give it a thorough clean up before submitting it.

“Candidates must personalise them, review them carefully, and ensure the content reflects their real experience and achievements,” Viner said.

Little encouraged Aussies who plan to use AI in their job search to remember a job application should be personal.

“Don’t expect AI to get it right all the time,” he said.

It’s not all bad news for Aussies hoping to use AI to help them land a new job in 2026.

“AI can be a very useful tool when preparing for interviews,” Viner revealed.

“AI can also help you think through how to present your experience, role-play answers to potential questions, and suggest insightful questions to ask at an interview.”

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