Posted on 24 Jun, 2025

AI-generated resumes that inflate or falsify experience are a new problem for employers as a result of the increasing use of artificial intelligence in job applications. This practice, which is often called "AI CV catfishing," involves candidates using AI tools to fabricate false profiles that make them seem more qualified than they actually are.

This trend poses a significant risk to the creative industries of design and others where experience and practical skills are crucial. Companies may invest both time and resources on applicants who don't have the skills listed on their resumes, which could result in subpar hires and delayed projects.

The distinction between sincere assistance and deceptive representation keeps becoming more hazy as AI tools become more widely available. Nowadays, recognising and dealing with AI CV catfishing is a crucial component of contemporary hiring.

What Is AI CV Catfishing?

The practice of creating job applications that overstate, falsify or in some cases, entirely fabricate a candidate's credentials, abilities and experience using artificial intelligence tools, is known as AI CV catfishing. In contrast to conventional CV embellishment, this trend entails creating comprehensive skill sets, career histories, or portfolios that might not accurately reflect the applicant's actual background.

It can be challenging to tell these AI-generated documents apart from authentic applications because they frequently seem extremely well-crafted and customised. Some applicants utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to create compelling summaries of positions or tasks they have never held or finished. Some even go so far as to fabricate portfolios using generative tools, especially in domains like design where visual examples are important.

Hiring someone under false pretences can have serious repercussions in fields that depend on practical experience and innovative problem-solving. Client confidence may decline, teams may grow irritated, morale negatively affected and projects may stall. Employers have a greater obligation to comprehend the signs of AI CV catfishing and how to prevent it as the use of AI in job applications grows.

Why the Trend Is Growing

The rise of AI CV catfishing is closely tied to the increasing availability of AI writing tools. Platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini allow users to create detailed CVs and cover letters in minutes, regardless of actual experience. For job seekers under pressure the temptation to enhance their applications using these tools can be strong.

Remote hiring has also contributed to the problem. With fewer in-person interviews and a growing reliance on digital communication, it becomes easier for candidates to hide behind AI-generated content. Employers often rely on CVs, portfolios and online interviews without the benefit of meeting someone face-to-face or reviewing their work in person.

Another factor is the lack of clear guidelines around AI use in recruitment. Few companies have policies addressing the use of generative AI in applications, leaving a grey area that some candidates exploit. Until clearer standards are adopted, both candidates and employers may struggle to draw the line between legitimate assistance and intentional deception.

Key Red Flags for Spotting AI CV Catfishing

Spotting an AI-generated CV is not always straightforward, but there are common warning signs that employers can look for. One of the most noticeable is overly polished or generic language. CVs written entirely by AI often lack personal detail and use broad statements that could apply to any role or industry.

Inconsistencies between the CV, portfolio and interview responses can also be telling. A candidate might claim to have led major design projects but struggle to explain their process or decision-making when questioned. Similarly, vague role descriptions without specific outcomes or project names may signal a lack of real experience.

Other red flags include the excessive use of buzzwords, technology names or job titles that do not align with the candidate’s level or timeline. If a CV lists multiple advanced tools or responsibilities within short timeframes or experience that matches too perfectly to the advertised job spec it may be worth probing further. A careful review of dates, job landing transitions and stated achievements can help reveal gaps or unrealistic progressions.

Employers who remain alert to these signs will be better positioned to identify questionable applications before moving forward in the hiring process.

How Employers Can Verify Information

AI-generated CVs can be difficult to detect, but several practical steps can help employers validate a candidate’s claims:

• Request detailed portfolios or work samples
  Genuine projects usually include clear design processes, constraints and client involvement that are hard to fabricate convincingly.
  
  
• Use structured interviews
  Ask candidates to describe their contributions to specific projects, explain their design decisions and discuss challenges they encountered. Ask probing questions.
  
  
• Incorporate behavioural and situational questions
  These types of questions often reveal the candidate’s real experience and problem-solving approach.
  
  
• Set practical tasks or assessments
  A short design task can quickly highlight the applicant’s technical skills and design thinking.
  
  
• Verify references and past employment
  Speaking over the phone, rather than via email, with former employers or colleagues can confirm whether the candidate’s background aligns with what’s stated in the CV.
  
  

By combining these checks, employers can reduce the risk of hiring based on misleading or AI-generated applications.

The Ethical Side of AI Use in Job Applications

While AI tools can assist with writing and formatting, there is a clear ethical distinction between using technology for support and using it to deceive. Relying on AI to correct grammar or improve clarity is reasonable, but fabricating experience, skills or entire portfolios crosses an important line.

This kind of dishonesty not only misleads employers but also undermines trust within teams. Colleagues may assume a new hire has the required expertise, only to discover gaps that affect collaboration and project outcomes. In industries such as design, where teamwork and practical knowledge are critical, the consequences of misrepresentation can be widespread.

Genuine candidates are also disadvantaged. When others use AI to create convincing false profiles, those with real qualifications may be overlooked. It creates an uneven playing field and shifts focus away from actual merit and experience. Encouraging transparency and discouraging misuse of AI in applications is essential for maintaining fairness and trust in the recruitment process.

Employers have a role to play in setting expectations. By openly addressing the acceptable use of AI and incorporating verification steps, they can promote a more honest hiring environment.

Building Trust in the Age of AI

As AI tools become more advanced, the risk of false representation in job applications is increasing and the cost of a poor hire goes beyond wasted time and resources — it can affect team morale, project delivery and client satisfaction.

For businesses looking to hire trusted design professionals, Careers in Design offers expert recruitment services backed by experience and industry knowledge. We help employers find qualified candidates with genuine skills and proven experience. To secure reliable talent without the risk of AI deception, contact us on 01920 486125.

Posted in: CV | Tagged: application applicants CV AI generated CV resumes recruiters hiring process hiring