Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most common tools for job searching – and new research from Edge’s partner recruitment agency people2people shows just how quickly this shift is happening. 

According to the findings, 1 in 4 Australians (25%) have used AI to help write their CV or cover letter, and for 14% of respondents, it’s something they use frequently.

Who’s using AI the most?

Across all four workplace generations, AI adoption is strong, but some age groups are embracing it faster than others

• Gen X: 33%
  
  
• Millennials/Gen Z: 24%
  
  
• Baby Boomers: 22%

This shows that AI-enhanced job applications aren’t limited to younger generations; Australians of all ages are turning to technology to improve their chances in competitive job markets.

Where AI meets honesty: growing concerns about accuracy and trust

The research also highlights a growing issue: AI makes it easier to blur the truth.

More than a third of Australians (35%) claim to have lied or exaggerated on their CV or cover letter, and nearly a quarter (24%) admit they’ve done so multiple times.

Millennials and Gen Z are the most likely to inflate their experience (45%), compared with 32% of Gen X and 31% of Baby Boomers.

Almost all Australians (90%) believe AI tools make it even easier to mislead employers, with Baby Boomers feeling the most concerned (96%).

And while AI is helpful, job seekers still have worries about using it, including:

• Sounding fake (33%)
  
  
• Fear of getting caught (23%)
  
  
• Accidentally lying (12%)
  
  
• No fear at all (32%)

Authenticity matters more than ever

There is no doubt AI can be a powerful support tool for candidates, but only when used correctly. While AI can enhance clarity, polish grammar, and help structure applications, employers are still searching for the human behind the document. Applications that feel over-engineered or inauthentic can raise immediate red flags.

Recruiters and hiring managers are becoming increasingly alert to AI-generated content. Many organisations now introduce additional screening or verification steps. 

When job seekers overly rely on AI, they risk being screened out before they even reach interview stage. In contrast, the most successful applications continue to be those that reflect genuine experience, personal tone, and honesty.

Smart ways to use AI when applying for jobs

AI isn’t going away – and as the research shows, Australians are already embracing it. But using these tools wisely can be the difference between standing out and being overlooked.

Here are some tips for job seekers to use AI effectively and remain authentic:

1. Keep it authentic: Use AI for structure or grammar, but ensure the content, tone, and examples remain your own.
   
   
2. Fact-check everything: AI tools can accidentally generate inaccurate details. Always verify any claims or statements.
   
   
3. Add personalisation: Generic AI text is easy for employers to spot. Tailor your application to each job and company.
   
   
4. Don’t overdo it: AI should polish your resume and cover letter, not create them from scratch.
   
   
5. Be honest: Exaggeration and false claims often get uncovered during reference checks or interviews.

The bottom line: trust still wins

AI may make job applications easier, but trust remains the foundation of recruitment. If job seekers misuse AI, they risk harming their credibility long before they walk into an interview. The future of job applications will undoubtedly include AI – but the human element is still what employers value most, so remember to keep it real.