The best way to stand out in an AI hiring market may be surprisingly old-fashioned, a recruitment CEO says

In a landscape dominated by generative AI, where applications often appear indistinguishable from one another, a seasoned recruitment leader is advocating for a return to traditional methods to help job seekers stand out. James Reed, CEO of Reed Recruitment, highlighted that while AI-generated cover letters and CVs are becoming commonplace, making a genuine human connection is what truly sets candidates apart. During a recent interview on the BBC's "Big Boss Interview" podcast, Reed explained that the influx of similar applications, produced with tools like ChatGPT, has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to capture the attention of hiring managers. "Some very old-fashioned things still work," he remarked, suggesting that a handwritten letter sent through the postal service can have a significant impact, as it lands directly on a recruiter's desk. The recruitment landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with AI tools assisting candidates in creating tailored applications in mere moments. However, Reed cautioned that this efficiency has led to a paradox where AI is engaging with AI, often leaving human insight out of the equation. "At the moment, you frequently have AI talking to AI, and no person is any wiser," he noted. As the volume of applications continues to rise—LinkedIn's Talent Research 2026 survey revealed that the number of applicants per open role in the U.S. has doubled since the spring of 2022—hiring managers are finding it increasingly challenging to sift through the influx. Reed pointed out that this deluge diminishes the value of personalized applications, as companies become overwhelmed and unable to appreciate the effort put into tailored submissions. The survey also indicated that 65% of the 19,113 workers polled felt that job hunting had become more arduous over the past year. Meanwhile, a staggering 93% of the 6,554 recruiters surveyed expressed intentions to enhance their use of AI in hiring processes by 2026. Daniel Chait, CEO of Greenhouse, previously described this scenario as an "AI doom loop," wherein job seekers can apply for more positions quickly, but recruiters find themselves buried under an ever-growing pile of applications. In light of these challenges, Reed encourages job seekers to seek out opportunities for direct human engagement rather than solely relying on online application portals. He emphasized the importance of personal connections, stating that while technology has streamlined processes, it has also automated them to a degree that may be counterproductive. This perspective aligns with a growing trend among recruiters, who are increasingly prioritizing skills-based assessments, work trials, or direct outreach over traditional AI-enhanced résumés.