As of January 21, 2026, employers are overwhelmed by a surge in job applications driven by AI tools that assist job seekers in crafting cover letters and CVs. Zoe Sullivan from Co-Op Group highlights a notable increase in applications for white-collar roles, with case manager positions attracting nearly 100 applicants instead of the usual 10 to 20. This has heightened the recruitment challenge for employers, as many applicants may misrepresent their qualifications. JobAdder’s Joel Delmaire reports a 42% rise in applications, noting two distinct applicant behaviors: “machine gun applications” and tailored submissions. While some candidates misuse AI, it can also streamline job preparation. However, over-reliance on AI can lead to discrepancies between an application and actual interview performance, as warned by Employment Hero’s David Holland. Businesses, including major firms like Bunnings, are adopting AI for initial stages of recruitment to manage this influx effectively.
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