A new report from Resume Now reveals that AI is no longer just a buzzword in hiring—it's a backbone. According to the AI & Hiring Trends 2025 report, 91% of employers now use artificial intelligence to streamline everything from screening resumes to scheduling interviews. The findings, based on a survey of over 900 U.S. hiring professionals, show that AI is not only speeding up time-to-hire but also improving decision-making across the board.
As recruiters turn to automation for efficiency, many are also calling for clear rules around the use of AI-generated job applications—highlighting a growing need to balance innovation with fairness.
Key Findings
- 96% use AI in recruiting tasks, including screening, resume analysis, and writing job descriptions.
- 94% say AI screening tools are effective at identifying top candidates.
- 73% say time-to-hire has improved since implementing AI tools.
- 79% believe companies should regulate the use of AI-generated content in job applications.
AI Is Speeding Up Hiring
Employers say AI tools are helping them move faster when it comes to screening, evaluating, and hiring candidates.
- 73% of employers say their time-to-hire has improved with AI.
- 19% report no change.
- Just 8% say the hiring process has slowed due to AI.
What this means: Workers should be ready to move quickly. With faster hiring timelines, it's important to have an updated resume, respond promptly to interview requests, and stay alert for job openings. Acting early can make all the difference in a market where speed is now a competitive edge.
AI Is Now Essential to Recruiting
AI is no longer a bonus feature in recruiting; it's a fundamental part of how many employers hire today.
- 96% use AI for recruiting.
- Nearly half (47%) say AI powers more than 75% of their hiring activities.
- Top uses include:
- Writing job descriptions (55%)
- Candidate screening (55%)
- Resume analysis (50%)
- Interview scheduling (33%)
- Job post optimization (29%)
- Identifying passive candidates (14%)
- Automating follow-up emails (11%)
Only 1% say they haven't used AI at all.
What this means: Workers should assume that AI is involved in nearly every step of the hiring process. From job posts to screening tools, algorithms are shaping who gets seen and when. To stay competitive, job seekers should tailor their resumes with relevant keywords from the job description, use clear resume formatting, and consider tools that help optimize applications for AI systems.
AI Screening Tools Are Widely Trusted
Most employers say AI is doing a good job identifying top candidates during the screening process.
- 94% find AI-driven screening effective:
- 52% say "very effective"
- 42% say "somewhat effective"
- Only 6% say these tools are ineffective.
What this means: Workers should assume their resumes will be reviewed by AI before a human ever sees them. ATS screening has become a standard part of the job search. To improve their chances of making it through this digital filter, job seekers should use clear, simple formatting, choose relevant keywords, and avoid overly creative designs or vague language that AI might overlook. An ATS-friendly resume template is key to creating a resume that holds up under ATS scrutiny and makes it into human hands.
Employers Want Clear Rules for AI-Generated Applications
As more candidates turn to AI to help write resumes and cover letters, employers are calling for clearer standards on how this content should be evaluated.
- 79% believe companies should set rules for AI-generated job application content.
- 16% say no regulation is needed.
- 5% say it should depend on the role or industry.
What this means: Workers using AI to write applications should do so thoughtfully. While AI can help with formatting and phrasing, employers still expect authenticity and personalization. An AI-generated skills section should only include skills that the candidate actually has. Job seekers should review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it accurately reflects their experience, avoids exaggeration, and includes specific, human details that demonstrate genuine interest in the role. Using AI to apply for jobs is efficient, but it must be done with care.
Looking for a change of scenery? Our AI Resume Builder can help you land a new role by creating or updating your resume to meet the standards of the competitive job market.
Methodology
The findings provided were gathered through a survey conducted with 925 American Human Resources Workers on March 28, 2025. Participants were asked about their use of AI in hiring, perceptions of applicant quality, evaluation practices, and views on the ethical implications of AI-generated job applications. Participants responded to various question types, including yes/no questions, open-ended questions, scale-based questions gauging agreement levels, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers.
For press inquiries, contact Joseph Santaella at joseph@resume-now.com.
Keith is a Career Expert and content contributor for Resume Now. He is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with over a decade of experience in the career development field. Keith also holds a Master's of Education from Cabrini University.
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