AI Resumes: Dubai's New Hiring Challenge

AI-Generated Resumes Flood Dubai Job Market: Opportunity or Obstacle?

The labor market in the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai, is rapidly developing, supported by economic growth. According to Cooper Fitch, it is currently the fastest-growing labor market in the region with a 4% increase. However, alongside this growth, new challenges have emerged for recruiters: an increasing number of job applications feature resumes generated by artificial intelligence (AI), which do not always yield the expected results.

The Rise of AI in Resumes

Nowadays, several platforms and applications, such as ChatGPT, AI Apply, or Enhancv, can produce complete resumes within minutes based on the information provided by users. This initially seems beneficial, especially for those not skilled in resume writing or those who wish to apply for multiple positions quickly. However, quantity does not necessarily equate to quality.

Recruitment experts warn that many AI-generated resumes do not meet the expectations of the positions applied for, and being often generic, they fail to adequately highlight the candidate’s real capabilities. Moreover, recruitment systems – increasingly using keyword searches – can easily rank these documents lower if they are not appropriately optimized.

Recruiters' Warnings

Most local human resources professionals – according to a LinkedIn survey, 83% – do support the use of AI in job searching, but only if applicants are honest about their experiences and review the finished material themselves.

The problem does not lie in the use of AI but in its excessive application. It becomes more and more evident to recruiters if a resume is entirely machine-generated and these are often excluded early in the selection process. Misleading or irrelevant information, incorrect phrasing, and overtly general content do not assist the applicant – in fact, they may be a disadvantage.

AI: Help or Frustration?

The number of resumes has significantly increased over the past year, but quality has often not kept pace with this trend. Surveys indicate that 64% of recruiters receive more AI-generated but irrelevant applications, and only 45% believe any application at least partially meets the required qualifications.

This frustrates not only applicants but employers as well. Thus, HR professionals are increasingly deploying their own AI tools to more efficiently filter out truly suitable candidates. The emphasis is shifting from merely recognizing AI content to using it responsibly and consciously.

Experts' Advice

Customization: Even if AI is used to compile a resume, it is advisable to make the document unique in every case. Content adapted to the specific position is much more convincing.

Authenticity: Ensure every statement is true and can be substantiated. False information can be easily uncovered during the interview.

Personal Editing: Always review, correct errors, and refine the language of automatically generated resumes.

Distinctiveness: Highlight individual skills and experiences – avoid using only general phrases.

Conclusion

While artificial intelligence opens new opportunities for job seekers in Dubai and throughout the UAE, irresponsible use can backfire. Recruiters are not against AI content itself but its poorly applied, generalized version. The best chances lie with those who combine AI assistance with their own creativity, experiences, and authenticity.

(The article is based on opinions from HR professionals.)