This week, Traci sits down for a solo catch-up to address the elephant in the room: the influx of obviously AI-generated resumes and job applications flooding inboxes. Plus, this is our last episode of 2025, so you won't want to miss this episode!
What starts as a cautionary tale about resume fraud becomes a deeper conversation about reputation, confidence, and why the "spray and pray" approach to your career is actually costing you more than it saves.
Whether you're tempted to let AI write your resume from scratch, use automated job application services, or lean on generative tools during interviews, this episode challenges the all-or-nothing thinking that's driving so many job seekers to compromise their credibility before they even get in the door.
What We Cover:
– The telltale signs of AI-generated resumes (generic language, zero personality, missing data points)
– Why perfect keyword matching actually hurts your chances despite what you think about ATS systems
– The reputation damage that never really goes away in smaller industries
– The interview nightmare scenario: claiming experience you don't actually have
– How one hiring manager caught a candidate using AI mid-interview (spoiler: the camera angle was a dead giveaway)
– Why automated job application services are just spray-and-pray without the actual effectiveness
– The difference between using AI as a prep tool versus letting AI replace your thinking entirely
– How to leverage AI ethically—workbook prep, question practice, resume critique—without faking your way through applications
– The real thing that lands jobs: being prepared, being specific, being YOU
– The competitive job market pressure that's driving candidates to abandon authenticity
Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraci
For resume support, interview prep, or career coaching, reach out: https://hrtraci.com/career-services
Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.