There’s no denying it – AI is now part of the job search toolkit. Candidates are using it to tweak their resumes, prepare for interviews, and yes, even coach themselves live during Zoom calls.
Used well, AI can help you show up stronger. Used poorly, it could cost you the job.
At On Q Recruitment, we’re big believers in adapting to change – and AI isn’t the enemy. But we are seeing more cases where candidates are taking shortcuts that feel, frankly, a little dishonest. And when hiring managers catch on (they usually do), it doesn’t reflect well.
Let’s look at two of the most common tactics we’re seeing right now – and why you should avoid them.
The Resume “Hack” That Could Cost You the Role
You might’ve seen this floating around TikTok: white fonting. It’s when job seekers copy keywords from the job ad and paste them into their resume in white text so they’re invisible to the human eye but picked up by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
The aim? To boost your ranking and get your resume to the top of the pile.
The reality? It’s a well-known trick – and it doesn’t work. Modern ATS software can detect it, and if your resume ends up in the hands of a recruiter or hiring manager, it won’t look good.
We get it – job searching is competitive. But misleading employers isn’t the way to stand out. If your resume doesn’t reflect the actual experience behind those keywords, it’s not going to get you the job. And if it does? You’ll struggle to live up to what’s on paper.
AI Prompts During Interviews
Another trend on the rise: using generative AI tools during live interviews.
Some candidates are running transcription software while on Zoom, pasting questions into ChatGPT, and reading the generated answers back to the interviewer in real time.
It’s rather obvious as the answers often sound polished but hollow. When the follow-up questions roll in (and they always do), the lack of genuine understanding becomes clear.
Hiring managers aren’t just listening to what you say. They’re watching how you say it. Can you explain your thinking? Can you adapt your approach to new scenarios? Do you understand the why, not just the what? These are the things that separate a good answer from a great candidate.
So, is using AI cheating?
Not at all.
AI is a tool – just like a grammar checker or a resume template. It can help you:
✅ Match your resume to the job ad
✅ Practice your interview answers
✅ Build confidence before an important call
But it can’t (and shouldn’t) replace your actual experience, your voice, or your critical thinking.
In 2025, employers want candidates who are curious, prepared, and real. That’s what makes a lasting impression.
What We Recommend
💡 Use AI to fine-tune your resume – not to trick the system
💡 Prepare your own interview answers, not a script
💡 Focus on sharing real examples that show how you think and work
💡 If you do use AI in your prep, make sure you understand and can explain every word
Want to help shape the future of hiring?
We’re currently collecting insights for the 2025 Salary & Job Market Report, and we’d love your input. Whether you’re actively job searching or just curious about where the industry is headed, your voice counts.
Contributors will receive an early-access copy of the full report – packed with salary benchmarks, job market trends, and career insights for the year ahead.
