Hiring in the age of AI: What our Best Places to Work honorees have to say

As artificial intelligence becomes easier to use and begins its creep into more and more things we encounter on a daily basis, we wondered about how it might affect the hiring process. So, we asked our Best Places to Work honorees about hiring in the age of AI. Here’s what some of them had to say when asked, "A job applicant uses AI on their application. Is that a plus or a minus?"

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Lynzie Skjervheim, HR Director, Turner Construction Co.

“Using AI on a job application is a plus. … We are constantly looking for ways to improve our work, and AI is one of the many tools we are experimenting with to achieve this goal. AI writing tools can aid in the creative process, identify grammatical and spelling errors, and ultimately enhance content development efforts. Using AI to aid in job applications is advantageous, provided the applicant is truthful about their qualifications, skills and employment history.”

Todd Brown,?director of people and culture, United Communications

“On the one hand, AI tools can be helpful for streamlining the application process, ensuring resumes are formatted correctly and keywords are optimized. … However, what truly sets applicants apart is their unique voice and genuine enthusiasm. AI-generated content often lacks the personal touch that resonates with our hiring team. We value candidates who take the time to tailor their applications, showcasing their specific skills and experiences relevant to the role."

Sean Buck,?senior vice president, JE Dunn Construction

“The answer to that question lies in how it was used. If it was used in a way that adds additional context or information in a thoughtful way or shows some creativity on the applicant’s behalf, it is positive. If AI was used to generate information in lieu of taking the time and effort to be thoughtful in how you present yourself, it would be a red flag for us. At the end of the day, we are looking to hire people that are humble, hungry and smart. We have not run across a computer yet that fits that description.”

Danielle Vezensky,?HR Manager, Mechanical Resource Group

“Professionals proficiently using AI to generate natural-sounding and well-organized content is a strength. However, applicants must also support the same level of clarity and context presented in their application with genuine knowledge and competency; if not, that’s a red flag you can’t ignore when hiring. Using AIto boost efficiency and clarity is now the norm, so we must become proficient at using AI asa tool rather than a crutch.”

Matt Gerber,?chief strategy officer, Provisions Group

“Using AI in a job application can be a plus and a minus. On the positive side, if AI is used to enhance a resume or application truthfully, it can effectively communicate a candidate’s capabilities, making it easier for both automated systems and recruiters to understand their strengths. On the downside, the widespread use of AI will complicate the hiring process by creating a flood of overly optimized applications, making it harder for employers to sift through and find genuinely suitable candidates.”

Laura Lustig,?VP of Human Resources, Currax Pharmaceuticals

“This can be a plus or minus, depending on how the applicant deploys the functionality. An applicant who utilizes AI to assist with creating a resume that is professional and showcases the applicant’s relevant experience is using the functionality wisely. Using AI to entirely compose a resume that is inconsistent with their experience or inaccurate is a poor practice. … AI tools need to be used appropriately and responsibly to ensure the outputs are genuine and honest.”

Stacy Muth,?chief of staff, S3 Recycling Solutions

“I wouldn’t say it’d be a minus, but I don’t feel it’d be a plus. Here at S3 we like to get to know the real person we’re considering bringing on — that not only do they meet job requirements, but also that they’d be a good fit culture wise. I feel that AI would take away from that versus getting to know the person themselves.”

Rob Lowe, executive managing director, Stream Realty Partners - Nashville

“Plus. It’s critical that each member of our team have strong writing and communication skills; however, engaging in AI or other new technologies is an indication of an employee’s awareness and willingness to learn what’s next.”?

Mary Jo Innis, president & CEO, The R.O.W. Group

“Using AI on a job application can be viewed both positively and negatively. On the positive side, it demonstrates that the applicant is tech-savvy and knows how to utilize various resources to enhance their application. However, on the negative side, it does not fully represent the applicant’s true self, and may come across as impersonal.”?

Vic Alexander, chief manager, KraftCPAs

“The best answer is probably ‘both.’Technology is crucial in business, and it changes so fast now. We should use every resource available to do our jobs better and more efficiently. But we also need critical, independent thinkers who can make quick, smart decisions and effectively discuss complex information with clients. We want people on our team who can master all those skills.”

Stephanie Richerson, partner and chief people officer, Puryear & Noonan CPAs

"Could be both — but an overall plus for using recent technology and being efficient, both of which are imperative in the public accounting industry."

Rebecca Hill, director of operations, The Anderson Group Real Estate Services

“Honestly, I understand that it might be the new way of life for everyone to use AI, but it’s a minus for us. We want to know someone’s open and honest statements and background, skills, accomplishments, in their own words.”?

Jack Brown, chief deputy register of deeds, Davidson County Register of Deeds

“It would cut both ways. It shows a technological acuity that any employer would be short-sighted not to value. But it also would trigger immediate questions in our interview process about how the applicant thinks he or she would utilize AI in our office. There would be a fine line between technological savvy and over-reliance on something that would not provide our customers the level of service and results they require.”

Kevin Murphy, COO, Vertek Solutions Inc.

"It is a plus. As a technology company, we are focused on thinking outside the box, and AI helps us do that. As long as the application is accurate and truthful, I think AI can be a great resource."

Nicole Anderson, director, Employee Engagement; OMNIA Partners

“Embracing AI on job applications demonstrates adaptability and forward-thinking, both of which are highly valued in our organization. Omnia Partners is committed to solving challenges in an industry that’s ripe for innovation, making AI implementation a definite plus.”

Velaire Woolsey, chief of staff, Event Logistics Inc.

“Usage of AI alone would not constitute as a plus or minus to the candidate. However, the way in which it was utilized can be telling of the candidate’s skill set. If information acquired from AI is copied and pasted into the application, it can reveal the candidates lack or originality, inattention to detail and more. Alternatively, if a candidate used it to enhance their message, that can be a positive skill that can be utilized in the workplace to enhance the company as well.”

Chad Emmitt, business development manager, Covenant Constructors

“It is a plus if his/her application was derived from their own ideas and thoughts and they used AI to make it better. The reason I say that is because No. 1, they care about producing the best work possible. And No. 2, they realize using the latest technology affords people/companies a competitive edge. Conversely, if the applicant relies too heavy on AI they risk losing authenticity and producing an inflated application that could create unrealistic expectations from the potential employer.”