AIResumeBuilder.com Survey: 1 in 5 Employers May Adopt Pay-to-Apply Model as AI Resumes Overwhelm Hiring Teams

Career Climbers / 7th October 2025

A new survey from AIResumeBuilder.com reveals growing frustration among hiring managers as AI-generated resumes flood job openings. One in five hiring managers say more than half of the resumes they receive are created with AI tools — often inflating skills and qualifications beyond reality.

Among the 929 hiring managers surveyed, 61% say AI resumes frequently make candidates appear more qualified than they actually are. As a result, 62% have fired employees after discovering their real-world skills didn’t match their AI-inflated resumes. Nearly half of hiring managers (49%) say candidates often struggle to back up AI-enhanced claims during interviews.

To manage the surge in applications, some employers are considering drastic measures. One in five companies say they’ve considered a pay-to-apply system, and nearly 90% of those say they’re at least somewhat likely to adopt it.

Hiring teams report that resume volume has spiked: 73% are receiving more applications than in past years. Within 24 hours of posting a job, 20% receive 51–100 applications, 19% receive 101–500, and 7% receive more than 500. Many believe they can spot AI resumes easily, citing unnatural phrasing (66%), misaligned skills (63%), and excessive buzzwords (62%) as telltale signs.

“AI can help job seekers clarify their achievements and identify relevant keywords,” says Rachel Serwetz, career advisor at AI Resume Builder. “But since many candidates will use similar language, one way to stand out is by adding a professional summary at the top of your resume that gives an authentic, specific overview of your background, strengths, and direction.”

Despite concerns, most hiring managers aren’t anti-AI: 54% support light use of AI in resume writing, and only 9% believe candidates shouldn’t use it at all.

Serwetz cautions against pay-to-apply systems, suggesting alternatives like video responses or skills assessments to filter serious applicants without placing a financial burden on job seekers.

Full report: https://www.airesumebuilder.com/1-in-5-employers-may-adopt-pay-to-apply-model-as-ai-resumes-overwhelm-hiring-teams/