Cangrade has released its first-ever AI-Enabled Candidates in Hiring Report, revealing how generative AI tools such as ChatGPT fare in real-world hiring assessments. Despite the increasing use of AI by job seekers to craft resumes, generate interview responses, and complete assessments, Cangrade’s findings suggest that these tools fall short when tested on soft skills essential for job success.
Generative AI Is Rising—but Not Performing as Expected
With AI reshaping the job market, candidates now have unprecedented access to tools that assist with job applications. However, the ease of applying has created a surge in application volume, leading to a higher number of unqualified applicants. While AI-generated resumes and answers may help candidates pass initial screenings, they do not guarantee success in deeper assessments.
Cangrade’s proprietary hiring assessment, built to evaluate soft skills like attention to detail, collaboration, and decision-making, was used to test AI performance. The results were telling: ChatGPT-generated responses passed only 12% of the time—comparable to Ivy League university acceptance rates.
Findings from the Report
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AI-generated responses passed only 12% of Cangrade’s hiring assessments.
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ChatGPT displayed a tendency to avoid extreme opinions, opting for cautious agreement—negatively impacting roles requiring clarity or decisiveness.
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The AI focused on positive traits like persistence and prosocial behavior while avoiding interpersonal traits that might actually be job-relevant for individual contributors.
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AI tools demonstrated poor alignment with job-specific soft skill nuances, resulting in weak performance across tailored assessments.
Implications for HR and Hiring Managers
The findings signal a need for employers to reassess their hiring strategies in the age of AI-enhanced applications. While AI cannot be fully excluded from the process, companies can mitigate its impact by:
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Deploying soft skills assessments that avoid “right” or “wrong” answers.
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Using AI-resistant methods like timed evaluations, live interviews, and AI-content detection tools.
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Reducing dependency on resumes and cover letters, which are highly susceptible to AI-generated content.
According to Gershon Goren, Founder and CEO of Cangrade, “Our research shows that well-designed soft skills assessments remain an effective first line of defense against AI-enabled job seekers overstating their abilities.”
Cangrade’s report highlights a growing gap between AI-generated application polish and actual job readiness. While AI offers value in accelerating job search tasks, it fails to replicate the nuanced human traits that employers need—particularly soft skills. As the hiring landscape evolves, businesses must adapt their processes to stay ahead of automation and prioritize the assessment of authentic, job-relevant talent.
