According to a recent Kaspersky survey conducted in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region, nearly one in two respondents from South Africa use AI-based tools for work tasks, and one third actively uses AI when preparing resumes.
Despite the popularity and convenience of AI for solving numerous tasks, its role in the hiring process is debated. Proponents argue that AI offers significant advantages by allowing applications to be tailored to each vacancy and including necessary keywords to pass automated screening systems. Others warn that excessive reliance on AI can lead to generic phrasing and a loss of individuality.
To help job seekers turn AI into an ally, Kaspersky offers a practical guide on how to improve your resume using AI while ensuring security and authenticity.
Before uploading your resume to a chatbot, you must remove all confidential information, including name, phone number, home address, email, company names, and any document scans. Since any language model is trained on provided data, there is always a risk that the AI could unintentionally disclose your information to other users.
Therefore, before using any chatbot, check the settings and disable the option that allows the AI to learn from your queries. It is also important to ensure that the service has a full privacy policy. Remember the golden rule: never send a chatbot anything you wouldn't want to accidentally see online.
Most large and medium-sized companies already use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—HR software that collects and sorts candidate applications. Modern ATS and other HR platforms are increasingly integrating AI tools that automatically track and filter every submitted resume.
However, even if your resume passes the initial AI screening, it will subsequently be reviewed by an HR specialist, and the style generated by AI may diminish the positive impression. Thus, while you can tailor a resume for AI recruiters, it is strongly recommended to focus on human readers when preparing it.
Start by drafting the resume yourself, emphasizing the most important points for you. Then seek help from AI. In this case, AI should act as an editor, helping to refine wording, improve structure, and highlight experience relevant to the specific position. Otherwise, you risk receiving cliché phrases and a distorted view of your skills and experience.
Kaspersky experts shared additional tips for enhancing job search security:
- Always verify links sent to you via email or messengers, whether they are links to a job opening, a video call, or a test assignment. Some links may lead to phishing or malware resources. Use a reliable security solution with AI-based anti-fraud protection, such as Kaspersky Premium.
- Use unique and complex passwords for every service. Store all credentials and financial data in a password manager for extra protection, autofill, and synchronization across devices.
- Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Before sending any personal data, try to gather more information about the employer and verify the authenticity of the resources.
- Avoid publishing your full resume on social media. Instead, maintain a brief profile and provide the full document upon request.
The survey was conducted at the request of Kaspersky in 2026. The study sample included 1000 interviews in South Africa.
