The growing trend of AI-generated headshots, what recruiters think and what it means for applicants
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make its mark on various industries, one of the latest applications is the creation of headshots for professional use. Whether it’s for resumes, websites, or LinkedIn profiles, AI-generated headshots are on the rise
A recent study by Calling over involving 1,087 recruiters, sheds light on the growing acceptance of AI-generated portrait photography in professional settings.
The report found that a whopping 76.5% of recruiters prefer AI-generated profile photos over real photos.
Recruiter Preferences: AI vs. Real Headshots
The preference for AI-generated headshots can be attributed to the perceived impeccable quality and professional appearance of these images. Unlike real headshots, which can vary in quality based on the skill of the photographer and the photogenic qualities of the subject, AI headshots can be fine-tuned to present the ideal version of a candidate, making AI-generated images more appealing to recruiters.
The research also found that nearly three-quarters (74.4%) of recruiters said they are more likely to interview candidates who include a photo of their face with their application.
But not just any headshot will do. Two-thirds (67.5%) of recruiters said they were put off by a bad headshot. Common issues included overly stylized or posed images (40.9%), poor photo quality (39.9%), overly casual photos (35.6%), and the use of filters or obvious editing (32.7%).
Interestingly, recruiters were only able to correctly spot AI headshots 39.5% of the time. This means that recruiters were misidentifying real headshots as AI-generated or vice versa more than half of the time.
While AI-generated headshots can offer benefits in terms of quality and consistency, their use raises ethical questions. The research found that two-thirds (66%) of recruiters would be put off by a candidate if they recognised that their headshot was AI-generated. Similarly, nine in ten (88%) recruiters believe it should be clearly stated when a candidate has used an AI-generated headshot. Recruiters may feel that AI headshots, while visually appealing, lack the authenticity and human touch of real photos.
Another consideration is the impact of AI-generated headshots on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. For example, AI headshots that present an idealized version of a candidate could inadvertently reinforce biases related to appearance, putting candidates who don’t fit the conventional mold of professionalism at a disadvantage.
The study’s findings reveal both the potential benefits and risks of using AI-generated headshots in job applications. On the one hand, AI headshots are preferred by a significant majority of recruiters and can help candidates stand out in a competitive job market. On the other hand, the ethical implications and the risk of being perceived as inauthentic should not be overlooked.