Job Doc
AI tools are helping candidates look like perfect hires — even when they’re not.
Kelly Chan/Boston.com
Has your company ever hired someone promising on paper — only to see the candidate fall short of expectations?
The resume was impeccable. The experience was relevant. Their ability to answer interview questions was impressive. Their former manager sang their praises. An offer was extended and accepted, excitement followed—and then, within weeks, cracks begin to emerge.
There’s a name for this disconnect: skillfishing, a term coined by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). It describes the gap between how a candidate presents their abilities during the interview process and how they actually perform on the job.
In short, the candidate looks like a star, but isn’t.
How we got here
A decade or so ago, job hunters drafted their own resumes, with a cursory review from a few friends — maybe a sister, who has hired many employees, provided a set of fresh eyes to critique. What employers saw was, for the most part, the candidate’s own work.
Fast forward to 2026, candidates now routinely work with professional resume-writing services and career coaches. More significantly, AI tools can be used to generate tailored resumes, cover letters, and even interview responses — effectively “upskilling” candidates in how they present themselves. What used to be a personal document is now often a glossy interpretation of the candidate’s career and work experience.
Think of it like seeing a photo of a person and then seeing the same photo pulled through AI. The AI version looks dazzling, but does not represent how the person truly looks.
Resume embellishment isn’t new. Exaggerated titles and responsibilities have long been part of the hiring landscape. But AI has accelerated this trend, making it easier than ever to present an idealized version of one’s skills.
The AI Interview problem
AI isn’t just shaping candidates’ applications, it’s influencing interviews too.
Candidates can now use AI to:
- Generate possible interview questions and rehearse ideal answers.
- Get responses to questions in real time during a video interview.
- Answer interview questions in a flawless, but generic manner.
A question is asked by the employer, and a candidate may simply repeat the AI-generated answers.
Could this contribute to skillfishing? Maybe. Or is this the candidate using all available resources to prepare themselves for common interview questions.
Candidates are trying to find the edge to beat their competition.
This presents a challenge to the employer making it more difficult to discover the true capabilities of a candidate, they also contribute to the problem.
Organizations say they “want to hire the best and brightest,” yet offer a modest salary that doesn’t match those expectations. Hunting for a “perfect” candidate can unintentionally contribute to skillfishing, rewarding those who present themselves as stars. Yet our workforce is comprised of capable though imperfect workers, including many average ones as well.
In reality, employees typically have a mixed bag of skills, capabilities, and experiences. True stars are rare. A polished resume, dapper attire, a strong handshake, an engaging communication style, speedy yet complete responses contribute to the misconception that a star is about to be hired.
Additionally, references can be coached. “What do you want me to say when I get the call?” is a common sentiment from the reference to the job hunter before the reference call.
How employers can reduce skillfishing
Hiring will always involve risk, but there are ways employers can make it more grounded and realistic, avoiding over-the-top swooning during the interview process:
Set the tone for honesty
Make it clear that perfection isn’t expected. Ask direct questions about strengths and areas for growth. Discuss weaknesses openly and candidly. For example: “We don’t hire perfect employees. How can we best support you if you are hired?” This messaging sets the tone that being candid and forthright is the norm.
Adjust expectations
Hiring managers should take a moment to recognize that their company and opportunities with the company are also imperfect. Company culture, benefits, and work/life balance are often imperfect, much like employees. One common rule of hiring is to consider candidates who meet 75% or more of the required skills.
Prioritize multiple interactions
A first interview is akin to a first date. A candidate wears their best suit, they arrive promptly and they respond to questions in a prepared manner. Follow-up interviews may yield a more realistic view of the candidate, as the formality fades and the true candidate emerges. If possible, interview a candidate in person, and require several company representatives to interview final candidates. A face-to-face interview can minimize some of AI’s influence on the selection process.
Incorporate real-world assessments
Ask candidates to demonstrate their skills and abilities:
- Write a response to a prompt
- Role-play a client interaction
- Walk through how they’d solve a real problem
Assess attributes in addition to skills. Flexibility, initiative, curiosity, and work ethic can impact an employee’s success.
Check references diligently
A final question during a reference check might be: “Is there anything about this candidate that we haven’t talked about, that I should know about?” Sometimes the answers to these questions reveal quite a bit about the candidate.
Invest in on-boarding
New hires need coaching, training, and an investment of time and energy. Having a robust onboarding program is essential.
The bottom line
AI has clearly impacted the process for both candidates and employers.
The tools that help candidates present their best selves can also obscure their real capabilities, making it even more challenging to understand who is being hired.
Skillfishing will likely continue, and may even evolve alongside technology.
For employers, the goal isn’t to eliminate risk—that’s impossible. It’s to look beyond the polish, focus on demonstrated ability, and build hiring processes that value authenticity over perfection.
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