A recent study by Ringover revealed that more than three in four recruiters in the United States prefer AI-generated headshots over real photos. The study involved 1,087 recruiters, who were shown a selection of headshots that included a real photo, a mid-range AI-generated headshot, and a high-end AI-generated headshot.
AI headshots outshine real photos
According to the findings, 42% of recruiters favored the high-end AI-generated headshot, which cost $35 to create. Another 34.4% chose the mid-range AI headshot, priced at $9.99, while only 23.5% of recruiters preferred the real headshot.
Spotting AI-generated images
The study also tested the recruiters’ ability to identify AI-generated headshots. Participants were shown four photos: three AI-generated and one real. Over half of the recruiters correctly identified the free AI-generated headshot (58.9%) and the real photo (64.3%). However, less than a third could accurately detect the high-end (29.2%) and mid-range (29.5%) AI-generated headshots.
The value of a good headshot
The report highlighted the importance of headshots in the hiring process, with 66.7% of recruiters stating that a headshot helps them put a face to a name. Additionally, 50% of recruiters admitted to checking a candidate’s LinkedIn or other social media profiles to get a better sense of who they are.
Recruiters noted several benefits of using headshots, including:
- Gaining a better understanding of the applicant’s character (57.5%)
- Making the candidate more memorable (39.7%)
- Assessing whether the candidate would be a good fit for the company (30.3%)
Recruiters warned that 67.5% would be deterred by a poor-quality photo, potentially harming a candidate’s chances.
Concerns over AI headshots
Despite the growing preference for AI-generated headshots, 66% of recruiters said they would be wary of a candidate using one without disclosure. In fact, 88% of recruiters believe that applicants should clearly indicate if their headshot is AI-generated.
This study highlights technology’s growing role in recruitment and the need for transparency with AI in job applications.
