"'Just a Little Touched Up'... Why Companies Hesitate in the Interview Room"

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) spreads across all aspects of daily life, there is a growing trend not only to use AI for writing self-introductions and resumes, but even for creating professional ID photos for job applications. However, this has sparked increasing controversy over fairness and trust in the hiring process.

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On March 6, Yonhap News reported that a new era has arrived, with job seekers increasingly using AI to generate self-introduction letters, resumes, and even ID photos.

Traditionally, to take a professional photo for job applications, one must dress in formal attire, prepare their hair and makeup, and visit a photo studio. Including the costs of shooting, retouching, and hair and makeup, it is not uncommon for the total to exceed 100,000 won. In contrast, AI-based photo services can generate an ID photo automatically from a single facial image, applying suit overlays, hairstyle adjustments, and skin retouching. These services are also much more affordable. Some mobile apps are available for around 3,000 won, and specialized platforms offering high-resolution prints and detailed editing features can be used for about 20,000 won.

The problem is that such photos may differ significantly from the applicant's real appearance. Reports have emerged of interviewers being confused when meeting candidates whose AI-generated photos had been overly altered or synthesized, leading to controversy. Recently, some companies' job postings have included the phrase "No uploading of AI-generated ID photos." There is also growing guidance warning that using AI photos may result in disqualification during the document screening process.

Opinions are divided among job seekers. Kang, a 27-year-old job seeker, said, "I've already passed several document screenings with AI-generated profile photos," adding, "The purpose of a job application photo is to convey a neat impression, and AI does this most efficiently." Kang also commented, "Using technology is a skill in itself, so I don't see the need to spend 100,000 won at a photo studio."

Students are having their resume photos taken at the job fair held in the Sunheon Hall Plaza of Sookmyung Women's University. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

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Similarly, Lee, who landed a marketing position at a mid-sized company last year at the age of 26, also used an AI-generated photo during the job application process. Lee said, "Resume photos are small, and as long as your face isn't completely different, I don't think it's a big deal," adding, "I didn't notice much difference between excessive retouching after a studio session and what AI-generated photos provide."

On the other hand, some argue that AI-generated photos could undermine trust in the hiring process. Another job seeker, Lee, 26, said, "Since photo studio shoots cost more than 100,000 won, I tried a 3,000-won AI photo app. The AI even generated a suit, making the photo look perfect." However, Lee admitted, "I saw a post on an online community saying that 'AI photos are filtered out during document screening,' and my heart sank. In the end, I made another appointment for a studio photo shoot." As this debate continues, with some viewing AI job photos as a rational way to reduce costs using technology, and others criticizing them for potentially undermining the basic trust required in hiring, generative AI is now presenting new challenges for both companies and job seekers alike.

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