Quick answer: AI written resumes are now common, and employers need a calm way to handle them. This article explains the signs that a resume was generated by AI, why detection tools alone are unreliable, and what the law now says about using AI in hiring. It recommends verifying skills instead of rejecting applicants outright, with practical screening steps for trades employers: short calls, skills checks and structured interviews that reveal real experience.

2027 Update

The legal exposure moved faster than the detection tooling. Illinois amended its Human Rights Act effective January 1, 2026 to cover employer use of AI in recruitment, hiring, promotion, and selection for apprenticeship. Colorado rewrote its AI Act and moved the effective date to January 1, 2027, keeping a requirement to give clear notice before an automated system materially influences an employment decision and to explain that system’s role within 30 days of an adverse action.

What we would change in our advice: We framed this as a screening problem. Treat it as a documentation problem first. Write down what your screening tool does, when a human overrides it, and how you would explain a rejection, because in Illinois and Colorado you may have to.

2026 Update: By mid-2026, an estimated 65% of job seekers are using AI tools to write or enhance their resumes. However, skilled trades job candidates are doing so at a lower rate (38%), as practical skills verification remains paramount. Smart employers now focus on trade certification verification and hands-on skills testing over resume content alone. Employers looking to fill open trade roles quickly can also browse pre-vetted, job-ready candidates through BCRecruits.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a resume was written by AI?

Look for generic phrases, no specific numbers or projects and uniform formatting, then verify the claims in a phone screen.

Is it illegal to use AI in hiring?

Rules are emerging by state. Illinois amended its Human Rights Act effective January 1, 2026, and Colorado’s AI Act takes effect January 1, 2027.

Should I reject AI written resumes?

Not automatically. Many applicants use AI to polish a resume, so test skills instead.

What works better than AI detection tools?

Skills checks, structured interviews and reference checks.

Related: skilled trades recruiting for employers and how to find skilled trades workers.