Why a physical letter might beat an AI-generated resume

The ease of generative AI has triggered an application surge that is effectively drowning recruiters in noise. According to LinkedIn’s Talent Research 2026 survey, the number of applicants per role in the US has doubled since 2022. As candidates use automation to flood the market, hiring managers are increasingly reliant on AI filters, creating what Greenhouse CEO Daniel Chait calls an "AI doom loop." In this environment, the effort of personalizing a digital resume is often lost on systems designed to screen for volume rather than nuance.

Reed argues that the automation of the hiring process has become too efficient, stripping away the human connection necessary to secure a role. With 93% of surveyed recruiters planning to increase their AI usage by 2026, candidates who opt for direct, analog outreach may find themselves standing out simply by being visible in a physical space. This shift mirrors a broader trend among employers who are moving toward skills-based assessments and direct outreach, signaling that the most effective way to cut through the digital clutter is to reintroduce the human element.