The ChatGPT Effect: Why Creativity Still Wins in the Interview Process
In the age of AI, interviews are changing — fast. Tools like ChatGPT have empowered candidates to refine resumes, polish portfolios, and even build impressive client projects. At first glance, this looks like a win for everyone: better work, faster turnaround, and polished communication.
But not so fast.
One of our clients recently shared a concern that's becoming more common: by the second or third round of interviews, it was clear that nearly every candidate had turned to AI tools — and the project submissions started to look eerily similar. Well-written? Yes. Impressive? Not quite. “We’re not just hiring a computer” the client said. “We want to see a creative brain — someone who can think outside of the box”.
This shift is creating a new kind of hiring challenge. It's not about whether a candidate used AI — it's about whether they leaned on it too much. Employers aren’t just looking for clean copy or sharp slides; they’re hunting for originality, strategy, and the kind of human insight that AI can’t replicate.
So what does this mean for candidates?
Creativity is the new differentiator. AI can help you get started, but it can’t replace the spark of a genuinely unique idea. That’s what hiring managers want to see — whether it’s a clever solution to a client problem, an unexpected insight, or a bold new concept that cuts through the noise.
For companies hiring in this AI-assisted era, the interview process needs to evolve too. That might mean adding live whiteboard sessions, diving deeper into the “why” behind a candidate’s work, or simply asking: “What would you do if ChatGPT didn’t exist?”
At PRTNR, we help companies cut through the static to find talent that’s not just capable — but creatively driven. Because while AI is changing the process, it’s still the people who bring the magic and understand how they can work with AI and not have it work for them.
We’d love to hear from you! What challenges and/or benefits have you had, on the employer side or the candidate side with using AI?
Email us and let us know: hello@prtnrrecruiting.com
