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Artificial intelligence is now deeply embedded in hiring practices, reshaping how both recruiters and applicants approach the process, but not every employer is on board with it.
Organizations use AI systems to screen thousands of candidates, while job seekers increasingly deploy the same tools to polish resumes and craft cover letters.
But while many hiring professionals worry about AI-assisted applications, Adobe’s Chief Communications Officer Stacy Martinet says the company actively looks for candidates who demonstrate fluency with the technology.
“As AI reshapes how we communicate, market, and create, those who pair creative skills with AI fluency will have a competitive edge, and we’re looking for that combination,” Martinet told Fortune.
She favors applicants who apply the tools directly to their work. During interviews or test projects, she values submissions enhanced by AI, describing it as a mark of adaptability and innovation.
“[If] someone comes to me and they’re like, ‘Hey, I made you this content for your social media channels, and I used AI as part of this.’ I would say, ‘That’s excellent,’” Martinet said.
Adobe’s approach reflects a ongoing and increasing push for digital capability. The company has created a Digital Academy to train learners in digital, AI, and creative skills, mirroring the attributes it seeks in new hires.
While Martinet says inexperience with AI is not disqualifying, she adds that every employee must adopt it once hired. “If someone hasn’t used [AI], it’s not a hard ‘no,’ but they’re going to have to use it in their job,” she said.
Tech firms diverge on AI hiring rules
Adobe’s openness contrasts with mixed attitudes elsewhere. AI developer Anthropic, valued at $61.5billion, somewhat ironically banned applicants from using AI tools during its recruitment process. In February, the company’s policy barred candidates from using any AI assistants when answering application questions, citing a need to evaluate unassisted communication skills.
By July, however, the company had reversed course. Anthropic now allows candidates to refine their resumes and cover letters using AI, though the tools remain off-limits during interviews or assessments. Head of Talent Jimmy Gould, called the policy shift “intentional,” acknowledging fairness and bias concerns in automated hiring.
Anthropic’s updated guidelines state that candidates may use its own Claude AI to demonstrate “unique perspective, skills, and experiences,” reflecting its internal use of the same technology.
Meanwhile, others are keeping AI firmly outside the interview room. Goldman Sachs’ recruitment team told students applying to its private investing academy in EMEA that “the use of any external sources, including ChatGPT or Google search engine,” is prohibited during interviews. The email advised Gen Z applicants to prepare instead by reviewing the firm’s financial results and business principles.
