Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT have made it easier than ever for job seekers to prepare resumes, cover letters, and even post-interview thank-you emails. While these tools can save time, Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway believes candidates should be careful not to rely on them completely.
Speaking in a recent interview with Hits Radio, Hathaway shared an experience that convinced her that AI-generated thank-you notes can do more harm than good during the hiring process.
Anne Hathaway Spotted AI-Generated Thank-You Notes
Hathaway revealed that she was recently involved in hiring someone and interviewed several promising candidates.
After the interviews, many applicants sent thank-you messages. At first, Hathaway appreciated the gesture and thought one of the notes was thoughtful and professional.
However, her opinion quickly changed.
She noticed that every candidate had sent almost the exact same thank-you message, making it obvious that AI had written them.
“I was in the process of hiring someone; they were all very nice candidates, and they all sent me thank you notes,” Hathaway said.
She added that every note looked identical.
‘You’re Revealing More Than You Think’
According to Hathaway, identical AI-generated messages can unintentionally reveal a lack of personal effort.
“When the first note came in, I thought, ‘How nice, how professional,'” she explained.
“But after receiving the same message from multiple candidates, I realised what had happened.”
She warned job seekers not to assume that hiring managers cannot identify AI-written content.
“I was like, ‘Oh, no… I see something I’m not supposed to see.’ If you’re thinking you’re getting away with something, there’s a chance you might actually be revealing yourself,” Hathaway said.
Meryl Streep Agrees With Hathaway
Hathaway’s longtime co-star Meryl Streep also shared her opinion during the conversation.
Streep suggested that using AI to write something as simple as a thank-you note may signal that a candidate is unwilling to invest even a small amount of personal effort.
She joked that applicants should be able to write a short thank-you message themselves instead of relying on AI.
According to Streep, failing to personalise such an important follow-up could seriously damage a candidate’s chances of getting hired.
“Oh, my God, that would be an absolute killer. Nobody on that list gets that job,” she said.
Why Personalised Thank-You Notes Still Matter
The discussion comes as more job seekers use AI tools to manage large numbers of job applications in a competitive employment market.
Although AI can help draft resumes, improve grammar, and organise applications, many recruiters believe that generic AI-generated messages make candidates appear less engaged.
A personalised thank-you email, even if it is brief, shows genuine appreciation and reminds interviewers about your conversation.
Career Expert Recommends Writing Your Own Message
Marketing professional Sophie Rocha, who works with the Gen Z career platform Home From College, also encouraged applicants to send personalised follow-up messages.
According to Rocha, writing a thank-you note takes only a few minutes but can leave a lasting impression.
“It really takes two seconds, and clearly people aren’t sending them, so you will stand out if you send a thank-you to your interviewer after you get off the call,” she said.
AI Can Help, But Personal Effort Matters
AI tools have become valuable assistants during the job search process. They can help candidates improve writing, organise ideas, and prepare for interviews.
However, experts believe applicants should use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for genuine communication.
Adding personal details from the interview, mentioning a specific discussion, and writing in your own voice can make a thank-you note feel authentic and memorable.