Do Recruiters Identify AI Headshots? Which Do They Prefer?

The Ringover Study: What Recruiters Really Think

In June 2024, Ringover surveyed 1,087 recruiters to understand their attitudes toward AI-generated professional headshots. The results challenge everything we thought we knew about professional photos in hiring.

The study tested recruiters' ability to distinguish between real headshots and AI-generated photos from four different services:

• A2E – Free AI headshot generator
• Remini – Entry-level AI photo enhancer
• PhotoPacks.AI – Mid-range service ($9.99)
• Aragon AI – Premium AI headshots ($35)

Can Recruiters Actually Detect AI Headshots?

The short answer: Not really.

Despite 80% of recruiters believing they could "accurately or very accurately" identify AI-generated headshots, the data tells a different story:

Detection Metric	Percentage
Correctly identified AI headshots	39.5%
Incorrectly identified (thought real was AI or vice versa)	52.9%
Couldn't tell either way	7.6%
Believed they were "accurate" at detection	80%

Quality Matters: Detection Rates by AI Service Tier

Interestingly, recruiters had vastly different success rates depending on the quality of the AI service:

• Free AI tools – Detected as fake 58.9% of the time
• Top-tier AI services ($35) – Detected only 29.2% of the time

Takeaway: Premium AI headshot services like Tryaiphoto's AI Headshot Generator are nearly indistinguishable from professional photography to the trained recruiter eye.

The Transparency Paradox

Here's where things get complicated. The study uncovered a significant contradiction in recruiter attitudes:

Additionally, 88% of recruiters believe candidates should disclose when they've used an AI-generated headshot. This creates a challenging situation for job seekers:

• Recruiters overwhelmingly prefer AI headshots (when unaware they're AI)
• They want you to disclose AI usage in the application process
• But many would view you negatively if you actually disclosed it

So What Should You Do?

The data suggests a strategic middle ground:

1. Use high-quality AI headshots – Premium services are virtually undetectable, bypassing the bias entirely.
2. Ensure they look natural and professional – Avoid obvious AI artifacts or "glam" filters that look fake.
3. Focus on authenticity – Use photos that genuinely represent your current look (hair, age, etc.).
4. Consider context – LinkedIn and job applications have different expectations than dating apps.

Why Do Recruiters Prefer AI Headshots?

When recruiters didn't know which photos were AI-generated, they overwhelmingly selected them. Here's the breakdown of preferences:

Photo Type	Price	Recruiter Preference
Premium AI Headshot (Aragon AI)	$35	42%
Mid-Range AI Headshot (PhotoPacks.AI)	$9.99	34.4%
Real Professional Photo	$150-$550	23.5%

Why the preference? AI headshots tend to have several advantages:

Common Tell-Tale Signs of AI Headshots

While recruiters struggle to detect AI headshots, there are some common indicators that can give them away—especially with lower-quality services:

Good news: Premium AI services like Tryaiphoto have largely solved these issues. According to the study, top-tier AI headshots were detected only 29.2% of the time—barely better than random guessing.

The ROI of AI Headshots for Job Seekers

Beyond recruiter preferences, AI headshots offer compelling practical advantages:

Factor	Traditional Photography	AI Headshots
Cost	$150-$550	$29-$59
Time Required	1-3 weeks (booking + editing)	1-3 hours
Variety	5-10 final edits	20-100+ options
Convenience	Requires travel/studio	100% remote/from home