AI use in job applications: guidelines for candidates

We recognize that AI can be a helpful tool in your job search. However, we've put clear guidelines in place—along with our own commitments—to keep the hiring process fair and focused on you.

What to know about using AI during your job application

To support a fair and transparent experience for all candidates, we ask that you follow the guidelines below. These guidelines are intended to help ensure all candidates are evaluated fairly and consistently based on their own experience and abilities.

Permitted use of AI

We encourage responsible AI use for application support and interview preparation, including:

  • Resume formatting, grammar, and proofreading
  • Improving clarity and structure of written materials
  • Interview practice and general preparation

AI tools should be used as support tools and should not generate or replace substantive responses that reflect your experience, qualifications, and perspective.

Prohibited use of AI

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, AI use is not permitted during:

  • Interviews (live or recorded)
  • Assessments, exercises, or skill evaluations

Candidates are expected to demonstrate their abilities independently—without assistance from AI tools, other individuals, or external resources—unless an approved reasonable accommodation applies. If you require an accommodation, please refer to the information below and contact us so we can support you.

Honesty and transparency

We ask candidates to represent themselves accurately and authentically at every stage of the process. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Principal® is an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also prohibit harassment on these bases.

Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (dol.gov)

If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at MyHR@principal.com or 1.866.524.6947. Read our employment policies for more information.

Recruitment fraud is a scheme that offers fictitious job opportunities to people. This type of fraud is normally done through online services such as bogus websites, social media, or through unsolicited emails/SMS texts claiming to be from Principal or Principal employees. Only applicants who have filled out an official application on our career site (careers.principal.com) will be considered for employment opportunities. Principal will never ask for money during any stage of the employment application process. If you receive a communication (e.g., LinkedIn message, Facebook Messenger, SMS text, personal email, etc.) asking for money or personal financial information, don’t engage or respond. Please contact our Human Resources team at MyHR@principal.com or 1.866.524.6947, and your local law enforcement. For more information, review our recruitment fraud information.

You can review our U.S. workforce privacy notice (PDF).

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