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AI Resumes Flood Startup, Company Demands Handwritten Cover Letters for Internships
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News18•25-09-2026, 23:49
AI Resumes Flood Startup, Company Demands Handwritten Cover Letters for Internships
- •Dumb.co, a startup promoting 'dumb living' and selling flip phones, faced an influx of AI-generated cover letters for internships.
- •The company's business revolves around helping people distance themselves from smartphones and the digital world.
- •Around 900 applications were received for four internship roles, but many cover letters lacked personal connection and seemed AI-written.
- •AI-generated cover letters failed to convey genuine interest in the company's mission of 'dumb living' and its broader purpose.
- •Dumb.co changed its application requirement, asking candidates to submit handwritten cover letters; approximately 70% complied.
Key Questions Answered
Dumb.co required handwritten cover letters because the company was flooded with a massive number of AI-generated resumes and cover letters, making it extremely difficult to identify genuine candidates who truly connected with the company's mission of promoting a less digital, offline lifestyle.
Dumb.co received approximately 900 applications for the four internship roles it advertised across marketing, business and operations, customer success, and tech.
Candidates were asked to explain why they were interested in "dumb living," why they wanted to work specifically with Dumb.co, and whether they personally owned a "dumb" phone.
