This is undoubtedly one mistake too many. While the use of artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in application files, one student has just set a new low. His error? Sending his personal statement to the University of Le Havre Normandy without even bothering to copy and paste the text.

A screenshot in lieu of a letter

On March 29, 2026, Erwan Boutigny , a lecturer, shared a rather disconcerting discovery on social media. The candidate didn't just delegate the writing to an AI: he sent a PDF file containing a simple screenshot from his phone .

The video shows not only the tool's response, but also the application's commands and interface. This casual approach left the teacher speechless.

"With hundreds of cases we're dealing with, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Why bother? A screenshot and it's all over."

The debate: AI isn't the problem, laziness is.

While the anecdote might seem amusing, it sparks a genuine debate among academics and professionals. It's not so much the use of technology that's being criticized, but rather the complete lack of rigor .

1. The mediocrity of the content: For Eugène Delacroix, the shock also stems from the poverty of the generated text. Using AI to produce "three sentences of astounding banality" demonstrates, according to him, a blatant lack of ambition.
2. A natural filter: For others, like Guillaume Laurie, these glaring errors ultimately facilitate the selection process. They act as an immediate indicator of the candidate's lack of seriousness and interest in the targeted training program.

Key takeaways

AI can be a powerful tool, provided it is controlled by a discerning human. Sending an unedited draft—and in screenshot form—is the surest way to have your application sent straight to the trash, regardless of the quality of the rest of your CV.

Friendly advice: If you're using AI, at least make sure you erase all traces of the crime. Your future employer (or professor) will appreciate the effort at simulation.