Using generative AI in job applications

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools and techniques are used by employers to streamline and enhance various aspects of the hiring process, but you can also use them to help you with job applications

A survey by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) found that nearly a third of employers are now using AI as part of their hiring, which is a significant increase from 9% in 2022.

How do recruiters use AI?

It can be time intensive to sift through hundreds of CVs so employers use AI-powered software to make candidate screening more efficient and speed up the hiring process.

AI-powered psychometric assessments, can help identify suitable candidates in a short timeframe by analysing large amounts of data. 

Similarly, AI is also commonly used to screen candidates’ applications for  relevant skills and experience. It can also help reduce bias by removing personal information.

If video interviews are conducted AI can analyse what applicants' say, looking at characteristics relevant to the job.  

Finally, AI can be used to update candidates about the application process.

Employers believe AI has numerous benefits, such as increasing the speed and efficiency of candidate screening and making it easier to analyse large volumes of applications.

Can I use AI when applying for jobs?

Yes, AI is useful when it comes to summarising job descriptions. This can help candidates understand the core responsibilities and requirements of a role so they can better tailor applications, highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

AI can also be extremely helpful for interview preparation. Tools like mock interview simulators use AI to pose common interview questions and provide feedback. This practice can help build confidence and improve interview performance.

AI can also be used to refine CVs, cover letters and job applications. For example, type key information such as skills and experiences into ChatGPT and it can provide a first draft for you to edit and make your own.

There are also AI-powered tools that can help you with your job search by matching roles to your skills, experiences and preferences.

It's clear to see why candidates would use AI to elevate their applications, but there are drawbacks which can actually hinder job prospects.

AI-generated applications can sometimes come across as impersonal and generic. Automated systems lack the nuanced understanding of human context, resulting in cover letters or CVs that seem too robotic. Copying and pasting from ChatGPT won’t cut it, make sure that you check it and add your own personality. See how to write a CV.

Ethical considerations play a crucial role and it's essential when you apply for a job that you reflect your unique strengths and attributes genuinely.

Do recruiters check for AI in CVs and cover letters?

Employers might be sceptical about applications they believe were not created by the candidates themselves - especially if they're too polished or use language that seems out of style.

Some recruiters test AI by applying for the jobs themselves to see what AI tools will generate. The same phrases come out time and time again, so it becomes very obvious if you haven't applied authentically. 

Authenticity and trust are key to getting a job and being effective in a role, so while AI can assist as a starting point in refining your application, the final product should still reflect your true self.

Ultimately, if you haven't applied for a job authentically, you will usually be found out during the final stages of recruitment and asked to leave the process.

The worst case scenario is that you get a job based on information that doesn't truly reflect yourself or what you can do. This typically leads to you finding that you can't perform the role you applied for, or that you don't fit in. This means that your employer and you as an employee lose out.

Is it fair to use AI when applying for jobs?  

There is ongoing debate about bias when using AI in recruitment, and whether it helps or hinders fairness and equity.

When used appropriately, AI can help level the playing field, enabling greater diversity of applicants. For example, AI can be applied to discount sources of human bias such as a candidate's name, educational background, or work experience.

However, there are some concerns that it can perpetuate bias. If the data used to train AI algorithms contain biases, these can be mirrored in the AI's decision-making processes. For instance, an AI system trained on gender or racial bias data might inadvertently favour certain groups over others, perpetuating discrimination.

When shouldn't AI be used in job applications?

It's important to recognise when relying on AI is not appropriate. For example, during skills or aptitude tests, using AI to generate responses or solve problems can be considered unethical and dishonest. These tests are designed to assess your genuine capabilities, and using AI undermines the purpose of the evaluation.

Also, don't rely on AI as a substitute for personal input and authenticity. For example, using it to script video interview responses will likely make you sound unnatural and inhibit your ability to respond to the unexpected.

Many employers have embraced responsible use of AI to improve job applications, offering guidance on how it should and should not be used. This information is typically made freely available to candidates but if it isn't, it’s better to ask the company what their policy is than to make assumptions about when AI can be used.

By balancing AI assistance with personal effort and integrity, you can navigate the recruitment process more effectively and increase your chances of landing your desired job.

How can I use AI to optimise my LinkedIn profile?

From a candidate perspective, one of the responsible applications of AI in recruitment is optimising LinkedIn profiles to make them more attractive to recruiters.

For example, AI can analyse a profile and suggest improvements like adding specific keywords that align with job descriptions, thereby increasing the chances of your profile appearing in search results. Similarly, AI can scan job descriptions to identify critical keywords and skills that candidates should highlight in their applications. Take a look at how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

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