Using AI in applications

Pros:

• GenAI is a helpful starting point. It gives you access to templates and overviews that can help you get started and structures that can reflect job roles and sectors.  
• Researching companies and organisations. AI tools like ChatGPT make it a great resource for researching companies and the sectors. However, you should be aware that many of these models are built on past information so keep this in mind during your research.
• Interview preparation. It can help you identify generic interview questions and questions for specific industries and roles.

Cons: 

• It's not you. GenAI often generates generic content that can make standing out in a competitive job market challenging. Authenticity is lost. It is a poor substitute for actually reflecting on your own skills and experiences which is what employers are really interested in.
• GenAI is prone to inaccuracy and errors. Check the content, and make sure it’s accurate, up to date and free of bias.
• Check your privacy and data security. CVs and applications carry your personal data, it's important to think about how you are using GenAI platforms, what information you are sharing and where it goes. 

In a recent survey, global recruiters reported that they were using:

• AI-driven screening tools
• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
• digital interviewing platforms

They are also embracing generative AI to write job posts, create marketing content for hiring and to communicate with candidates. 

The benefits of using these technologies are:

• increased efficiency
• enhanced matching of candidate’s skills with job requirements
• reduced bias through standardised candidate evaluations

However, despite these benefits, they acknowledge that these technologies mean that they:

• miss out on quality candidates due to overly strict filtering algorithms
• lose the human interaction and connection with candidates, for example, sending impersonal emails in response to an application

While employers are increasingly using AI in their recruitment processes, humans are still reviewing applications and making hiring decisions. 

Employers are reporting that they are seeing many CVs and applications which have been written by GenAI and they don’t need to use screening software to identify them.

An application which is obviously written by GenAI can be perceived as inauthentic, raises integrity issues, can make your application look the same as others, and makes a negative impression. 

As previously mentioned, employers range in their attitude to the use of GenAI in applications, but even if there’s no clear policy and the employer doesn’t mind in principle if you’ve used GenAI, they are still looking for honest and authentic applications.  

• Gen AI is a useful support, not a replacement to your own input 

• Employers want to see your experiences and skills with evidence, GenAI can help with the format but not necessarily the content 

• It’s not always reliable, check the detail for accuracy 

• Employers have different approaches to GenAI supported applications, check first to see if you are following their advice 

• While AI tools can assist in refining content, the human element of personalisation and authenticity remains indispensable. Candidates who invest the effort to customise their applications are more likely to catch the recruiter’s eye and succeed in the competitive hiring landscape.