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How to use AI in your job search

CV expert Emma Alkirwi advises on how to get the most from AI when you are looking for a job.

AI is everywhere these days so it’s no surprise that it is becoming more of an issue in recruitment. Platforms like LinkedIn, for example, use machine learning to curate job listings for each individual on the platform who signs up for job alerts, based on the information in their profile and the preferences they select.

Job searching platforms are becoming more automated, allowing you to populate templated CVs and Cover Letters to send off at the click of a button.

There are now tools that can help candidates prepare for a successful application too. For example, there is software that will ask you sample interview questions, and will then record your answers to analyse your performance and give you points for improvement.

AI is now also being used much more frequently to help with the creation of application documents. While this may speed up the application process considerably, it may not be viewed favourably by recruiters.

Many employers will now ask upfront if you have used AI in the application process. From their perspective, if you have used AI to pull together a generic application without spending any time or effort personalising it, not only could you be sharing false information, but employers may make judgements on your work ethic too.

If you choose to use AI to assist with the creation of your application documents, it is important to view it as a guide, rather than a writer.

The information that language learning models provide you with is always based on data it can pull from across the internet. It is not tailored to you, and without a human edit, the information you share with an employer will be false, generic and unlikely to stand out.

Here are a few of our suggestions on how to use ChatGPT to assist you in the initial stages of a job application:

Prompt it to create a structure for your Cover Letter, splitting it into the basic key sections. You can then use this as a springboard and tailor the information to your own experience.
Ask for a list of sample interview questions, based on the role you are applying for and your professional experience.
Use it to create outreach emails to prospective employers. This will help you strike a professional tone, and you can then personalise the content to each company you are contacting.
Copy the job description into ChatGPT, and then ask it to generate a list of potential keywords that you can factor into your CV.
Ask for a list of the kinds of experience – such as examples of software you’ve used – to provide information for what you should include on your CV.

Points to consider

AI can make the job application process quicker for both employers and candidates.

However, issues can arise if neither party knows the other is using AI. If AI is being used to generate documents, and these documents are being read and assessed using AI, human beings are being removed from the experience.

For example, chatbots can only answer basic questions and so may cause frustration when candidates require more specific knowledge. Additionally, experience, education, or interview performance could be judged unfairly without human empathy to lead decision-making.

And for recruiters, receiving high volumes of generic application documents can make it more challenging to find a good fit for a position, and reduce your chances of making it to the next stage.

Both employers and candidates need to feel valued in the job market. Human interaction should always lead the application experience on both sides.

Try not to get stuck in AI. Instead, understand how it is used by employers, and use it as a tool to help you stand out.

And if you would prefer to avoid using Artificial Intelligence to prepare for your job hunt, we would love to help. We take a people-first approach to creating CVs, Cover Letters and LinkedIn profiles, and our expert writers will work directly with you until you are happy with the final draft.

*Emma Alkirwi is the Managing Director of the CV Guru which is the leading service provider of professionally written CVs, LinkedIn Profiles, cover letters in the UK and they also provide specialist consultancy services.