The Do's and Don'ts of Using AI in Your Job Application

The use of AI in job applications has become a topic of discussion among recruiters and job seekers. While leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT can be beneficial, it's crucial to exercise discretion and adhere to certain guidelines to optimize your chances of success in the job application process.

Since the introduction of ChatGPT nearly a year ago, organizations such as Nvidia and Jasper, which specialize in AI-related positions, have observed an increase in job applicants employing this chatbot to assist them in their application journey. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2021, participants who received "algorithmic writing assistance" for refining their resumes were found to be 8% more likely to secure a job compared to those who did not use AI support.

Recruiters' opinions on candidates using generative AI for their job applications vary. Some acknowledge the potential benefits of using AI tools to enhance job applications. For instance, Alex Shapiro, the Chief People Officer at Jasper, recognizes that ChatGPT can help applicants brainstorm action verbs and refine language to enhance the quality of their applications. However, she emphasizes that it's essential for candidates to review AI-generated materials to ensure accuracy. Neglecting this step could lead to issues, as recruiters might discover inaccuracies in the submitted materials during the interview process.

Flavien Coronini, the Talent Acquisition Lead at Hugging Face, has observed instances where cover letters entirely generated by AI lacked a human touch. Such instances, he argues, can be detrimental, as they fail to convey the candidate's motivation to join the company. The use of AI-generated content in this manner is considered a "really bad practice."

Despite potential risks, some candidates continue to rely on ChatGPT for their applications, even when explicitly advised against doing so. Lindsey Duran, Vice-President of Global Recruiting at Nvidia, mentions instances where candidates used ChatGPT to answer interview questions, disregarding the prohibition against such practices.

Recruiters concur that emphasizing AI skills, including expertise in ChatGPT, can help applicants stand out in the hiring process. However, candidates must be able to substantiate their claims. This might involve demonstrating their AI knowledge during interviews by explaining how they integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into workflows or showcasing their commitment to the field through relevant online courses or staying updated with the latest AI developments.

To ensure that AI-generated job applications do not appear robotic, job seekers can add a human touch to them. For example, they can instruct ChatGPT to revise specific sections until they reflect their unique voice and contain the necessary content, as recommended by Ashley Couto, an AI consultant.

Using AI, such as ChatGPT, in job applications can be advantageous if done correctly. Here is the summary of the do’s and don’ts of using AI in your job application:

Do:

• Use AI to brainstorm and refine initial drafts of application materials
• Review and edit AI-generated content to ensure accuracy
• Verify AI-assisted materials reflect your true skills and experiences
• Take accredited courses in AI to demonstrate expertise
• Showcase AI projects and knowledge professionally during interviews
• Apply your own judgment to determine ethical AI use

Don't:

• Submit AI-generated content without thorough review
• Include unverified skills or experiences on resumes
• Rely completely on AI to create application content
• Use AI impropriety during interviews after warnings
• Fail to customize general AI output to fit specific roles
• Assume recruiters will not detect AI-generated content

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