Should I Use AI When Applying For a Job?

With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) for virtually anything, it’s becoming very apparent that its use and development show no signs of slowing down. AI is now being integrated into our daily lives, including using it to streamline the job application process.

Yes, AI is here to stay, but where should one draw the line in terms of job seeking? We break down some ways you can utilize AI in your job hunt and when you should refrain from using it.

The Benefits of Using AI in Job Applications

From YoungerTV Official GIPHY

For some of us, summing up our previous and current roles in bullet points can feel like a chore. Some of us may even feel uncomfortable talking about ourselves and our achievements. 

Other than ChatGPT and Gemini, there are a bevy of AI tools available online that can help in the job application process. AI tools such as resume builders and cover letter generators can speed things up, helping you apply to more jobs faster. These tools can insert relevant keywords to make your CV more noticeable, suggest formatting improvements, and help modify language to enhance the quality of your application documents. Other online tools can also help prepare for interviews, providing you with interview questions and templated answers—even simulating actual interviews! 

When AI Becomes a Bad Idea for Your Job Search

From ListenMiCaribbean Official GIPHY

The most glaring downside to utilizing AI for your job application process is failing to add a human touch to your job applications. This often happens when you rely on tools too much and fail to properly review and make the necessary adjustments to your CV or cover letter before sending it out to companies.

Employers and hiring managers are now more wary of AI-generated content and are more watchful during the recruitment process, especially since there are instances when candidates would use AI for take-home assessments or coding challenges. Companies will also not hesitate to automatically fail applicants who send out cover letters or resumes with AI-manufactured content. 

According to Morgan McKinley, an international talent services company, employers have taken steps to evaluate an applicant’s skills and proficiency beyond technical capabilities. One way they do this is by asking situational and behavioral questions based on real-life scenarios. These questions are also framed to be open-ended, so they can accurately gauge an applicant’s communication skills, flexibility, and creativity. In addition, these types of questions can help them gauge a candidate’s interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, and if they align with the company’s objectives and values.

At the end of the day, you and your recruiter are still human. While the use of AI tools can make your job hunt faster and seemingly more efficient, you’ll still need to talk about who you are, tell your prospects about your skills, and why you’re a good fit for the role during an actual interview. It’s easy to appear able and capable on your CV, but remember that it is just a document—doing actual work and producing real results will speak for themselves over time.

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