It can be difficult to know where to start writing a cover letter or job application when there’s a blank page staring back at you.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help get the creative juices flowing.
When it comes to creating content, many believe that using generative AI, like ChatGPT, is ‘cheating’, but this is not the case – as long as it's done in the right way.
Rather than thinking ‘Should I use AI in my job application?’, ask yourself ‘How can I use AI to improve my job application?’
Many people feel uncomfortable promoting themselves. AI is a tool that can help overcome this difficulty, creating a starting point to build upon.
AI creates an outline or initial draft of a cover letter in only a few seconds, based on a CV and a specific job description by weaving in a candidate’s relevant experiences in a way that meets the outlined job criteria. You can then personalise this draft, improving it by including your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
You could use AI as a review tool, by prompting it to offer insights on how your writing can be improved. AI can also act as a sounding board, offering tips on how best to prepare for an interview, based on intelligence it has gained from other users.
However, AI can’t do all the heavy lifting for you.
Even though AI can help you break through writer’s block and generate written content from scratch, it shouldn't be used to compile a finished product.
An application or cover letter should reflect your unique voice to help you stand out from other applicants.
Employers want to get a feeling of who you are as a person, not just as a job applicant, which is something AI can’t replicate – it's called ‘artificial’ for a reason.
Turning to AI you don’t know where else to start can backfire because:
- Without taking the time to personalise and correct the AI-generated suggestions, applicants include inconsistencies and awkward phrasing, which are red flags to hiring managers regarding authenticity and credibility.
- AI tools may also not correctly understand the nuances of a job description leading to applications that poorly align with the specific requirements.
- AI can only work with what it is presented with. If your CV is not a good reflection of you, then your application will be flawed.
The personal touch has never been more important. Recruiters can help you identify jobs that match your skills and aspirations; share information about employers and help you prepare for interview.
AI is a fantastic tool, and it can certainly be leveraged to streamline the recruitment process, but its use must be properly balanced to maximise the chances of landing your dream job.