AI as a job search assistant: opportunities and risks
Modern job hunting requires significant effort: hours spent browsing vacancies, constant resume editing, interview scheduling, and preparing for potential rejection. In such a situation, the temptation to take a “shortcut” becomes very strong, especially when free artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT emerge. This is a powerful chatbot capable of generating text, speech, and images based on your prompts. While it can create a resume draft in seconds, should you rely on it entirely?
Lauren Dick, founder of the recruitment agency Rèlier, notes that AI can be a useful tool for enhancing your resume, but you should never rely on it exclusively. She has noticed a significant increase in candidates using AI in their resumes and cover letters. “We see the same phrasing, which often sounds unnatural, overly structured, and generic,” she says. According to her, AI generates rather template-like content for cover letters and resumes. While Lauren is not against using AI as a starting point, she emphasizes that over-reliance on it can lead to the loss of your individuality. In competitive industries like fashion, this can be the deciding factor.
Do recruiters notice the use of AI?
According to Lauren Dick, yes, recruiters can recognize the use of AI in job applications, and this applies not only to the fashion industry. “I think in all industries, we have become quite skilled at detecting when copywriting was done with the help of AI,” she notes. Signs include the excessive use of certain punctuation marks (e.g., dashes), an overly dry and formal tone, repetitive phrases, lack of details, and the use of template expressions, especially in threes. “My personal pet peeve related to ChatGPT is the use of the word 'deep' to describe an understanding of something. I see it all the time.”
Detecting AI with AI: a meta-approach
While there are certain signs pointing to the use of AI, the possibility that employers themselves use AI to check applications is quite metaphorical. “Most recruiters, both agency and internal, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage their skills database,” explains Lauren. “Many of them are AI-powered or integrate AI components to optimize processes, but they are not AI tools themselves. AI in ATS performs basic resume scanning for skill and keyword matching, etc.”
“There are now AI tools that analyze how closely a phrase matches AI generation patterns, which allows recruiters to use AI to determine the volume of text generated by a tool like ChatGPT.” It is difficult to say how widely this is used and how much it affects a candidate's advancement to the next stage. Of course, there are many other reasons why a candidate might be successful or unsuccessful in getting a job. “What I can say is that you need to be ingenious in using AI for copywriting and formatting. Do not use it as the sole author of your application.”
How to use AI effectively in your job search
Instead, Lauren suggests using AI as a starting tool. “If you wouldn’t say what is written in your application out loud during an interview, or if it sounds unnatural, rewrite it.” She believes AI is great for optimizing the time spent preparing an application and for taking a resume or cover letter to the next level, but you shouldn't rely on it excessively. “You still need to personalize your application, reflecting who you are and what you have to offer. ChatGPT cannot do that for you.”
While some recruiters may perceive the use of AI as a sign of lack of effort, Lauren does not see it as a black-and-white issue, especially when it comes to creating a foundation for your application or reviewing it before submission. “I also see great value in asking AI for feedback on how your cover letter reads compared to a brand's values page, or how your resume reflects the skills mentioned in the job posting.”
Tips for using AI:
- Use AI as an idea and draft generator: Ask it to create initial versions of a resume or cover letter.
- Always edit and personalize: AI cannot convey your unique personality and experience. Ensure the text sounds natural and reflects your strengths.
- Compare with the job posting: Use AI to check how well your resume matches the job requirements, but do not copy it blindly.
- Avoid generic phrases: Pay attention to excessive formality, repetition, or template expressions that AI might generate.
- Check for a "human touch": Does the text sound like something you would say yourself? If not, it needs to be rewritten.
Consequences of over-reliance on AI
According to Lauren, the mistake candidates make is not spending enough time refining, editing, and personalizing their applications. This is where AI can turn against you. “You don't want to submit a template application these days. You want to stand out, and AI can help you get started, but the magic of what you bring cannot be described by ChatGPT. You will have to put in the effort.”
It is also worth remembering the broader risks of using AI. Artificial intelligence has a negative impact on the environment due to massive energy consumption. In addition, constant use is associated with a decrease in brain activity and feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, AI is not always accurate and cannot always adequately reflect your life experience.
How to write an effective cover letter (without excessive AI intervention)
Lauren advises not to worry too much. “I think most recruiters would agree that it’s the resume that gets you the interview, not the cover letter.” In essence, a cover letter should meet several criteria. First, it should draw parallels between your values and the company's values. The recruiter should feel a connection to you by learning something about you. Therefore, the letter should always be tailored to a specific brand, rather than being a universal one sent to everyone.
“It's not just a resume,” adds Lauren. “Use it to really establish connections between how you like to work, what you can offer in this role in terms of soft skills, and how the brand positions itself in the market.”
Proactivity in the job search
Another piece of advice from Lauren: don't wait for the perfect vacancy. “If you have a list of brands you want to work for, start connecting with department leaders at those companies on LinkedIn. Start networking. Reach out to people and ask if they have openings in your area of expertise, or if you can discuss the brand over coffee.”
“Many brands are willing to create roles for people who bring something unique, so if you want to stand out in the market, create opportunities for yourself rather than waiting for a job posting. And, of course, make sure you have a great resume ready.”
Using AI can be an effective tool in your job-hunting arsenal, but the key to success is a smart combination of its capabilities with your personality, experience, and careful editing. Remember that your uniqueness is what will truly help you stand out among other candidates.