With ChatGPT nearing its second anniversary, most job-seekers have at some point or another used AI (artificial intelligence) to create their resume, cover letter, or answers to application questions.
Previously, right at the beginning when ChatGPT was launched and began to attract widespread attention, this was a practice that was frowned upon more than approved by hiring managers and recruiters, many of whom rejected a candidate’s application if they suspected it was written by AI.
However today, in 2024, the sentiment appears to have slightly shifted. The findings of a recent Zety survey of 500 HR managers reveals that most believe it is ethical for candidates to use AI in their job search. Approximately two-thirds of respondents approve of using AI for creating documents such as resumes and cover letters, which signals that there is a broader acceptance of AI being used in the job search process as a valuable tool.
Interestingly, HR managers acknowledged that not only are they accepting of AI usage, but they are more likely to interview candidates who used AI to enhance their job application documents (38%), with nearly 40% stating that AI usage does not affect their final decision.
However, the only core area of concern for HR managers when it comes to job-seekers using AI, is when it is used to answer skills and competency tests. AI can skew results leading to inaccurate feedback and assessment of a candidate’s competency level for the job.
So, what are the implications for you as a job-seeker? Here are a few key considerations that arise from this study:
1. Use AI Ethically
Put ethics first, and remember that AI is a tool, not a crutch. By all means, leverage AI to help you write your resume and cover letter. But remember to never use it to entirely replace your input and effort, especially where assessment of your skills is concerned. It is better to be honest with yourself and maintain your integrity than to lose your ethics just to get ahead. While it might be tempting to use AI to answer questions in competency tests, remember that it can only backfire in the end, and lead to potentially serious consequences for your career later on.
2. Be Authentic
Even while using AI to craft your resume and cover letter, always ensure that the final product reflects your voice and style. Use AI to enhance the conciseness, presentation, and grammar of your documents and job application answers, and to rewrite what you have already inputted from your experience in the prompt (ensuring the AI tool you’re using is aware of the job specifications and description so the result you receive is more tailored), but for nothing else.
You should heavily customize the resume and cover letter to ensure it does not reflect the monotone, cliched, and robotic style of writing associated with chatbots, that is devoid of human touch and personality.
3. Remember Your Competitive Edge
Since AI usage is a matter of focus for organizations as they seek to implement it and integrate AI tools across their workflows, it would be wise for you to consider upskilling specifically when it comes to learning new AI skills, such as data analytics, prompt engineering, and practical business use cases. Consider artificial intelligence to be your distinctive USP, and don’t shy away from sharing your AI expertise with potential employers, especially as this can work in your favor due to the AI talent gap right now.
Using AI to write your resume and boost your job application experience can be your advantage…but only when done wisely.