I coach many people a month, especially those who are job seekers. One of the things they have in common is the need for a resume or a CV. With artificial intelligence being so prevalent now, it’s a logical step to use AI to craft a CV.
However while AI offers powerful tools to streamline resume and cover letter creation, the fact is that recruiters, talent acquisition managers, and hiring managers are increasingly wary of applications that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of AI-generated content.
Let’s explore how job seekers can ethically and effectively leverage AI in their application process without triggering red flags and landing their application in the “no” pile.
The Skepticism of Hiring Professionals
A recent study by CV Genius revealed that a staggering 80% of hiring managers dislike seeing AI-generated CVs and cover letters. Furthermore, 57% are significantly less likely to hire an applicant who has used AI, even to the point of immediate dismissal. This aversion stems from the perception that AI-generated applications often lack authenticity, sound repetitive and generic, and suggest laziness on the part of the applicant.
It is crucial to recognise that recruiters and talent acquisition managers are seeking candidates who demonstrate genuine interest in the company and role.
They look for a personal connection, a clear understanding of the company’s values, and an ability to articulate why they are the best fit.
AI-generated applications, in their unedited form, often fail to convey these crucial elements.
Red Flags: Spotting the AI-Generated Application
So, what are these hiring professionals watching out for? Several telltale signs can flag an application as AI-generated:
- Generic Language and Buzzwords: AI tends to rely on overused phrases and industry jargon without providing substantive examples or explanations. Terms like “dynamic landscape,” “synergy,” “thinking outside the box,” and “fostering” should be used sparingly and only when directly relevant to your experience.
- Repetitive Sentence Structures: AI-generated content often exhibits repetitive sentence structures and a formal writing style, lacking the nuances of human expression. Consistently starting sentences with the same word or phrase is a common giveaway.
- Inconsistent Tone: A disconnect between the tone of the CV and cover letter, or between the application materials and the candidate’s demeanour during an interview, can raise suspicion. Your application materials should reflect your authentic voice and personality.
- Embellishments and Fabrications: AI can sometimes embellish or fabricate achievements and experiences to make a candidate appear more qualified. This is a major ethical breach and can severely damage your credibility if discovered.
- Lack of Specific Examples: AI may struggle to provide concrete examples of your accomplishments and how you’ve applied your skills in past roles. Hiring managers want to see tangible evidence of your capabilities and the impact you’ve made.
Leveraging AI Responsibly: A Guide for Job Seekers
Given these potential pitfalls, how can job seekers use AI to their advantage without alienating recruiters and hiring managers? Here’s a strategic approach:
To expand on the strategic approach in using AI for job applications while avoiding red flags, here are detailed examples for each point:
1. AI as a Starting Point:
Example – Using AI tools like ChatGPT or Resume.io, you might input a prompt such as “Generate a marketing resume for a mid-level professional focusing on project management and social media campaigns.” This could generate a base structure for your resume, including appropriate sections like skills, experience, and education. However, instead of submitting this draft as-is, use it as a springboard to refine your application with personal insights, making it unique to you.
2. Personalise, Personalise, Personalise:
Example – If applying to a company with a mission focused on sustainability, research their achievements, such as recent eco-friendly initiatives. In your cover letter, include something like: “I was inspired by [Company Name]’s recent partnership with [Organisation] to reduce plastic waste by 30%, as sustainability is a personal passion of mine. In my previous role at [Company], I spearheaded a campaign that reduced packaging waste by 40%.” By personalising in this way, you show a clear connection to the company and the role.
3. Add Specific Examples:
Example – When describing achievements, avoid vague statements like “I improved sales.” Instead, use the SAO method:
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- Situation: “The company was seeing a decline in quarterly sales.”
- Action: “I implemented a data-driven strategy to improve customer targeting.”
- Outcome: “This led to a 25% increase in sales over six months.”
Concrete numbers and examples help your application stand out as authentic and impactful.
4. Edit for Authenticity:
Example – If the AI generates a generic statement such as, “I am a results-oriented individual who thrives in dynamic work environments,” edit it to reflect your voice and specific experiences: “Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I thrive in fast-paced environments that require creative problem-solving, as evidenced by my successful leadership of a product launch that exceeded targets by 15%.” This revision ensures the content sounds human and aligns with your professional style .
5. Fact-Check Everything:
Example – If AI-generated content claims you led a team of 50 people when the actual figure was 15, correct this before submission. Be ready to discuss your real contributions during an interview. For instance: “I supervised a team of 15 to implement marketing campaigns, achieving a 20% increase in engagement rates during Q2.” Verifying all details builds credibility .
6. Use AI Checkers:
Example – Tools like Originality.ai can help identify if parts of your application appear AI-generated. If flagged, you might revise a sentence such as, “Leveraged innovative methodologies for success in various roles,” to “In past roles, I successfully implemented new strategies, such as redesigning workflows, which improved efficiency by 10%.” This accommodation ensures the tone feels natural and aligned with your personality .
7. Proofread Meticulously:
Example – Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to identify errors or overly formal phrasing. For instance, replace “facilitated optimisation of internal processes” with “streamlined internal processes.” Subtle changes like this improve readability and clarity, ensuring your materials are polished and professional. Additionally, reading your resume aloud or asking a colleague for feedback can catch issues both AI and spellcheck tools might miss
By following these strategies and examples, job seekers can effectively use AI to enhance their application process while maintaining authenticity and appealing to hiring managers.
The Human Touch Matters
There is no doubt that AI offers valuable assistance in the job application process. But it’s essential to remember that hiring professionals are ultimately seeking authentic, passionate, and well-qualified candidates.
By using AI strategically as a tool for drafting and refining your application, and by injecting your unique personality and experiences, you can strike the right balance between efficiency and authenticity and significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.
**** Main Pic Source: https://howtojobsearch.com.au/why-am-i-getting-rejected-after-a-job-interview/
