Have you ever used AI to help you with a job application? You’re not alone. Increasingly, many Australians are turning to AI to help them with their job applications.
According to a study, 45 percent of job-seekers used generative AI in their application.
Seek estimates that one in four resumes uploaded to the site have been written using AI. This is hardly a surprise, with increasingly time-poor workers seeing it as a quick and easy way to generate an application for their dream role. Indeed, AI can generate information faster than any human being ever could, which is especially handy if you are submitting multiple applications.
But what are the risks of relying on AI for your application?
There are several pitfalls of using AI that job seekers should be aware of. Get it wrong and it could cost you your dream position. Here are some of the risks of using AI in your job application.
Lack of originality
When assessing potential candidates, employers are looking for what makes them unique and how their skills align with the role.
Many AI-generated resumes and cover letters follow similar templates and make generic statements. They often lack individuality, care, personality, and nuance. Career experts emphasise that the personal connection and the human touch are irreplaceable when crafting a resume or cover letter. Therefore, there can be no match for a tailored, hand-crafted application.
Repetitive, plagiarised content
AI information is generated by using information that is already accessible. Therefore, it has a tendency to repeat itself especially if users use similar prompts to each other. Some content generated is actually plagiarised from other applications.
Easily identifiable
Employers are becoming adept at identifying AI-generated applications. If they spot one, they will likely reject it, potentially costing you a job opportunity.
Lack of thought and effort
Employers want to see that candidates have put a lot of effort into their application. Therefore, they may interpret the use of AI for an application as a lack of motivation or desire for the role, as candidates aren’t willing to go to the effort of putting the application together themselves.
Doesn’t demonstrate skills
In roles that require written communication skills, employers may also question if the candidate has the skills required for the role.
Incorrect tone
An application generated by AI may also not match the tone the employer is looking for. It may incorrectly prioritise the skills and experience that are needed for the role.
Overemphasise skills
Experts caution that AI may artificially inflate your skills and experience. This can be problematic if you reach the interview stage and cannot articulate or provide examples of the experience outlined in your resume or cover letter.
Inconsistent quality
In addition, the quality of a resume or cover letter generated by AI can depend on the quality of the input entered into the AI system. Knowing how to effectively prompt an AI system takes skill and expertise. If it is not prompted correctly, AI can produce poor results. Why take the chance?
In an employment market where it can be difficult to stand out, relying on AI to generate a winning application just isn’t worth the risk.
Are you looking for a career in the public service? Public Service Resumes can help. We know how to craft high-quality applications and are pleased to offer various services, including our resume and cover letter writing service.
1. Black, E (13 September 2024) ‘How to spot when a CV has been written by AI’, Australian Financial Review, accessed 16 September 2024.
2. Criddle, C (9 September 2024) ‘How AI is generating a ‘sea of sameness’ in job applications’, Australian Financial Review, accessed 16 September 2024.
3. Mahe, D (18 September 2023) ‘Recruiters warn against overuse of AI tools such as ChatGPT to write resumes, cover letters’, ABC, accessed 16 September 2024.
4. Taylor, L (19 July 2024) ‘Pros and cons of using AI in job applications’, Pro Bono Australia, accessed 16 September 2024.
5. Workskils Australia (n.d) ‘The pros and cons of using Artificial Intelligence in job applications’, Workskils Australia, accessed 16 September 2024.