“All applications require human touch before they are submitted.”
Job hunting can be a struggle at its best. You need to troll hours through LinkedIn, constantly adjust your resume, find time for an interview while you're at work in some way, and after that effort, you need to mentally prepare for the possibility that you've failed.
Naturally, the temptation to take the shortcut is fascinating. And if there was a free artificial intelligence (AI) service that would help speed up this… do you need to use it?
Looking for a new 9-5? Visit the Career Career Page for new lists every day.
Developed by Openai, ChatGpt is an AI-powered chatbot that can generate text, speeches and images according to prompts. It's only been in ChatGpt for the second year, but it reportedly has over 300 million users a week, with 1 billion messages being sent every day.
In fact, you can probably get ChatGpt to create a resume within seconds. But just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. According to Laurendick, founder of fashion recruitment agency RELIEL, AI can be a useful tool for leveling up your resume, but you should never rely on it.
With a long history of adoption in the fashion space, Lauren says she has undoubtedly noticed an increase in the number of people using AI on her resume and cover letter. “You'll see the same phrasing. A general phrase that is probably slightly unnatural or overstructured is used. It produces a very common copy of a cover letter or resume.”
She's not opposed to using AI at least as a starting point, but she also notes that relying on too many means your personality won't end. And in a crowded industry like fashion, not pulling yourself apart is harmful. “I think AI is a great tool for productivity, but every application requires a human touch before it is submitted.”
So can brands and recruiters tell you they are using AI?
According to Lauren, yes. And it's more than just the fashion industry. “I think we're all pretty adept at realizing when AI is used in all kinds of copywriting in all industries,” she says.
One of the presents is the classic EM dash (-). Its use has been heated and defended online. Other signs are bland, overly formal tones of voice, repetitive phrases, lack of detail, and use of patterns (particularly phrasing in groups of three). “My personal ChatGpt Peeve is to use the word 'deep' to describe an understanding of something. I'm always watching this. ”
Use AI to detect AI
There are some Telltail Signs, but the idea that Hiler might use AI to check if an application is being generated is very meta.
“Most recruiters, agents, or internal companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage their skills databases,” explains Lauren. “Many of these have AI or support methods to integrate AI components to optimize processes, but they are not the AI tools themselves. AI tools within ATS essentially scan resumes for skills, keyword matching, etc.”
“Currently, there is AI that analyzes how phrases closely match AI generation patterns. This means recruiters can use AI to identify the amount of copies directly generated by tools like ChatGPT.”
I say it's hard to say how widely this is used and how much this will affect someone moving to the next stage. Of course, there are many other reasons someone may or may not have succeeded for the role. “What I say is that you need to be smarter about how to use AI for copywriting and formatting. Don't use it as the only copywriter in your application.”
Instead, Lauren suggests using it as a tool to get you started. “If you don't say what's written in the application is loud in an interview, or if you feel it's unnatural, rewrite it.”
Pros and cons
“We use AI to optimize the time spent on applications and help you take your resume and cover letter to the next level, but don't rely too heavily on it,” she says. “You still need to personalize your application to who you are and what you bring to the table. ChatGpt can't do that for you.”
While some recruiters may view AI use as a lack of effort, Lauren doesn't think it's black and white, especially when it comes to scaffolding applications or reviewing them before submitting them. “There is also a great benefit to asking AI for feedback on how the cover letter reads compared to the brand's value page, or how the resume captures the skills needed from the job ad.”
In Lauren's experience, what people are wrong is that they don't take the time to tweak, edit and personalize the application. That's where AI can backfire. “I don't want to submit bland applications on this day and age. I want to stand out, AI can start you, but the magic of what you bring to the role cannot be explained by ChatGpt. You need to put the elbow grease there.”
It is also worth noting the broader risks and harms of using AI. Artificial intelligence not only has harmful effects on the environment due to its enormous energy consumption, but is associated with low consistent use and loneliness. Furthermore, it is not always accurate and cannot speak appropriately to your life experiences.
How to write a cover letter (no AI)
Lauren's advice is not to overthink that. “I think most recruiters agree that it's actually a resume that gets interviews, not a cover letter.”
Basically, you need to check a few boxes. First, Lauren says your cover letter should portray similarities between your values and brand. Hiring managers must finish reading feeling connected to you, as if they had learned something about it. That way, you should customize it to the brand you are always reading, rather than the copy and paste cover letter you send to everyone.
“It's not just a summary of your resume,” adds Lauren. “Using it, you really draw a connection between the way you want to work, what you can bring to your role in terms of soft skills, and the way your brand positions itself in the market.”
Why is it better to jump a gun?
And one of Lauren's final advice? Don't wait for the perfect job ads. “If you have a list of brands you want to work with, start connecting with the leaders in that department on LinkedIn. Start networking. Apply people and ask if there are vacant seats in that department or skill set area, or if you can chat about the brand with coffee.”
“Many brands are really happy to play a role for those who bring something unique to the table, so if you stand out in the market, make it happen yourself, rather than waiting for a seek ad.” And of course, make sure your Killer Resume is ready.
Try this for more information on using AI in your application.
