You might think that all the signs of using ChatGPT are hidden or so subtle that no one will notice…
Job hunting can be tough and the job market can be unforgiving.
What is one of the most stressful parts of finding a new job?The interview process.
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You need to make a great first impression, prove that you are the perfect fit, answer every question perfectly and maintain a balance between personality and professionalism. All in just a few minutes.
Experts say it may not take that long for recruiters and employers.
It only takes 7 seconds to form a first impression.
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It may sound like a lot of pressure, but before you get into that part, you need to make sure your resume is strong enough.
CVs and job applications are made up of many components.
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It will list your accomplishments, work history, information, and additional elements such as cover letters, letters of recommendation, and anything else your potential employer may request.
So, if you want to save time instead of rewriting every letter or editing applications for each job, you may want to consider using an AI chatbot to help you get your work done faster.
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However, it is important to note that recruiters are very careful.
Bonnie Dilber, a hiring manager at app automation company Zapier, told HuffPost: “It appears that well over 25% of apps are generated by AI.”
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Will using these tools negatively impact my chances of getting a job?
According to Dilbar, this creates a bad impression because it can indicate that the person doesn’t know what they’re talking about or don’t know how to leverage AI-generated content and blend it with their own ideas.
There’s nothing wrong with using AI as a starting point.
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How can a hiring manager decide?
The biggest red flag is that the application looks like an unoriginal robot template that was copied and pasted.
If you use an AI-powered writing assistant, you’re probably not alone. That means hundreds of other job seekers are doing the same thing.
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When recruiters scrutinize applications, it becomes obvious that applications were created using AI, as they often share similar sentence structures and identical case studies.
Dilbar gives an example: “I ask, ‘Why are you interested in this position?’ on a job application. Then I receive candidates who give the same word-for-word response, such as, ‘The company’s mission statement resonates with me and my experience, ‘Insert current job.'”
When you see this exact same answer over and over again, it becomes clear that all the candidates are using AI.
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Another somewhat shocking example is when the application asks how to use Zapier’s product, which automates tasks.
“A bunch of people came up with the same florist use case,” says Dilber. “The first time I saw it, it was really cute. After a few more looks, it became clear that they were all connecting this to the same tool.”
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Another clear sign is the “age of robots,” explains Gabriel Woody, a university recruiter at financial software company Intuit.
The difference in tone from the way early career professionals speak is very noticeable.
Today, resumes for technical jobs almost always repeat words like “skilled,” “technologically savvy,” and “cutting edge.” I primarily reviewed intern and entry-level resumes, and many of the early career candidates I reviewed did not use these terms in their applications prior to ChatGPT.
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There is also a lot of responsibility and pressure on the shoulders of recruiters.
According to Laurie Chamberlin, head of LHH Recruitment Solutions in North America, a good recruiter can spot an AI-generated application a mile away, and the obvious benefit is common buzzwords.
You can find candidates listing skills such as “good communication skills” or “team player”, but these are not backed up by real-world examples. Lack of specificity, authenticity, and personal touch can be red flags.
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Tejal Wagadia, a recruiter at a major technology company, points out that in some cases, applicants often don’t edit their applications.
She will want to see which applications still use the fonts, parentheses, or “add number here” type wording that ChatGPT provides in the condensed answers.
It’s better to create 5 focused and targeted applications than 100 applications that you clearly aren’t interested in.
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Tips from recruiters on how to effectively use AI in job applications:
- It will help you generate ideas about what kind of experience to include on your resume. Ask ChatGPT to explain the job description in detail or identify the skills and experience most relevant to the position you are applying for.
- AI can help you write the first draft, but you should edit and add specific experiences that are relevant to you.
- Don’t flood applications with hundreds of AI-generated applications or use targeted job searches instead of templates.
They literally copy and paste it into their resume without editing. Lacking that level of detail shows the employer that you are not detail-oriented. Yes, you’re using technology, but it’s not working.
- It seems obvious enough not to lie, but applicants include in their answers the recommended outcomes that the generative AI tool creates.
- Lying to your company undermines your integrity as an employee, especially if you want to start your career based on a lie.
- A compelling application should include personal anecdotes and specific accomplishments that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.
- Good storytelling cannot be automated.
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