Using AI for Career Documents: A Basic Guide

This brief guide provides fundamental principles for effectively using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with career documents, including your CV, cover letter, and other application materials. Exercise caution and remain aware of AI’s limitations. As employers increasingly utilise AI, they may recognise AI-generated text, potentially leading to a negative impression and rejection of your application.

Reasons to Use AI:

• Idea Generation: AI can help you brainstorm ideas.
• Keyword Extraction: Identify key terms from job descriptions to use in your career documents if you possess them.
• Starting Point: Use AI to overcome writer’s block or uncertainty.
• Templates and Structure: Obtain templates and organize your documents.
• Grammar and Typos: Correct grammatical errors and typos.

Guidelines for Using AI:

• Proofreading: Always review the AI-generated content.
• Language Awareness: Be cautious of complex language.
• Common AI Terms: Watch for frequently used words like delve, elevate, foster, leverage, synergy, optimise, innovate, transform, streamline, facilitate, empower, enhance, revolutionise.
• Personalisation: AI lacks personal insight; ensure your personality is reflected in the text.
• Prompting: Be specific and concise in your requests and consider providing examples.
• Clarity: Keep prompts clear and straightforward.

To use AI effectively, research the company, job requirements, and industry before applying. Tailor the AI’s output to reflect your personality and the specific context of your application.

References

• Resume.io
• JobScan
• ResyMatch
• Your Cover Letter Still Matters: Here’s How to Use AI to Write It
• Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI to Create Your CV
• Do Hiring Managers Care if You Use AI to Write Your Resume and Cover Letter?
• You Should Be Taking Advantage of AI During Your Job Search