The pros and cons of using AI to apply for a job

Since its launch in November 2022, OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT has revolutionized the world of work, including the hiring process.

And according to recent research, 46% of job seekers in the U.S. are relying on ChatGPT to write their resumes and/or cover letters.

Of those 46%, the vast majority (78%) said they secured an interview thanks to their ChatGPT-generated applications, and 70% report a higher response rate from companies when they submit an application using ChatGPT.

While these stats might lead you to conclude that using generative AI to apply for jobs is a no-brainer, there are some pitfalls you'll need to avoid if you want your application to come across as accurate and authentic. HR managers are more likely to discount a resume if it's glaringly obvious ChatGPT has been used.

"I was looking at a couple of resumes that had come through, and this candidate was a $27k a year candidate, and they had written their resume like they were a head of department," shares Monica Berry, who is responsible for talent acquisition at an e-commerce company.

"You can really tell when somebody has done an AI resume. I've seen it mostly within finance [roles], but it's fast becoming the thing to do."

Expect a re-write

Speaking at a recent tech networking event hosted by Indeed, Berry also said that when she receives an application that is obviously the work of ChatGPT, she doesn't discount it--but asks for a rewrite.

"I'm asking them respectfully to send their pre-AI, real resumes because it gives a truer reflection of what you've done and what you're like," she says.

"Candidates are being pushed to use AI to come across as more professional, but what you end up with is people with minimal experience using AI to bulk up their resumes. It's probably working for them in terms of getting interviews, but then you get to the interview and they're not as good as they say they are."

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