Artificial intelligence is being used more commonly for a multitude of purposes, including job searching. AI can be a great tool to help you in your job search and interview process, but only when used correctly. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is relying too much on AI and not using it only as a starting point in their job search.
In this guide, AgHires Recruiters are sharing their dos and don’ts for using AI as part of your job hunt process.
Resume Writing & Tailoring
AI can help you strengthen your resume and tailor it for each job you apply for by adding relevant keywords and phrases for specific industries and positions.
Do use AI tools to help tailor your resume.
You can input the job description into an AI tool and prompt it to point out specific keywords and phrases you should add throughout your resume. Be sure to tell AI more about the job you are applying for, such as the job title and industry, so it can give you more accurate keywords.
Don’t use AI to write your entire resume or cover letter.
Most times, recruiters can tell when your resume is AI-written. One of the key indicators is when your resume contains a lot of “fluff” or filler words, and not as much detail about your actual experience.
The more generic it sounds, the more a recruiter will assume it is AI-written. Always personalize any content you use from AI tools.
Don’t include AI-suggested skills or experience that you don’t have.
Even if AI suggests you add a specific skill to your resume, but you don’t actually possess that skill, leave it out. Always remain honest in your resume and cover letter.
AI can serve as a great starting point to help build your resume if you don’t have one, but be sure to customize it by adding specific achievements, metrics, relevant keywords, and your own wording. The same goes for cover letters – don’t just use a generic letter written by AI, instead use it as a starting point and take the time to personalize it.
Preparation & Interviewing
AI can be a great way to help prepare for your interview, especially if you load up your prompts with a lot of detail. Here are a few dos and don’ts of using AI to prepare for job interviews.
Researching the Company
Do use AI to help you research the company and industry trends.
Artificial intelligence can quickly help you find specific details about the company you are interviewing for, so when they ask “What do you know about our company?” you’re ready to answer confidently. Ask AI about the company’s history, products/services, culture, and their competition.
Preparing Questions
Do use AI to help you come up with tailored questions to ask the interviewer.
You can paste the job description into an AI tool such as CoPilot or ChatGPT and ask it to generate questions to ask at the end of your interview. The goal is to come up with more specific, tailored questions that will impress the interviewer and show your interest.
You can also ask AI, based on the job description, what kind of questions you can expect the interviewer to ask you. These may include more basic, common interview questions, plus more job-specific questions.
Practicing Your Answers
Do use AI to help refine and practice your answers to interview questions.
After using AI to develop a list of potential interview questions, give your responses to each question and ask AI how you can improve them. Rehearse your polished answers in front of a mirror to get comfortable before the interview.
You may also consider using AI to help frame your scenarios in the STAR format for answering behavioral style questions, such as “Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.”
Don’t memorize AI-written answers word-for-word.
Doing this can make you sound scripted and unnatural in interviews. Use AI to help strengthen your answers to potential interview questions, but add your own natural language and personality as you practice. You also want to avoid bringing AI-generated notes to an interview and reading them word-for-word.
Don’t only practice interviews with AI.
AI practice can be very helpful, but practicing with real people and getting feedback from peers or mentors is going to take your prep to the next level! Practicing with real people will better prepare you for a true interview environment where you are speaking face-to-face with someone. It’s a great opportunity to practice your body language, too.
Other Dos and Don’ts of Using AI
Don’t upload confidential or sensitive information to AI tools like ChatGPT.
AI tools are not designed to securely handle sensitive data and could be exposed through security vulnerabilities. Never enter passwords, personal information, financial data, or confidential company data.
Do verify information from other sources, as AI tools can be incorrect.
AI can make mistakes, so be sure to verify information from other sources when necessary. You can also ask AI to provide sources or citations for its findings.
The Bottom Line
AI is a useful tool for tailoring, polishing, and practicing when it comes to job searching and interviewing. However, to be most effective, be sure to add the human touch to your job search materials and communications. Your personality and unique experiences are what make you stand out, not basic resume templates or scripted interview responses. Remember to use AI as a starting point, and don’t let it replace your personality and authenticity.
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If you’re looking for more job search advice, interview tips, and more, check out our Career Advice Blog.
