How to Effectively Use AI in the Job Application Process
By Greg Lewis, Career Advisor at University of Phoenix
The growth and impact of AI on the job search is undeniable. The use of AI tools (Ex: ChatGPT/Perplexity) certainly has changed the way employers and job seekers utilize technology in the application process. In particular, resume writing has become some form of a “game within a game” as employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that utilize algorithms to search for matching skills, experience and education. In these resume reviews, keywords are critical to a winning resume.
If you are looking for a new job, AI can be a useful tool to help you compete in the current job market. The key is to understand both the benefits and limitations of AI tools. There are many job search related uses for AI including help with resume creation, translating your past experience with relevant keywords and even interviewing preparation. There are several advantages in using AI with your marketing documents (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile) – but also consider items to be mindful of if you use these popular tools.
From my experience, AI can help you:
- Tailor resume for specific jobs
The ability of AI to quickly scan for relevant information has increased the need to focus your resume to align with the requirements of the job you seek. Using AI tools can allow you to submit your resume and the job description to analyze matching skills and relevant experience from your previous jobs. Consider using a resume builder tool like Jobscan or Teal to develop and test your resume against a job description.
- Translate skills to a specific company or industry
A common challenge when changing companies, or industries is jargon into language a prospective employer understands. AI tools like ChatGPT can quickly help you reword some of the technical term and acronyms on your resume.
For example, see below for an example of how ChatGPT might improve your resume if you were a military officer with supervisory experience, transitioning into the civilian workforce.
Poor Bullet point:
- I ran an Infantry squad of 6 men during combat operation in Iraq, responsible for being the NCIOC of guard duty.
Strong bullet alternatives with help from ChatGPT:
- Led a team of six soldiers during combat operations in Iraq, ensuring mission success and team safety.
- Supervised and coordinated guard duty operations, maintaining security and operational readiness.
Or examples of improvements to potential resume items from various industries:
- Poor bullet point: Provided customer service serving food and beverages in a busy, fast-paced restaurant
- Alternative with help from ChatGPT: Delivered exceptional customer service by efficiently serving food and beverages in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Poor bullet point: Participated in quarterly trainings
- Alternative with help from ChatGPT: Engaged in quarterly training sessions to enhance skills and maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
- Poor bullet point: Translated portions of company website into Spanish
- Alternative with help from ChatGPT: Translated key sections of the company website into Spanish, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance for a broader audience.
In these cases, AI has helped quantify accomplishments to create a more effective bullet point that better communicates skills and leadership experience.
- Craft a strong professional summary/cover letter
Developing a summary or cover letter that highlights your specific and unique qualifications can be important for a new career. Given the many responsibilities and job titles most workers have previously held, it can be difficult to identify specific qualifications and skills to highlight. AI tools can help get you started. You can use these tools to develop an overview of your professional qualifications. Both a summary or cover letter should identify very specific and (hopefully) unique qualifications you possess for each job. If you enter a bit about your relevant background and the job you seek, AI tools will help you develop a strong start for these sections.
Cautions to Consider When Using AI in the Job Application Process:
AI is an amazing advancement in helping people work more efficiently in the job search and overcome writer’s block! However, there are a few legitimate concerns when using AI to develop your job search documents including:
- Concern 1: Edit AI results to make it your own
IncludingAI results into your resume or other documents without editing is a recipe for trouble. If your resume looks too good to be true, it most likely looks like way to employers. In fact, a recent analysis by content creator Canva reveals that 67% of surveyed hiring supervisors suggest they can recognize a résumé written all or in part by AI.
So, always check to see if the results and wording sound like you. If the content doesn’t represent you and how you would communicate to other professionals, edit it to make it your own. Your resume, cover letter and other profiles should reflect not only your qualifications but who you are as a person. These tools can make mistakes or create “facts” about your career based on the information provided. Edit!
- Concern 2: Check formatting
Many of these AI tools are helpful in helping with creating content but do less with the format of the resume. Format and layout of the resume is half the game. The format should be concise, easy to read and error free. If you need support with developing an appropriate format, consider looking at resume builder sites alongside AI Tools as you develop content and a readable format.
AI is changing the job search process, offering tools to making resumes and other documents easier to develop and more aligned for ATS systems often used by employers. By utilizing these tools, veterans can save time and increase their odds of obtaining interviews. The key is to recognize the limitations of AI and always edit your documents to reflects your unique qualifications, personality and achievements.
