AI and Job Applications
Should I use AI for job applications?
Whilst it can be useful to use AI for research purposes and drafting content it should not be used in isolation and without tailoring. Employers can often tell when AI has been used in job applications, as it tends to be generic and lacks uniqueness, making it easy for hiring managers to spot, leading to rejection.
It’s crucial to understand when not to use AI. For instance, during skills or aptitude tests, relying on AI to generate answers or solve problems is unethical and dishonest, as these tests aim to evaluate your true abilities. Additionally, don’t use AI as a replacement for personal input and authenticity. Scripting video interview responses with AI can make you sound unnatural and hinder your ability to handle unexpected questions.
Employer attitudes towards AI use by applicants vary; some endorse it, while others seek to detect or require disclosure. It’s important to check employer guidelines before applying and to personalize AI-generated content with your own reflections and experiences.
Top Tips
1. Research the employer and company
• Before you start using AI for your job application, research the role and company.
• Review the job description and requirements for every application you apply for. Without this information, AI may generate generic, untailored content which is easily identifiable and does not match what the employer is looking for.
• Ensure that you create a tailored job application that will stand out to employers.
2. Review, revise and personalise
• You can use AI as a starting point in your job applications. Don’t copy and paste directly from an AI tool. Instead, use it for inspiration to build upon it with your own detailed information and add a personal touch.
• Adapt AI-generated ideas by adding your own examples to ensure your application stands out.
• Some employers can detect AI-generated content, which might lead to disqualification. Always reflect your genuine attributes and avoid relying solely on AI for authenticity.
3. Use clear and precise prompts
- AI doesn’t know you personally, so give it clear and precise instructions to get accurate content.
- Effective prompts will save you time and reduce inaccuracies or irrelevant information.
- Use The PART model to help structure your prompts.
4. Check for accuracy
- Remember to verify AI-generated information. AI can produce incorrect facts and figures, so always take the time to review content thoroughly and cross-reference it with other sources.
- Generative AI can assist in writing text sections, but you still need to structure and format your application correctly. See our CV and Cover Letter and Application to Acceptance booklets for guidance on how to effectively structure your CVs, cover letters and application forms.
5.Protect your data
- To protect your data security, it’s important to never share personal or sensitive details such as your name, contact information or address.
- AI tools collect and analyse data, often using it to train and improve its results. This can compromise your privacy and data security.
How can AI support your career and job applications?
Generative AI can be used in many different parts of the recruitment journey, from initially researching the company to helping you prepare for interviews.
Here are some suggestions on how you can use AI effectively:
- Researching jobs and employers – AI can gather information from a company’s website explaining their key services, culture and competitors, which can be used in job applications and at interview.
- Tailoring applications – AI can select the core responsibilities and requirements of a role so you can better tailor your CV and cover letters, highlighting relevant experiences and skills.
- Preparing for interviews – you can use our mock Interview Review Tool to practice common interview questions which will help build confidence and perfect your pitch.
- LinkedIn and networking – you can ask AI to provide tips on how to enhance your LinkedIn profile or suggest conversation starters to use when meeting new people in your sector.
How to create effective prompts
Prompts are the inputs you provide to an AI system to get specific results, acting as conversation starters that guide the AI’s responses. These can range from simple phrases to complex sentences and paragraphs. It’s important to remember the more precise your enquiry, the more meaningful the result.
The PART model will help you structure your prompts:
- Persona: Ask the tool to act in a particular persona
For example: I’m a second year Psychology student at the University of Lincoln, seeking work experience opportunities in the healthcare sector.
- Action: What action do you want the Ai to complete
For example: Create a summary for my LinkedIn profile.
- Requirements: Are there are limitations or elements you want to make sure are included or excluded from the reply.
For example: Ensure that it is written in the first person and is 300 words long. Use the content from my CV profile (cut and paste this in). Emphasise relevant skills for the healthcare sector.
- Task: What would you like the output to look like.
For example: Write the summary in one paragraph and use English spelling.
How do I access Copilot, our recommended AI tool?
Copilot is the main, approved AI tool freely available to all students and staff at the University of Lincoln. You can access Copilot by clicking on the Copilot icon in the top right-hand corner of Microsoft Edge. Alternatively, if you are using a different internet browser, you can access it by going to copilot.microsoft.com
This tool is part of Microsoft 365, so you will need to sign in with your university log in. This will also ensure that you are using AI safely.
Visit the Copilot Lab to view a collection of Microsoft training videos that will teach you how to use the tool effectively for various tasks.
Guidance on how AI can be used in assessment at the University of Lincoln can be found below: