Using AI in Your Job Search

Introduction

AI chat tools can help you work faster and practise more. They can also make you sound like everyone else, or even invent things. Used with care, they are a helpful assistant. Used carelessly, they can cost you a job. This lesson covers what to do and what to avoid.

Good uses

• Understanding an advert: ask it to summarise requirements, then check against the original.
• Practising interviews: ask it to act as an interviewer, ask follow-up questions and give feedback on your answers.
• Brainstorming: ways to describe your experience, possible roles that fit your skills, questions to ask an employer.
• Editing: tightening your text, checking grammar and clarity, suggesting a clearer structure.
• Preparing: drafting a list of company questions you should research.
• Organising: making a plan or checklist for your search.

Risks and rules

1. Do not let AI invent facts. It may add skills, numbers or achievements you never had. Every claim must be true, and you must be able to talk about it. Read every line.
2. Keep your own voice. Generic, over-polished text is easy to spot and forgettable. Use AI suggestions as a starting point and rewrite them in your words.
3. Check what the employer allows. Some applications and tests forbid AI help, for example live assessments or written tasks. Follow the rules, and be honest if asked whether you used AI.
4. Protect your data. Do not paste more personal information than necessary, such as ID numbers, full addresses or private details of other people. Read the tool's privacy settings and data policy.
5. Verify advice. AI can be wrong about laws, salaries and company facts. Check with official or primary sources.
6. Beware of bias. Tools can reflect stereotypes in the text they suggest. Review for fairness.
7. Do not mass-apply with automated tools that flood employers with generic applications. It wastes time and can harm your reputation.

A practical workflow

1. Paste the advert and your true experience notes (without sensitive details).
2. Ask for a table of requirements and where your experience matches.
3. Ask for interview questions this role might involve, and practise answers aloud.
4. Draft your own cover message, then ask for feedback: clarity, tone, missing evidence.
5. Edit by hand, check facts, and read it aloud.

Also watch out for AI in the hiring process

Some employers use automated screening, AI interviews or online assessments. Rules and rights differ by place, and in some regions you may have rights regarding automated decisions. If you are asked to take an AI-based assessment:

• Read the instructions and privacy notice.
• Ask whether a human reviews decisions, and whether adjustments are possible if you have a disability or other need.
• Keep records of what you submitted.

Try it yourself

Practise a mock interview with an AI tool, using a real advert. Save the questions and note your three weakest answers. Rewrite them with true STAR examples.

Summary

• Use AI for understanding adverts, practising, brainstorming and editing.
• Never let it invent claims, keep your own voice and follow employers' rules.
• Protect your data, verify advice and know your rights regarding automated hiring tools.