AI in job applications: friend or foe

Most of us now use AI tools daily, whether for assignments, brainstorming ideas, or planning trips, so why not use AI to support your job applications as well? The convenience is hard to turn away from, especially when you’re juggling many simultaneous recruitment processes.

The problem is that the hiring process is designed to assess not just your skills, but also your motivation, personality and critical thinking — things AI can’t replicate. As a former graduate recruiter, I’d review over 100 applications a day during peak hiring seasons. And trust me, recruiters can instantly spot AI-generated applications that sound overly polished, generic or lacking personal insight. If your CV or cover letter reads like a template – filled with buzzwords and skills without real examples – it won’t leave an impression because the reader will find it impersonal and unconvincing.

Think about this! You’re a recruiter reading through hundreds of CVs. What impression do you get from this AI-generated career objective?

"I am passionate about leveraging my skills and experience to contribute to the success of your esteemed organisation.”

Pretty vague, right? Could be anyone and about any role - and it is bland.

However, instead of letting AI generate something generic, you can try using a more specific prompt that provides context and asks for tailored guidance:

"I am looking to apply for an internship in an engineering consulting firm. What do I need to include in my career objective on my CV, and how do I tailor it?"

A prompt like this will give you industry-relevant details, structure and examples, while still allowing you to personalise your response each time.

The key is to use AI as a support tool, not as a shortcut. You don’t have to avoid AI.

Here are some insider tips to help you avoid pitfalls when using AI to answer application questions and craft CVs and cover letters.

TIPS: DO

• Use AI as a starting point

AI can help you generate drafts, suggest structures, and organise your ideas. It can help you overcome writer’s block and get you in the writing flow. Just don’t forget that your personal input is what will make your application stand out.

• Leverage AI to tailor applications more efficiently

You can either paste the job description into AI tools or use tools like JobScan to quickly identify key skills and requirements of the role. However, this won’t help you if you don’t follow up by personalising your CV and cover letter and demonstrating how your experiences align with these key skills and requirements.

• Use AI as your proofreader

AI tools like Grammarly can help enhance your grammar and the clarity of your writing. But always review the changes made by these tools so you’re actively learning and improving over time. And watch out for misspellings because at the end of the day, AI tools are still learning and do make mistakes, eg right use of principal or principle; wear or where.

• Leverage AI for feedback and context

Use AI-powered CV scanners to identify areas of improvement in your CV or cover letter by providing context in your prompt: “I am applying for a marketing graduate role for an FMCG in New Zealand. What improvements can I make to align with industry expectations?”. Review the recommendations and then do your own research to deepen your understanding of the market dynamic before you make further refinements. If in doubt, see an employability and careers specialist for industry-specific advice.

• Use AI ethically and responsibly

AI can overstate or emphasise skills based on either the job description or your prompt. Always double-check to ensure it is truthful and represents your skills and experience accurately.

DO NOT

• Do not submit an AI-generated response without editing

Unedited AI responses often sound generic and lack the personal touch the employer is looking for – this can result in your application being disregarded immediately.

• Do not overuse buzzwords

AI tools tend to repeat words and phrases like “passionate”, “leveraged skills”, “esteemed organisation”. These phrases do not provide any specifics and recruiters see these all the time – they won’t make you stand out.

• Do not lose your voice

Often AI comes up with overly polished language and if this does not match how you communicate in real life, it will quickly raise concerns about the authenticity of the written response and your integrity.

• Do not rely on AI to tell your story.

AI can’t recall the moment you solved a problem, led a project, or learned something valuable. Those real experiences will make your application unique and stand out so don’t let AI make you miss the opportunity to genuinely connect with the organisation.

• Be cautious about sharing personal data

Protect your privacy. Avoid inputting personal data or sensitive information into AI tools.

Make sure your application reflects the real you – not just what AI thinks the employers want to hear. If used wisely and responsibly, AI can support your job application by ensuring it is well structured, reads well and effectively communicates your enthusiasm without losing your authentic voice. However, you must include your unique experiences, insights and motivations – things even the most advanced AI tools cannot replicate.

Want help with your CV?

If you need support refining your CV, cover letter or application responses, the Employability and Careers Team is here to help. With the peak recruitment cycle kicking off in March, now is the perfect time to get prepared. Sign up for a workshop or appointment through Elab Online. We wish you all the best!

Written by AUT Employability and Career Specialist Munaal Abdali