AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini can save you hours on your job search. Used well, they help you write faster, prepare better and spot gaps you might miss. Used badly, they leave you with a CV and cover letter that sound exactly like everyone else’s.
Hiring managers and recruiters are reading more AI-written applications than ever, and they can usually tell. The goal isn’t to avoid AI altogether. It’s to use it as a helpful assistant, not a ghostwriter. Here’s how to get it right.
The do’s
Do use it to tailor your CV to each job. Paste in the job description and your CV, then ask which skills and experience you should bring forward. It’s a quick way to spot the keywords the employer cares about, which also helps your CV get past the screening software many companies use.
Do use it to get you started. Struggling with a blank page? Ask AI for a rough first draft of a cover letter or personal statement, then rewrite it in your own words. It’s much easier to edit something than to start from nothing.
Do use it to practise for interviews. Ask it to act as the interviewer for the role you’ve applied for and give you common questions one at a time. Answer out loud, then ask for feedback on how you could make your answers clearer or more specific.
Do use it to research the company. Ask for a summary of what the business does, its sector and the challenges it might be facing. Then check the company’s own website and recent news to make sure it’s accurate and up to date.
Do use it to proofread. AI is great at catching typos, clunky sentences and inconsistent formatting. One spelling mistake can be enough to put an application on the ‘no’ pile.
The don’ts
Don’t copy and paste without reading it. AI can confidently get things wrong. Check every line to make sure it’s accurate, it’s relevant to the job, and it actually describes you.
Don’t let it make things up. If AI adds a skill, qualification or achievement you don’t have, take it out. If it comes up at interview and you can’t back it up, it’ll cost you far more than it gained you.
Don’t send the same AI-written application everywhere. Generic applications are easy to spot. If your cover letter could be sent to any company, it won’t stand out to the one you really want.
Don’t share personal details you don’t need to. Leave out things like your full address, date of birth or National Insurance number when using free AI tools. Use placeholders and add the real details yourself afterwards.
Don’t use it to answer live interview or assessment questions. Using AI during an online test or video interview is usually against the rules, and employers are getting better at spotting it. Use it to prepare, then let your own knowledge do the talking.
How to stop your CV sounding like a robot
AI has a habit of reaching for the same words. If your CV says you’re a “dynamic, results-driven professional” who has “spearheaded” and “leveraged” everything, it’s time to rewrite it.
- Give it your real details. The more specific the information you give, the less generic the result. Include actual tasks, numbers and examples from your work.
- Ask it to keep things plain. Try adding “use simple, everyday language and avoid buzzwords” to your request.
- Swap claims for evidence. Instead of “excellent communication skills”, say what you did: “trained three new starters on the warehouse system”.
- Read it out loud. If a sentence doesn’t sound like something you’d say in an interview, change it until it does.
- Add your personality back in. Why do you want this job? What do you enjoy about your work? That’s the part only you can write.
The bottom line
AI can make your job search quicker and help your application look its best. But the person getting the job is you, so make sure the application sounds like you too.
Ready to put your refreshed CV to work? Send it to our team, and we’ll let you know when the right role comes up. Whether you’re looking now or planning your next move, we’re here to help.
