AI in the Application Process

In the past couple of months, I have seen several job vacancy announcements cautioning against or forbidding the use of AI in résumé development and/or the job application.

AI is a useful tool for developing résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and responses to application questions, such as mini-narratives; cover letters, salary negotiation letters, and more. However, clients must be coached to thoroughly review every job vacancy announcement and cautioned to use AI thoughtfully in the application process.

AI and the Hiring Process

Here are sample caution statements I pulled from a few job announcements (bold is Diane):

• • We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. 

• Your application package must be in your own words. 

• Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitute plagiarism and may result in disqualification and loss of consideration for the job. 
• Company/Agency prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tools in drafting application and assessment responses. 
• We value authenticity, accuracy, and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. 
• While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process. 
• Please review the company’s guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Some applications require the candidate to sign an oath or to certify that they have not used AI in the application or résumé-writing process.

Recruiter Comments

I have also spoken with many recruiters to inquire about their recommendations for using AI in résumé writing or the application process. Below are some of their comments:

• If you use AI, be sure to read the résumé and adjust the language, grammar, and punctuation. Replace words that do not sound like you.
• Ensure the résumé is in your own voice so that you can tell me about your accomplishments in the interview. The interview should align with the résumé. 
• Make certain that you can speak to the résumé in an interview easily.
• Developing a résumé is not just about listing keywords; I still need to know what you can do for my company. Tell me about the value you offer my company, the money you can make for my company, and any efficiencies you can contribute.
• Include accomplishments with metrics and comparisons. 
• Make your résumé different from all other applicants’ résumés. Personalize your resume. 
• I do not know how to know if your résumé is accurate. 

AI does not know a person’s personal career journey. It may not identify time gaps or properly describe accomplishment statements. It uses information available and reframes it. Sometimes it is spot on, and other times, there are gaps. 

Job seekers must be coached to hand-review a résumé, LinkedIn profile, or any other written documents before submission in line with Diane’s Whole-Person Theory and the human touch. 

The Interview

Oftentimes, AI-generated interview scripts do not sound like the candidate. For example, a recent client developed responses to potential interview questions with AI. The problem was that when he practiced responses for an asynchronous interview, he struggled to use them because they did not “sound like him.” He found the AI scripts difficult to speak aloud. 

This is the AI “Tell Me About Yourself” (TMAY) response:

My lifelong passion for the industry, coupled with years of dedicated practice and a deep understanding of both the technical and mental aspects of the game, has led me to pursue opportunities in golf instruction. I believe my commitment to excellence and proven ability to achieve high standards would make me a valuable asset to ABC company. ABC’s comprehensive player development program, especially its cutting-edge technology, strongly interests me. The structured teaching approach and personalized game plans are impressive. ABC company offers a complete package deal to optimize every golfer’s true potential. I’m eager to contribute to your students’ success and excited about all the amazing opportunities that lay ahead.  

A more natural and realistic response might sound like this:

I am passionate about the game of golf. With more than 10 years of experience, including direct training I received from a PGA golfer, I understand the technical and mental aspects of the game. I have traveled across the USA attending golf tournaments at various courses. As a golf instructor, I can contribute to your students’ success at the game and impart my knowledge. As you can see on my résumé, I also have a degree in golf club management and recently completed a golf certification from XXX University. I am excited about the opportunity to implement your company’s cutting-edge technology to help players reach their potential.  

This version is much more natural and true to the client. He was able to use this version much more easily than the AI version, which did not “speak like” him.

I realize that the AI prompt can use the client’s voice for golf instruction; however, it is not always as natural as the client would like. 

New Coaching Strategy

As part of my career coaching program for some clients, I am now including an AI/Human Touch comparison and talking with them to ensure their résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and interview scripts/responses sound like them and make them feel comfortable.

I begin by asking if they created their résumé in AI. If the answer is yes, then I turn the sentences on the résumé into questions. 

• I ask them to tell me about their accomplishments and the value the résumé offers an employer in their own words.
• I ask the client to read the résumé aloud to me. If the client experiences any stuttering or difficulty reading words, I ask them which word they would use to replace the one causing the difficulty, so it sounds more natural. 
• We engage in a pre-interview using the résumé to determine how comfortable the client is with his responses. 

This new human touch mini-coaching session provides my clients with great insights and self-awareness. It also gets us on track early in the process, rather than waiting until after several interviews to adjust course.