Should You Use ChatGPT or Generative AI In Your Applications?

Should you be using ChatGPT for your job application?

The use of ChatGPT and generative AI by applicants in their application documents, had probably created the biggest stir in recruitment related news in a long time!

Artificial Intelligence image by Tara Winstead

Whilst this area of my work is usually slow to change and develop, all of a sudden all industries have been bursting with conversation and problems with this new trend.

It’s very interesting to me, to hear about how different organisations are trying to tackle the problem, but one thing they have in common, is that the use of generative AI has greatly increased the number of applications they receive.

Unfortunately, this is not something they want. Remember, the UK does have a fairly competitive labour market with high numbers of applications to most roles. We know that companies like to save money, so they don’t tend to increase the size of their recruitment teams year on year…so the workload just gets higher!

A survey by the Institute of Student Employers (who also hire non-students / experienced professionals), stated that they are roughly receiving 50% more applications than the previous year – meaning a 50% increase in workload.

What’s more, is that these aren’t 50% more high quality applications – actually, they’re rather bad as they lack specificity!

So, what are we hearing? We are hearing that some companies are looking to change their recruitment processes as soon as possible to reduce the use of CVs at all. Some companies feel unable to make quick changes so are keeping the status quo for now. Other companies are using generative AI to detect the use of AI! Unfortunately, that last option currently has an error rate of around 20%. Meaning 20% of candidates who haven’t used AI might be flagged as having used it and rejected along with the others.

Remember that whenever you are in an assessment process like a job application, if you have not been invited to use technology to help you, then it is considered cheating. Therefore naturally, is not putting your best foot forwards or giving that best first impression. If you can’t take the time to apply properly, why should they take the time to speak to you? Sometimes the thought process can be as simple as that!

In the future we might see:

• The death of the CV with moves to live online or live interactions to reduce opportunities for cheating

• Some companies choosing to re-design their recruitment process to involve and require the use of AI

• Tools to help them see if you are using AI during live processes

If you’re looking for any support on applications or any other part of the careers process, you can get in touch via my website or LinkedIn to discuss appointment bookings to see how I can support you.

In my next blog post I will cover some safer ways that you can use generative AI to help make your life a bit easier, whilst trying to avoid triggering the ‘AI alert’ process with employers!