Using generative AI, especially tools like ChatGPT, helps make your job search more efficient and potentially more effective. However, using a GPT-powered chatbot to write your résumé and cover letter lowers your chances of landing an interview.
Crafting a résumé, the old-fashioned way by writing it yourself, ultimately provides the best chance of success. Notably, many hiring managers have developed the ability to recognize boilerplate text and the cliches generated by AI. However, many candidates still take the easy way out and use ChatGPT for creating their résumé. Because of this, you stand out from the mass of candidates by writing your own CV and cover letter. Let’s take a closer look!
Should You Use AI to Write a Resume and Cover Letter?
A Personalized Approach Leads to Successful Job Search
As highlighted above, candidates increasingly rely on GenAI to write their résumés and cover letters. Recruiters and hiring managers typically analyze a host of CVs, recognizing candidates using the exact same verbiage. It makes finding a truly special professional more challenging.
Even when companies use AI for initial candidate analysis, a hiring manager still reviews the résumés of the best. This highlights the importance of having a personalized résumé and cover letter tailored to the open position in question. Technology CEO, Shai Aharony commented on the importance of a well-written cover letter.
“I did find it concerning that more applicants didn’t use the cover letter to their advantage by telling their own unique story. The cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest and helps the hiring manager understand a little bit more of the authentic ‘you’, it gives you the chance to stand out, so don’t miss it,” noted Aharony. In short, boilerplate text generated by ChatGPT fails to inform recruiters about your true qualities as a professional.
Hiring Managers increasingly recognize AI-generated Cover Letters and Résumés
A recent study by an AI tool trained to recognize chatbot content provided a few interesting insights. Notably, 16 percent of the cover letters sent to Aharony’s company for an open position contained the exact same sentence. This analysis tool found another sentence in 13 percent of the cover letters.
That targeted study revealed that using AI in a job search – especially for cover letters – simply embarrasses candidates. The bottom line remains simple. If you truly want the job, take the time to personalize your résumé and cover letter!
Looking For Help with Your Job Search?
When you need help with your next tech job search, contact the experienced recruiters at The CERES Group. As one of the top IT staffing agencies in the Boston, we also offer useful advice on properly using AI when looking for work. Connect with us as soon as possible!
