Dos and don’ts of using AI in job applications

Applying for a job can be time-consuming. And with multistage applications on the rise, it’s getting worse. So it's no surprise that job seekers are looking for ways to save time and streamline their efforts, including turning to artificial intelligence. From drafting resumes to preparing interviews, there is an increasing number of AI tools promising efficiency and accuracy. But it’s important to remember that it’s not perfect. “AI is still really in its infancy stages for a lot of functions and it's only as good as the information you're putting into it,” Stephanie Mansueto, a career coach and a principal recruiter with Abt Global Inc., said during a Devex digital careers event on how to organize a job search that really works. So, when and how should you use AI in job applications? Mansueto explained the benefits, shortcomings, and some popular tools for each stage of the application process. Drafting CVs AI is great for the initial stages of creating a cover letter, resume, or CV, said Mansueto. Some of the tools on her list include Rezi and Cover Letter Copilot. However, Mansueto reminded applicants that the quality of the output depends on the information you provide. “What it's going to produce is only as good as the information that's publicly available and what you're inputting into the AI tool,” she said. If you want to learn more about writing a strong global development CV, Heidi Arriola, senior associate for talent solutions at Devex, explained in another recent career event how to get a job search off to the right start, and how to use our recruiter-approved CV templates. Tailoring cover letters Teal and Careerflow.ai also have a function to help tailor your cover letter to specific job postings. However, it’s good to keep in mind that the “tool is not going to know the relevant information from your experience unless you have a well-written resume or CV and you're putting in detailed information into the prompt,” said Mansueto. Likewise, in order to deliver a well-tailored cover letter, it also has to be a well-written job description. “If it's not well-written, it's going to miss key pieces,” said Mansueto. Likewise, if the software is pulling information online from two years ago, it's also not going to have some key information, she said. “It's great for the first draft, but make sure that you're putting a heavy edit to it.” For more information on creating a standout cover letter, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of things to include, including how to effectively convey your interest in a role and how to incorporate the relevant soft skills. Tracking job applications AI can be pretty helpful when it comes to managing job applications. Several tools have emerged with useful features for tracking job applications and scheduling follow-ups with hiring teams. Mansueto once again recommended platforms like Teal and Careerflow.ai, which can be “particularly helpful in tracking job applications if you're submitting a lot of applications,” she said. These tools have browser extensions that allow users to click a button when they’re on LinkedIn and it will copy the job posting into a tracker on the AI platform, Mansueto explained. After a job applicant submits an application, Mansueto encouraged them to message three to six people on LinkedIn who are connected or tied to the role. “Even if that person doesn't respond to you on LinkedIn, if you write a compelling message as to why they should at least look at your LinkedIn profile, they are more likely to at least forward your name to the recruiter or hiring manager,” she said. Want to get better at networking in general? Take a look at what we learned during a Devex career event on LinkedIn about the best networking practices for global development professionals. Interview prep So, the recruiters were impressed with your application and they’ve reached out to schedule an interview. There are a number of tools that can be helpful to get ready. Mansueto recommended Prepper by Adzuna, which in addition to offering practice questions, also provides feedback on your responses. “That can be particularly helpful for global development professionals. Culturally, how you're interviewing in one country is very different from another,” she said. Alternatively, we also did an entire career event with Mansueto on how to prepare for your next global development job interview and another event with Mike O’Connor, a career consultant and founder of the Actualized Self, on the three common development job interview questions to prepare for. Ready to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by the recruiters who matter most? Update your Devex profile and start connecting with top global development recruiters now.