Member Article

ChatGPT, write me a CV! Expert reveals when to use ChatGPT to apply for a job – and when to steer clear!

AI tools such as ChatGPT are soaring in popularity, due to their ability to generate human-like text in a quick and effective manner. So it’s no surprise that people are starting to rely on this software to help with important but time-consuming tasks such as job applications, cover letters and CV writing. With the average CV taking around 8 hours to draft it is no surprise job hunters are looking for shortcuts, and ChatGPT certainly provides a speedy option.

But can ChatGPT help or hinder you in securing your dream job? Ed Johnson, CEO of leading career development platform, PushFar, offers his top tips for when you should use ChaGPT for job applications and CV writing – and when you definitely shouldn’t!

When to use Chat GPT:

1. For researching the company – thanks to its ability to compile data quickly, ChatGPT can be a handy tool to research the company you’re applying, including its history, culture and values. You can even get ChatGPT to compile recent news articles about the company to show you’re up to speed.

2. To identify key words for your CV and cover letter – you can use ChatGPT to tell you the key skills that are crucial to specific roles, allowing you to weave these into your resume and cover letter.

3. To brush up on industry terms – if the job you’re applying for is in a different field from the one you’re in currently, then ChatGPT can be a great tool for quickly learning some of the jargon of the industry, to help you make a good impression to the interviewer. When to avoid Chat GPT:

4. For feedback on your CV – while some people have been asking ChatGPT to anaylse their CVs for specific roles, it may not be able to understand the specific requirements of different job roles. Instead, finding a mentor who works in the field that you’re applying for is a much better route, as they can draw on their personal experience to advise on any gaps in your CV.

5. To write your entire CV – while ChatGPT can definitely help to give you the kickstart you need, it’s important to view what ChatGPT produces as a template to be edited, rather than the finished product. This is because the software may not be able to capture the nuances and individuality of each job seeker’s experience and skills, leading to generic and impersonal job applications that fail to stand out against others.

6. For interview practice – it might be tempting to ask ChatGPT for common interview questions and tips on how to answer these, however, you’re likely to get very run-of-the-mill responses that won’t do you any favours in standing out from the crowd. A mentor is definitely the best route for interview practice, as they can help you to rehearse your body language, how you speak, and provide more specific guidance on questions you might be asked, and how best to respond to these.

If you’re on the hunt for a mentor, or are looking for career progression tips and tricks, check out PushFar where you can also sign up for free training sessions each month.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lucy Seller .