Introduction to Generative AI

Generative AI (GenAI) is being increasingly used by applicants to support them in the job application process. Employers are also using or detecting the use of these tools in their own selection and recruitment processes. 

While some organisations might encourage the responsible use of AI, others may wish to detect and potentially reject applications automatically for their use of AI. You should always check the organisation's own policies on AI to avoid having your application rejected.

 

Before using AI

If you plan on using AI to support you in your applications, you should make sure that you understand how to write and structure these documents and what employers expect to see from your examples and experiences..

Visit our ‘Act’ webpages to learn more about writing CVs and cover letters (with examples), meeting the employers criteria, researching organisations, structuring and answering application questions and applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

Having a good understanding from the pages above will allow you to effectively use AI in the process of your applications.

 

Do’s and Don'ts

• DON'T copy and paste text out of AI generators - An AI isn’t a replacement for your voice, its output can seem formulaic or unrealistic and recruiters will spot this and may think you have not put in effort or thought, and may question whether you have genuine enthusiasm for the job.
• DON'T put private information into an AI generator - there’s no need to input your name, contact information, addresses or other personal information which would be processed and stored indefinitely inside the AI generator.
• DO use effective prompts to get the best answers - knowing how to get the best response from your question or ‘prompt’ is crucial and is covered in the next sections on this page.
• DO repeat the prompt process and develop the answers - don’t just necessarily take the first response and use it, you can improve the results by building on the responses a few times.
• DO check the output for truth - AI is not 100% accurate or reliable. It could embellish on your achievements or make up facts. Make sure you only include truthful information about yourself and check any facts before including them.
• DO use our application support pages - Trust and use our guidance whatever stage you are at and use AI as a tool to support you through each step where appropriate.
• DO ensure you follow the recruiter’s guidance carefully regarding the use of Generative AI. Some employers may automatically reject applications if this isn’t followed.

 

What could I use AI for?

As a rule, before you even use GenAI in applications, you should check the advice given by employers. 

Some employers now have statements within their vacancy adverts addressing the use of AI: these rules should be followed as failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.

If you do choose to use Generative AI in applications, we recommend using it for the following:

• analysing the job advert for keywords and skills the organisation is looking for
• comparing elements of your CV to a job advert
• making specific suggestions on how to improve your application
• helping to structure your application answers
• conducting research into an organisation
• asking for suggestions on your CV structure
• considering which skills or competencies you need to consider when preparing examples for interviews

We would advise that you do not copy and paste content from an output produced by a GenAI tool directly into your applications. Instead, you should use an output as a way to inform your applications.

The Academic Skills Generative AI in assessments page has guidance regarding other uses including spelling and grammar checks.

 

Creating effective prompts

GenAI platforms are often referred to as chatbots and it is tempting to interact with them in a conversational way. However, to produce the most useful outputs, it can be more helpful to think of GenAI as a machine that you are programming by providing a set of detailed prompts. 

The Academic Skills Centre has created a useful model to help craft these prompts;

Role: what register or style do you want GenAI to adopt in its interactions?

• For example: "Act as an Employability Adviser" or "Respond to me as a Careers Consultant".

Target audience: what sort of style or register do you want GenAI to adopt in its output? 

• For example: "Explain how to write a CV to a university student studying Engineering". 

Requirements: the more detail you can provide, the more accurate the output will be.

• For example, you might want to try listing the main points or perspectives you want addressed: "Include information about what to include in a CV" or "Advise me on how to write a personal summary".

Limitations: provide a guide to how much information you want or any other limitations that you have in mind.

• For example: "Explain xxx in less than 1000 words".

 

Example Prompts

How to write a CV

Role:
Act as a career adviser.

Target audience:
Explain how to create a CV to a university student seeking their first job in marketing.

Requirements:
Include sections for personal information, objective, education, experience, skills, and references; Focus on the importance of tailoring the CV to the specific job.

Limitations:
Explain this using step-by-step bullet points; Focus on applying for the following role (paste a copy of the job description).

• Provide examples of strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements.
• Suggest a professional and clean layout.

How to improve an existing CV

Role:
Act as a university employability adviser  specialising in creative industries such as marketing, advertising, and design.

Target Audience:
Explain how to improve the CV below for an entry-level position in the creative sector.

Requirements:
Assess the CV and offer improvements; Focus on how to make the CV visually appealing without compromising professionalism; Showcase creative projects and portfolio work.

Limitations:
Offer guidance in less than 700 words; Here is the CV (paste the existing CV, removing personal details).

• Highlighting transferable skills from part-time jobs or volunteer work.
• Tailoring content to align with the desired role.

How to write a cover letter

Role:
Act as a career coach for the creative industries.

Target Audience:
Explain how to write a cover letter for a graphic designer applying for a position at a design agency. (You could also paste a job description here instead)

Requirements:
Detail the key components:

Introduction: briefly introduce yourself and the job you're applying for; Creative Experience: highlight relevant projects, your design process, and any special skills.

Limitations:
Explain in less than 600 words

• Why You Fit the Agency: Explain how your style and experience align with the agency's work and ethos.
• Closing: Reiterate your interest in the position and include a link to your portfolio.

How to improve an existing cover letter

Role:
Act as a career coach with a focus on the finance sector.

Target Audience:
Advise a recent graduate applying for an analyst position in a financial firm.

Requirements:
Review the cover letter and suggest improvements. Include: Strengthening the introduction to grab attention. Highlighting specific financial analysis skills.

Limitations:
Limit the response to 500 words, with concise explanations for each suggestion. Here is the cover letter; (paste the existing cover letter, with personal details removed).

• Providing evidence of problem-solving abilities.
• Making connections between academic and internship experiences and the job requirements.
• Mark each section out of 10 and give ideas of how to improve.