The Impact of ChatGPT on Recruitment

A generative AI chatbot has taken the world by storm, and now, it’s changing the game of the job market. ChatGPT is being used to write CVs and cover letters as well as helping with interview questions – but does it really work, what’s the quality like, and should you really be using it?

The rise of generative AI in the workplace

Generative AI technology is the new workplace trend, and many employers are thinking about bringing it into their own offices. In one survey by Aspire, 45% of 574 respondents believe that ChatGPT will help them perform their job better.

ChatGPT is a highly effective tool for business that can optimise work processes and improve marketing strategies. It’s also paving the way for new technologies.

Innovating HR with TalentGPT

The success of ChatGPT has led to the development of similar generative AI technology, designed specifically for HR processes. TalentGPT aims to:

• Enhance recruitment and retention
• Deliver personalised experiences for staff and applicants
• Transform talent acquisition and talent management

It will achieve this by generating content that adapts to the needs of the user. This means more relevant job descriptions that are aligned with the skills and competencies a company needs most, as well as AI-generated email templates that are tailored to each candidate.

TalentGPT will also be beneficial for existing employees, offering career recommendations, insights on what skills they need to develop to earn a promotion and a simpler way to complete complex tasks.

ChatGPT and the job market

Job seekers are facing a labour market that’s supercharged by competition. The emergence of ChatGPT means some job seekers are using it to apply for jobs. For many, this is their  biggest downfall.

The downsides of using ChatGPT to apply for jobs

You wouldn’t copy paragraphs from Wikipedia and paste them into your business proposals, similarly copying from your ChatGPT directly to your CV won’t work either. The information might not be correct and it will make your application sound generic and robotic.

AI technology has to get its information from somewhere. ChatGPT doesn’t have a mind of its own and it can’t create purely original content. This is why you must be mindful and cautious when using ChatGPT to generate content.

ChatGPT-churned job applications are also obvious to recruiters. According to one survey, 40% of respondents said their interviewer was aware that they used ChatGPT to write their application. Of that 40%, 35% reported they didn’t get hired because of it.

Can interviewers tell if applicants have used ChatGPT?

The written quality of ChatGPT content may make you think you can cheat the application process, but the reality is that recruiters can spot AI a mile off.

There are a number of ways hiring managers can tell if you’ve used ChatGPT as a crutch:

• GPT Zero is an application that identifies if something has been written by AI
• Your CV or application will be non-specific and riddled with clichés
• Your cover letter will lack the personality it needs to stand out

Even if your application succeeds in getting through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and making the recruiter’s shortlist, it’s still human eyes that will be reviewing your application – and with a spotlight now being shined on ChatGPT, these eyes are going to become hypervigilant.

We know the stress of job hunting, but relying on ChatGPT to write your application could also trip you up in one vital area: your interview.

How ChatGPT can affect your interview

The interview is the most important part of the application process. You need to make a good impression, demonstrate your knowledge and show a keen interest in the company.

If you haven’t done your due diligence and prepared properly for the interview, and have instead put all your eggs in the ChatGPT basket, this may be where you get exposed.

Interviewers will test you in several ways. They will:

• Ask open-ended questions that require in-depth responses
• Request quantified examples of your work and achievements
• Ask you to describe specific situations to gauge your real-life experience
• Be on the lookout for signs of memorisation, like repetitive phrasing
• Be hyper aware to any robotic or generic responses

If interviewers have any suspicion that you’ve used ChatGPT in your application, they will double-down on these tactics to really put your authenticity to the test.

The bottom line…

ChatGPT might provide a starting point , but it will never replace an experienced professional CV writer. Only a human can ensure your CV and cover letters are hitting all the right points, infused with your own experiences and personality and are entirely original.

If you need extra support with writing your CV and landing your dream job, contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help.