Using AI to Streamline Job Applications

According to Wahbe Rezek, an AI expert, artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool in the job application process. 'AI can act as a personal assistant, handling the preliminary work for you,' he explains. 'Writing letters is faster and easier this way. About seventy to eighty percent can be done by a tool such as ChatGPT or Copilot, for example, and the remaining twenty to thirty percent you have to do yourself.'

How does it work? 'You can upload job descriptions and ask for a summary or a selection of the five most important points. This provides you with quick insights into the required skills and work experience. You can then compare this with your own CV to determine if the position suits you.'

Inaccuracies and Mistakes

If the position is a good fit, you can request the program to write a letter. 'It is best to add a piece of your own text so that your style is reflected in the application letter. It is important to read the letter carefully to avoid being found out for using AI. Sometimes, an AI tool may interpret the text differently, leading to inaccuracies or mistakes.'

A Matter of Taste

Fine-tuning is crucial. 'To give your own twist to the writing, you can provide feedback, ask for adjustments, or rewrite parts yourself. Consider the style—should it be more businesslike or informal? You can prompt the program to take care of that. You can also upload a small piece of text you wrote and tell the AI program: ‘Analyse my style and rewrite the letter in my style.’ This ensures the letter is to your liking and produced quickly.'

Rezek notes that it will be difficult to determine whether AI or a human wrote the letter. 'Detection tools are not reliable. They often claim that fifty percent was written by AI and fifty percent by a human, even when that is not the case.'

Equal Opportunities

A significant advantage of AI is that it levels the playing field. 'People who are not good writers now stand the same chances. The ability to write a letter is shifting towards knowing how to apply AI properly in your work.'

The impact of AI on the labor market is evident. 'Employment agencies have seen a significant increase in job applications. Recruitment departments are also using AI tools to make the first selection. For example, a recruitment agency can draw up a list of qualifications, and the AI program will act as a recruiter, creating a table that shows how well applicants meet the criteria.'

Creativity

AI has become an integral part of society. 'It affects job applications and can be a required skill. Knowing how to work with AI tools may become as essential as knowing how to use Outlook.'

The discussion about creativity and personal input remains. 'If you only use AI, the text will be uninteresting and people will drop out. Showing your own input and ideas will still be essential.'

For the future, Rezek envisions a world where everyone has an AI assistant. 'One that you always have with you, as an app on your smartphone. It will get to know you, your preferences, and your style. It can order a sandwich for you, make restaurant reservations, and even write letters.'