OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been making waves in the recruitment landscape. While a boon for some job seekers, it can be a bane if utilized without discretion, according to various recruiters.
Since its advent, firms like Nvidia, Jasper.ai, and Hugging Face have noticed an increase in applicants harnessing the power of ChatGPT in their application process. Evidence supporting this trend can be found in a National Bureau of Economic Research survey, which revealed that job hunters who utilized “algorithmic writing assistance” had an 8% higher hiring rate.
However, not all recruiters view this AI-assisted approach favorably. Some believe that relying on AI suggestions without critical evaluation can be detrimental to a candidate’s prospects.
Alex Shapiro, the Chief People Officer at Jasper.ai, acknowledges the value of tools like ChatGPT in refining applications. They can enhance language usage and bring a professional sheen to applications. However, she warns that carelessness with AI-generated materials can lead to inaccuracies that might tarnish an applicant’s credibility.
Shapiro has had instances where candidates have presented resumes featuring skills or characteristics they were unaware of, probably due to unchecked AI usage. She emphasizes the need for thorough review, especially considering the potential repercussions if false information is detected after hiring.
Flavien Coronini from Hugging Face echoes similar sentiments. He recalls instances of AI-generated cover letters devoid of any personal touch, which he considers a major turn-off. In his opinion, such applications fail to demonstrate genuine motivation to join the company.
Despite these pitfalls, some applicants remain undeterred from leveraging ChatGPT. Lindsey Duran from Nvidia has noticed candidates using ChatGPT during interviews, even when explicitly instructed against doing so.
Yet, all recruiters concur that showcasing AI skills, including ChatGPT expertise, can be a significant advantage, provided applicants can substantiate their claims. Chris Foltz from IBM believes that demonstrating AI knowledge and passion can significantly boost one’s chances of landing an AI job.
Shapiro and Duran share this perspective. Duran views ChatGPT as a relatively new skill that can be beneficial for certain roles, provided it complements core foundational skills in programming and algorithms.
However, to truly capitalize on ChatGPT, applicants must ensure their applications maintain a human touch. Ashley Couto, an AI consultant, suggests using the AI tool to refine specific sentences or paragraphs until they resonate with the applicant’s unique voice.
In Shapiro’s words, if candidates can’t grapple with the content and represent it themselves, perhaps the technology should be hired instead. This sentiment underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between AI assistance and personal input in the job application process.
