In an increasingly competitive job market, many students and recent graduates are looking to stand out when applying for positions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now emerging as a tool that can streamline the job application process, helping with writing resumes and cover letters. However, while these tools provide some significant advantages, they also present risks that could undermine your chances of landing the job.

Career Services Consultant at Fanshawe College, Rebecca Summerfield, emphasized the importance of using AI tools judiciously.

'AI tools are collaboration, not creation from scratch,' she said. 'For a student, I would suggest writing in their own words as well as the resume and using the AI to make it better, but not using it to create the document because it has a very flat tone, or it uses words that we don't use in natural language, and employers are catching on to that.'

Summerfield's concerns are echoed by many in career development as companies become more adept at spotting AI-generated content. As employers become aware of the increasing reliance on these tools, some have introduced software to detect AI-generated resumes and cover letters. This could lead to skepticism about a candidate's authenticity, putting them at a disadvantage during the hiring process.

Despite the drawbacks, there are undeniable benefits to using AI in the job application process. For job seekers who struggle with structuring or fine-tuning their cover letters and resumes, AI can offer significant help. Tools like Grammarly, ChatGPT, or resume builders suggest improving language, structure, and formatting, ensuring documents are polished and professional.

'We always look at ChatGPT because it's the newest one, but we have had AI forever,' Summerfield said.

AI can also help save time, especially when applying for multiple jobs. Job seekers can quickly tailor their applications to match job postings, ensuring their documents align with each role's requirements.

Another of the significant advantages of AI-powered tools is their ability to help users customize their applications more effectively. Instead of using the same resume and cover letter for every job, AI can assist in tweaking and refining content to suit individual job descriptions.

For instance, many AI tools can analyze a job posting and highlight critical skills or qualifications that the candidate should mention. By integrating these suggestions into the resume or cover letter, candidates can increase their chances of being noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filters applications based on keywords.

However, Summerfield also explained the drawback of using AI to write cover letters and resumes because employers expect candidates to express themselves clearly and authentically. AI-generated documents often appear flat, lacking the human touch employers value in a well-written application.

Summerfield said that many AI-generated cover letters use overly formal or generic language.

'You don't have to be super creative with the cover letter. It's like a sales pitch, or it's like watching those trailers before a movie. It gives you the highlights and makes you want to watch it. So the cover letter should be. Here's the highlight of why I applied and why I want to work for you. Hopefully, you read my resume and see where the skills fit it.'

Another primary concern is that AI is not only used to find a job or screen applicants but also to steal information or money. Summerfield offers some tips for identifying fake or AI-generated job postings.

'If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is not real,' she said.

Summerfield gave another tip for identifying fake or AI-generated job postings.

'If the job position is all in lowercase letters, and it shouldn't be, it's probably a fraud,' she said.

Given the pros and cons of using AI, Summerfield advises job seekers to strike a balance between personal effort and AI assistance.

'Start by writing your own resume and cover letter in your own words,' she suggested. 'Then, use AI to refine and polish them, but don't let the technology take over.'

By blending AI tools with human input, job seekers can create professional, personal, and authentic résumés and cover letters. AI can help refine the language, highlight key skills, and align the documents with job postings, but the content should still reflect the individual behind the application.

Employers value authenticity, and job seekers relying too heavily on AI may miss the opportunity to show who they are.

'Your resume and cover letter are a sales pitch,' Summerfield said. 'They should showcase your unique qualifications and personality, making the employer want to know more about you.'

By using AI to complement—rather than replace—personal effort, students and graduates can create polished, professional documents that reflect their unique skills and experiences. Finding the right balance between technology and human input is key to standing out in a job market that increasingly values efficiency and authenticity.