Before LinkedIn and the age of the Internet, college students would search the streets for help-wanted signs or find listings in their local magazines. As the internet moves into a new age of AI usage, many students are left wondering how much they should rely on a program to determine what jobs they look for.
Humans and AI alike may agree that AI is a useful tool, but I think someone applying to a job should not create an application without using human uniqueness and expertise.
According to Barbara Zerillo, director of the Career Education Center, there are two sides to this debate. “One is that [AI] improves equity and inclusion by giving access to more people to get through the first initial really challenging part of the job application process.” The other side is that it actually can “make inequalities worse” because there are many “ethical points that people have to be aware of” when using AI.
“AI can be a tool in people’s toolbox,” said Zerillo. She said AI “does level the playing field” between those who don’t have the money to hire professional resume writers and those who do.
However, AI shouldn’t write an entire cover letter because then it ends up being “not your words and can also just misrepresent you completely.”
The AI Program ChatGPT answered the same questions posed to Zerillo. It agreed that “AI can be a valuable tool for job seekers” by helping to “streamline the job search process. According to ChatGPT, the three best reasons to use AI for job hunting are efficiency, personalization, and market insights.
The program also suggested setting clear goals, tailoring your resumé, and networking when applying for jobs. It said that “[its] services can be used to assist job seekers” with tools such as resumé assistance, job search guidance, and interview prep.
“Remember that while AI can provide valuable support, it’s essential to combine it with your own efforts… to maximize your chances of landing the best employment opportunities for your needs,” said ChatGPT. This goes to show how AI should not completely create your application for you – after all, no robot can substitute for human uniqueness.
