Using AI Effectively for Job Applications

This guide explains how to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools responsibly and effectively as part of your job applications. Tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and Claude are increasingly being used by students to support job applications, but it is important to understand both their benefits and their limitations.

What do employers think?

Employers are struggling to find good candidates as so many people are now submitting generic AI generated applications.

Some organisations accept it’s a part of today’s new recruitment trend and can be used for tasks such as proofreading or idea generation. Others actively discourage or prohibit it, using specialised AI-detection software to red flag AI-assisted applications. It’s important to check each employer's guidance on the use of AI before you start your application.

AI can help you polish your application, but it shouldn't write it for you. Employers are looking for your skills, experiences and personality and a heavily AI-generated application will often come across as generic and impersonal, which will count against you. Remember, what matters most is credibility and authenticity in your applications.

Remember, what matters most is credibility and authenticity in your applications.

Where AI Can Help

When used thoughtfully, AI can support several stages of the application process, including:

Identifying skills gained through work, volunteering or university projects
Exploring career options and graduate roles
Improving the spelling, grammar and structure of your CV and cover letter
Tailoring your applications to a specific job description
Generating interview questions and helping you structure responses using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

AI Technology with LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop in-demand industry skills through expert-led course videos, brought to you by LinkedIn and accessible through your University of Surrey student account.

LinkedIn Learning offers AI tools enabling you to experience an AI Coach and try AI Role Play scenarios. AI-powered coaching uses generative AI technology to help student learners like you navigate LinkedIn Learning's content library. You can use AI-powered coaching to get personalised, actionable advice, build confidence, and improve your ability to handle challenging conversations at work by using role play to practise interactive work-based scenarios.

Interested? Explore LinkedIn Learning and use AI technology to enhance your interview skills and create your personalised career plan.

Click here to try LinkedIn Learning

Get Job Ready with Shortlist.Me

Make sure you're fully prepared for job applications and interviews with Shortlist.Me, a brand new online platform available to you for free through the University of Surrey's Student Employability service.

Get high-quality, instant CV feedback with CV Co-Pilot , and practise mock interviews in a stress-free online environment with the AI Interview Simulator.

Explore CV Co-Pilot

Try the AI Interview Simulator

Writing a Good Prompt

The quality of AI output depends on how clearly you frame your request. A strong prompt should include:

A clear task — what you want it to produce
Context — your background, the role, and the employer
Format requirements — preferences around length, tone, structure

For example:

Instead of asking “Write me a cover letter”, try: “Give me a structure for a cover letter for X role. I want to highlight my part-time work and university group projects”.

Always edit and personalise AI-generated content so it reflects your own voice, skills, behaviours and knowledge.

_{Risks and Limitations of AI for Job Applications}

Whilst there are many benefits to using AI as a supportive tool for your job applications, it's important to be mindful of the risks when using AI-generated content and to be clear about the limitations of its usefulness for career advancement. Things to be mindful of:

Inaccurate information: AI content can contain incorrect information. Always fact-check anything AI-produced before including it in your application
Generic output: AI doesn't know you. Without careful editing, an AI-generated application often lacks the personal details that employers are looking for and can negatively impact your application.
AI Detection: Employers and recruiters are increasingly identifying AI-assisted applications. Common indicators include excessive use of em dashes (—), randomly bolded text, American English spellings (such as utilization or categorization), and an inconsistent tone between the CV and cover letter.
Interview mismatch: If your written application does not reflect your own ability, you may struggle to demonstrate the same standard when answering questions in a live interview. Employers notice this and it can damage trust.
Live and pre-recorded video interviews: Do not use AI to generate answers during a video interview. Recruiters can often tell when a candidate is reading from a script, and this is likely to reflect poorly on your application
Protect your personal information: Remember, never input personal data such as your address, phone number or National Insurance number into an AI chatbot.

_Remember…

AI is a tool to assist you, not to replace you.

Using AI well is about balance. Let it support your thinking, but make sure your applications still sound like you. Treat AI as a helpful assistant for idea generation and editing, not a shortcut that replaces your own insight or experience. With thoughtful use and careful checking of each employer’s guidance you can use AI to strengthen your applications while staying authentic.

Finally

Don’t forget we are always happy to help you with every aspect of your career planning and development, wherever you are in your journey. If you're unclear about where to start or what to focus on first, book an appointment with our Career Development Advisers via the Surrey Employability Hub and we'll help you develop a plan to move forward.

Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion careers resources to find out more about diversity initiatives, employer perspectives and support at Surrey.

If you would like more information, visit MySurrey Help to find answers to the most common questions and details on how to ask us a question if you require more support.