We receive many CVs and cover letters written by AI. We also understand that many recruiters, companies, and platforms are starting to implement AI in their activities.

In this article, we explore why using AI as part of the application process could work against you. We also discuss what you can do to increase your chances of getting seen among the crowd.

Always write your CV and cover letter yourself

We understand the temptation to use online platforms like ChatGPT to write your application. Sadly, you are unlikely to catch a recruiter’s attention as they will likely have read the same wording from others with the same idea!

Focus on the skills that are unique to you, and avoid catch-all or vague expressions that aren’t backed up by professional experiences. If you say that you are a “dedicated team-player”, describe a moment where your interactions with a team really made a difference. Case studies are essential to helping recruiters to form a clearer picture of who you are. 

Consider using AI to proofread your responses

Instead of writing it all for you, an AI tool may be helpful at the proofreading stages of your cover letter. When you use AI as you would a friend offering insight rather than someone giving you all the information you need, you keep control of your message. You also reduce the risk of taking everything a Generative AI tool might return as ‘gospel’!

If you are using AI to proofread, make sure that you are writing in UK English rather than US English for UK-based recruiters. It’s colour, not color! Many spelling differences can be easily corrected with your writing software’s automated spellcheck, but bear in mind that -ize/-ise endings will not. Use of -ize, while the standard for many style guides in the UK today, can be a dead giveaway that you’re using a Gen AI tool writing in US English. To avoid doubt, we recommend using -ise endings in applications to us!

Remember that recruitment agencies and companies all differ in their AI policies

Some agencies will use AI to sift through the candidate pool. Others will use AI to quickly flag keywords and interview those candidates, and only those candidates. We don’t do either of these things. AI may get you on the longlist for the former agencies, but recruiters are still likely to see through your trick when making a shortlist.

Generative AI makes everyone sound the same, which is a risky move when you need to stand apart. At some point in the process, recruitment agencies will want to know who you are, so tell them right from the outset.

Prioritise recruitment consultancies that want to get to know you

At Aldrich & Co, we focus on understanding our candidates’ and clients’ needs and find ways to match them. The job process is so much about personality fits as it is experience and know-how. Finding a recruiter who knows what you want from your career is the best way to get ahead. AI cannot be involved in this process; it’s all about relationship building!

Don’t neglect to mention your digital literacy

Staying mindful of how you use Generative AI to write your application doesn’t mean you should avoid talking about your digital skills on paper! In fact, the reverse is true. New technologies are entering the market rapidly, so make sure to express an interest in continuous learning, and mention if you have attended courses or recent lectures on the use and purpose of AI at work.

Several business-relevant courses are available online to help you learn, some of which offer certification. Here is just a small selection to get you started:

• Getting Started with Generative AI (Pragmatic AI Labs)
• Ethics of AI (LSE)
• Making AI Work: Machine Intelligence for Business and Society (MIT)
• Multiple AI programmes at INSEAD
• Supply Chain Management: AI, Sustainability and Resilience Strategies Program (Yale School of Management)

Keep automation in mind

While we foresee finance roles adapting to new technologies rather than being lost to AI, bear in mind that the more we rely on AI for specific tasks, the more likely those tasks could be outsourced to generative and automated platforms. For this reason, we recommend you keep mindful of the tasks in your work where personal, human interaction is necessary.

Work on improving and upskilling yourself in such areas that require a human touch to futureproof your career. AI can schedule meetings and log expenses, making your life easier rather than leaving you without a job.

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Are you still struggling to be heard above the noise? We have several roles in the finance & banking sector in London. Visit our Job Search, or send us your CV with a note about where you see yourself in five years. We will be in touch!