Gen Z, the digital-native generation, continues to embrace AI technology for various tasks, and concerns are rising over its misuse in the job application process. However, according to career experts, their reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT may be leading to unintended consequences and missed opportunities in the job market.
Identical Responses and Red Flags
Shoshana Davis, a Gen Z career expert and founder of the career consultancy Fairy Job Mother, highlights a common issue faced by employers: receiving hundreds of identical cover letters for job application answers generated using AI. This trend raises concerns among hiring managers, who view such responses as a red flag indicating a lack of authenticity and effort on the part of the candidate.Â
Michelle Reisdorf of Robert Half emphasizes the need for candidates to maintain a personal, human voice in their applications, as recruiters can discern AI-generated content from authentic responses.
AI Dependency Among Gen Z
Surveys indicate a significant reliance on AI among job seekers, particularly Gen Z. A recent survey by Canva revealed that 45% of job seekers have used AI to build or improve their resumes, while a Grammarly survey reports that 61% of Gen Z can’t imagine work tasks without generative AI. However, blindly copying answers from AI tools can undermine the credibility of job applications.
The Pitfalls of Copying ChatGPT Responses
One major drawback of Copying answers from ChatGPT poses risks due to the chatbot’s limitations and potential inaccuracies. ChatGPT’s knowledge base may be outdated or produce incorrect information, as it is not connected to the internet for real-time updates.
Davis recounts a scenario where an employer received numerous identical responses citing Peloton as the favourite fitness-related product launch, which turned out to be inaccurate information generated by ChatGPT. Such incidents highlight the importance of using AI tools judiciously and verifying information independently.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
While AI can be a valuable tool in the job application process, Davis emphasizes the importance of using it wisely. AI should complement, not replace, candidates’ efforts in crafting personalized and authentic applications.
Davis and other career consultants advocate for using ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, structure documents, and produce drafts, rather than relying solely on generated responses. Ultimately, artificial intelligence(AI) should be viewed as a tool to enhance, not dictate, the job search journey.
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