17 AGCAREERS FOOD & AGRICULTURE CAREER GUIDE Regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the job search and workplace, several potential red flags and concerns warrant consideration. Whether you’re applying for a position or using AI in the workplace, it’s essential to understand where it can be helpful and where it may fall short. AI IN RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS Job seekers are increasingly turning to AI tools to craft their resumes and cover letters. These tools can help refine formatting, improve clarity, and optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). However, without careful use, these tools can undermine your application. RED FLAGS TO AVOID WHEN USING AI: 1. Overuse of Buzzwords and Keywords: AI tools often encourage candidates to incorporate industry-specific keywords into their resumes to help them pass the ATS. While this can be useful, overusing buzzwords may make your resume sound inauthentic or robotic. For example, terms like “synergy,” “dynamic,” or “resultsoriented” can make your resume appear generic and not tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. 2. Lack of Personalization: AI-generated resumes and cover letters might not fully capture your unique qualities or experiences. Automation might miss nuances such as the depth of your expertise or your enthusiasm for a specific role, resulting in a less compelling application. 3. Over-optimisation for ATS: AI can help tailor resumes to get past ATS filters, but focusing too heavily on ATS-friendly language may result in a document that feels mechanical and lacks personality. It’s important to strike a balance so that your resume is both ATS-compatible and engaging for a human recruiter. 4. Unrealistic Claims: Some AI tools may suggest overly polished or inflated language, promising to make your resume stand out by using strong action verbs or exaggerated descriptions of your achievements. This language can be a red flag if your experience doesn’t support those claims. Use confident language, but ensure it accurately reflects your skills and accomplishments. 5. Ignoring Specific Requirements: AI may suggest using a generic resume or cover letter that doesn’t adequately address the specific requirements of a job listing. A generic approach can overlook opportunities to highlight the exact skills and experiences the employer is seeking. BEST PRACTICES FOR USING AI IN JOB APPLICATIONS: 1. Tailor Your Application: Even if you use AI to draft your resume or cover letter, ensure you tailor it to the job you are applying for. Personalize it to reflect your unique experiences and how they match the employer’s needs. 2. Review It Yourself: After using AI, go over the content yourself. Make sure it truly represents you, your values, and your achievements. 3. Balance ATS and Human Appeal: Strike a balance between refining for ATS systems and ensuring that your resume sounds natural and interesting to the human reader. REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE: “Sam used ChatGPT to write his entire cover letter. It sounded great until the interviewer asked about a project he didn’t even remember mentioning.” PHOTOS: Just_Super / iStock / Getty Images Plus, bortonia / DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images AI RED FLAGS TO AVOID BY PAULA WEST, DIGITAL EXPERIENCE PROJECT MANAGER, AGCAREERS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQyMDk=