There’s no doubt that AI has changed the way people approach job searching. Tools such as ChatGPT or Claude can now generate resumes, cover letters and responses to selection criteria in seconds. For many job seekers, particularly those who struggle with writing or feel overwhelmed by the application process, this can feel like an absolute godsend.
AI can help you organise your thoughts, improve your wording and get past the dreaded blank page. It can also help you quickly tailor documents to different roles and save hours of time when job searching.
But like most powerful tools, there is also a downside.
When everyone uses AI in the same way, job applications can look and sound almost identical. And when that happens, the one thing that actually helps you stand out – your story – can easily get lost.
Over the past twelve months, I’ve reviewed hundreds of resumes and discussed AI-generated interview responses with many clients from graduate to executive level. More and more often, I’m seeing applications that are technically excellent but are coming across as very generic. The writing is polished and the grammar is perfect. The structure is strong, but the language can almost feel identical from one candidate to the next.
Why AI Can Be a Hindrance
When hiring managers review multiple applications or interview candidates, they quickly notice when resumes and responses all share the same words and phrases. When everything starts to sound the same, it becomes much harder to differentiate between candidates.
A recent client example highlights this trend. A graduate engineering client recently shared with me that after securing a role, the hiring manager revealed that one of the key factors in her selection was the authenticity of her application. Notably, she was one of only two candidates (out of more than 100 applicants) who had not relied on AI to write her cover letter.
That’s where storytelling becomes incredibly powerful. Sharing specific, personal examples from your experience helps employers understand how you think, how you approach your work, and how you deal with day-to-day challenges.
When your application reflects your real experiences, not just cookie-cutter statements, you become far more memorable.
Using AI Without Losing Your Voice
AI can absolutely support your job search but it should enhance your story, not replace it.
If you are using AI to help draft applications or prepare for interviews, here are three simple ways to ensure your content still feels personal, authentic and credible:
1. Make sure you’re still telling a story
Use real examples from your own experience. What actually happened? What did you do? What was the outcome? Employers are far more interested in your lived experience than a perfectly worded but generic response.
2. Remove generic language and obvious AI wording
Edit your content so it sounds like you. Replace overly polished or generic phrases with language that you would use in a verbal discussion. If it doesn’t sound like something you would say in a conversation, it’s a sign it needs to be rewritten in your voice.
3. Check for accuracy and make sure you can back it up
Only include what you can confidently speak to. In an interview, you will need to expand on your examples in detail. If you can’t explain it clearly or provide more context, it doesn’t belong in your application. Recruiters will quickly see through your polished examples if you can’t provide detail or back it up.
