The Business Co-op Corner

The use of AI has become increasingly prevalent in the job search process, from resume screening and tailoring resumes and cover letters to supporting job applications. However, using AI without intention or strategy can actually harm your chances and make the job search less effective. 

In this article, I speak with Michelle Height, Career Education Coordinator at the CWIL Office, who brings over 20 years of experience in recruitment and technology to share her insights on using AI thoughtfully and effectively in your co-op job search. 

1. If you were a student currently beginning to search for their first co-op work term in what ways would you use AI before you start your search to make your search more efficient?

Michelle suggests that AI can be useful in career exploration. You could ask AI for help exploring a particular career or industry. Or you could ask it to identify a career path that aligns with your skills, interests, preferences and experience. Doing this before your job search can make it easier to identify what jobs or industries suit your interests and skills. Michelle cautions that you use this for reflection rather than core decision-making as AI does not truly know you, it only knows what you tell it about you. Finally, she strongly suggests students to not limit themselves in their job search to particular positions and be open to new experiences.

2. Job applications take time, what advice would you give students on how they can use AI to tailor their cover letters and resumes more efficiently?

First of all , Michelle says it is important to use AI as a guide rather than asking it to write your content for you. No matter how well written the result might seem, if it does not speak to your actual experiences, skills and competencies and does not reflect your voice and values, it will not be effective in showing an employer your unique potential. 

Second, she advises using clear prompts to ask AI to review your writing, suggest improvements, or point out gaps. AI can also be used to scan job descriptions and identify the most important skills, qualifications, and keywords required for a role.

As well, when facing the challenge of applying to many job opportunities, free resources such as Jobscan can help you very efficiently adjust your resume and cover letter to target different job opportunities. Jobscan Premium is provided free of charge to all Business students and analyzes resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles against specific postings and provides rapid feedback on how to adjust for each opportunity. You can access Jobscan through the Business Career Hub on Canvas.

BUT AI has its limitations (see below)– be sure to follow up with an appointment with your Co-op Coach to support your career success.

With all that said, Michelle has some tips to make AI an asset in tailoring your cover letters and resumes:

1.  Use clear and detailed prompts: Providing a good prompt is key in generating the best results whether you are drafting your cover letter and resume. Note that AI technology is changing every day. A prompt that worked yesterday may not produce effective results today. To stay updated, Michelle suggests following a trusted expert such as Jeff Su (YouTube). He regularly posts updated content on AI tips and using AI in your job search.

2.  Brainstorm, then rewrite: Ask AI for idea lists, like skills to highlight or themes from a posting to focus on. Rewrite those points in your own words, then use AI to tidy it up while retaining your voice.

3. Talk it out first: Voice-type your ideas in your natural style, then ask AI to smooth grammar and flow without changing your tone. Be sure to include retaining your tone in the prompt.

4. Check your voice: Before sending, ask: “Does this sound like a template, or a unique individual?”. Compare with your own gut feeling and adjust.

5. Use multiple resources: There are many AI tools available – the results will differ. See which tool produces results that meet your drafting needs. 

3. It is becoming common for companies to use AI in some capacity to prescreen resumes. Is there a way students can use AI to counter AI?

Michelle suggests AI tools such as Jobscan to help create content that will make it through AI ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Prescreening. Jobscan not only compares your content against specific job opportunities but also can identify the ATS employers are using to help you adjust your content to stand out in the ATS  rich recruitment environment! 

4. You deal with a lot of students who have questions about AI. What are some common misconceptions you have noticed students having about AI and what is something you wish people knew about AI in the job search and application process?

Michelle believes that it is crucial that you use AI as a starting point – not the end product. It is essential your application needs to sound like you. A recent survey from the U of A Career Centre found that 54% of employers would reject an application if it clearly showed AI use.  Employers want to hear your voice and see your real experiences, not something that reads like a template.

Second, AI is notorious for fabricating content to suit the need that is not necessarily correct. Review and edit any generated responses to ensure accuracy. Always fact check and ensure that AI is providing you with accurate information and providing resume and cover letter content skills and experiences that you can deliver on!

Third, students often underestimate the degree to which current employers are aware of and rely on AI to prescreen and assess candidates. Michelle commented that she doesn’t necessarily agree that this is a good choice on the employer's part, but it is the reality of current recruitment. Understanding how AI can help and hinder your job search is an essential career development skill.

Finally, remember to follow up with an appointment with your co-op coach to support your career success. Let us use our decades of experiences supporting student success to help you meet your unique needs!