AI and Your Application Materials

HFA Career Services recognizes that you have likely already been cautioned about the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) (the platforms themselves are usually quick to share their own disclaimers). We have immense confidence in HFA’s students' critical thinking ability, communication skills, and ethical judgment when using these tools, as well as your ability to decide when, how, and if you will use them. 

The goal of this guide is not to persuade you whether you should or should not use AI broadly. Instead, we want to explore more specific questions: How does the use of AI impact the development of your application materials? What implications does it have for the success of your job or internship search?

Simply put, we believe that a successful job or internship search begins with application materials that authentically communicate your strengths, experiences, and potential.

As you consider using AI tools in the development of your application materials, please consider the following:

• Who are you, really? AI may describe your experiences inaccurately or suggest language that doesn't reflect your skills, experiences, or communication style. Your application is often an employer's first introduction to you, as well as your first writing sample. If your materials don't genuinely reflect who you are, employers may not get a strong enough sense of your actual skills and experiences to invite you for an interview. If you are selected, AI-generated materials may create expectations that do not align with your communication style, interview responses, or workplace writing.
• Getting ready for the interview: Thoughtfully creating your own documents helps you understand and “own” each bullet point and experience you include. This preparation makes it easier to both recall and discuss your experiences, skills, and accomplishments during the interview.
• Protect your privacy: AI tools may collect and store information submitted by users. Avoid inputting personal or sensitive information, including your name, contact information, employment history, or other identifying details from your resume or cover letter.

Potential Uses of AI

AI may be a useful tool for brainstorming and editing, but it should not replace your own writing or understanding of your experiences. 

Potential ways AI tools may be helpful in your application development include:

• Ask AI to generate questions that help you reflect on your experiences, accomplishments, and skills.
• Ask AI to explain unfamiliar terminology, industry language, or skills mentioned in a job description.
• Use AI to identify keywords and skills from a job description and its required qualifications that may be relevant to include on your resume as keywords.
• Ask AI to review your resume or cover letter for grammar, spelling, or sentence clarity. 
• Input a resume bullet point and ask AI to suggest alternative action verbs or ways to improve clarity.
• Share an experience, such as a project, internship, or job, and ask AI to help identify transferable skills. 

We hope this guidance helps you make informed decisions about using AI throughout your job or internship search. If you have questions about AI as it relates to your materials, or would like feedback on your application materials, HFA Career Services is here to help.