AI hasn’t been much help with some parts of job hunting. Recently, it suggested ten regional jobs, including two whose application deadlines had passed months earlier.
But I’ve found a way to use free AI tools that helped me get two interviews. Like many Aspies, I have a varied work history and find long application questions stressful. It can be hard to explain why I want a job without sounding over-the-top. AI helps me organise my experience and write a first draft.
Build a skills and experience spreadsheet
- Upload your CVs and old application letters to an AI tool.
- Ask it to list your skills and experience, with each example on a separate row. You could ask it to use theSTAR method: situation, task, action and result.
- If it can’t make a spreadsheet file, ask for a CSV file, which you can open in Excel or Google Sheets.
- Check the spreadsheet carefully. Fix anything that’s wrong or out of order, then save it.
I used about 12 old documents. It took a while, but the more useful information you give the AI, the better the results.
Use it to write an application answer
Upload your spreadsheet, the job description, the person specification and, if useful, information from the employer’s website. Then ask the AI to answer the application question within the word limit, using examples from your spreadsheet.
Read the draft carefully. Ask for changes—such as “Mention my community liaison work more”—until it sounds like you and accurately reflects your experience.
This works best when you have enough examples to share. Without them, AI tends to produce vague statements.
What tips have worked for you?