Should I use ChatGPT to improve my CV?

Let’s be honest; updating your CV is a pain. This is especially true for those of us jumping from contract to contract and constantly acquiring new skills that we want to show off to future employers. But imagine if there was a way to make this process way less of a hassle. Ever heard of ChatGPT? 

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of using this language processing tool to compose cover letters for healthcare sector job applications.

What are the advantages of using ChatGPT to polish your CV?

• Time efficiency: Have you ever found yourself staring absent-mindedly at your CV, unsure on how to tailor it to the role you’re applying for? Using ChatGPT (and the right prompts), you can have a tailored CV that effortlessly captures how employable you are! However, make sure you read through it before submitting in case it’s missing anything – artificial intelligence can make mistakes too.
• Easy editing: As a contractor, you are constantly having to update your CV with different projects, new skills and work experience. Collaborating with ChatGPT allows you to update your CV as often as you like with half the effort! 
• Increased success rate: Conduct some keyword research and ask the AI to incorporate these keywords into your cover letter to improve your chances of securing an interview. You can also copy and paste the job requirements into the software and ask it to tailor your CV accordingly. 

What to keep in mind:

• American English: ChatGPT defaults to American English, so be sure to review your CV and replace any Americanisms with the appropriate British English terms.
• Lack of human emotion: While AI can mimic human emotions to some extent, it still has room for improvement in capturing our linguistic nuances. Hence, it’s crucial to proofread your AI-generated CV before sending it to potential employers to ensure it doesn’t sound like a robot wrote it.
• Repetition: Although ChatGPT excels in language, it occasionally tends to repeat itself due to its programming designed to identify language patterns.
• Lexis choice: While CVs obviously need to adopt a formal tone, ChatGPT might sometimes use overly grandiose language. If your CV sounds like a Shakespearean masterpiece, consider making some adjustments for a more appropriate tone.

The verdict?

While ChatGPT proves incredibly useful for polishing your CV, it should always be done in moderation (i.e. don’t get it to create your CV from scratch – have a little human input). However, used as a collaborative tool for making improvements, ChatGPT is the one for the job! 

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