How to Use AI Tools to Boost Your CV and Job Applications!

Why Use AI for Your Job Applications?

Before diving into the tools, let’s talk about why you should use AI in the first place. The job market in the UK is highly competitive, with recruiters often receiving hundreds of applications for a single role. Most companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications before a human even looks at them.

AI tools can:

• Optimise your CV for ATS by identifying and incorporating the right keywords.

• Improve your writing by suggesting clear, professional language.

• Save you time by automating repetitive tasks.

• Boost your confidence with polished and error-free applications.

Ready to explore these tools? Let’s go!

The Best Free AI Tools to Supercharge Your CV and Job Applications

1. ChatGPT

• What it does: ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can help you write CV bullet points, cover letters, and even answer common interview questions.

• How to use it: Start by asking something like, “Write a professional bullet point for managing social media accounts at a university club.” ChatGPT will generate a concise and polished response.

• Why it’s great: It’s free (with optional paid plans for advanced features) and incredibly versatile.

2. Grammarly

• What it does: Grammarly checks your grammar, spelling, and tone to ensure your CV and cover letter are error-free.

• How to use it: Copy-paste your text into the Grammarly editor, and it will highlight areas for improvement.

• Why it’s great: The free version is powerful enough for most needs, and it ensures your writing looks professional.

3. Canva

• What it does: Canva is a graphic design tool with a range of free CV templates.

• How to use it: Choose a CV template, customise it with your details, and download it as a PDF.

• Why it’s great: It’s user-friendly and perfect for creating visually appealing CVs that stand out.

4. Resoomer

• What it does: Resoomer summarises long texts, making it easier to condense your CV or cover letter into the most impactful statements.

• How to use it: Paste your text into the tool, and it will highlight key points.

• Why it’s great: It’s free and helps you focus on what matters most.

5. Hemingway Editor

• What it does: This tool highlights overly complex sentences and suggests simpler alternatives.

• How to use it: Copy-paste your text into the editor to identify areas for improvement.

• Why it’s great: It ensures your CV is concise and easy to read.

The Best Paid AI Tools for Job Applications

1. Jobscan

• What it does: Jobscan analyses your CV and compares it to a job description to ensure it’s ATS-friendly.

• How to use it: Upload your CV and the job description, and the tool will identify missing keywords and suggest improvements.

• Why it’s great: It’s specifically designed for job seekers and improves your chances of passing ATS filters.

• Cost: Plans start at around £24/month.

2. Teal

• What it does: Teal helps you manage and tailor your job applications.

• How to use it: Store job descriptions and create customised CVs for each role using the platform’s AI tools.

• Why it’s great: It streamlines the application process and ensures every CV is tailored to the job.

• Cost: Paid plans start at £9/month.

3. Zety

• What it does: Zety offers professional CV and cover letter templates with guided writing prompts.

• How to use it: Select a template, answer guided questions, and download your finished document.

• Why it’s great: It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for creating professional-looking documents.

• Cost: Plans start at around £6/month.

4. Grammarly Premium

• What it does: In addition to grammar checks, Grammarly Premium offers advanced tone adjustments and suggestions for conciseness.

• How to use it: Enable the premium features to get in-depth feedback on your writing.

• Why it’s great: Perfect for crafting polished applications and professional emails.

• Cost: Starts at £11/month.

5. VisualCV

• What it does: VisualCV allows you to create customisable, visually stunning CVs that stand out.

• How to use it: Use the drag-and-drop editor to design a unique CV.

• Why it’s great: It’s ideal for creative industries or anyone who wants to add some flair to their application.

• Cost: Plans start at £8/month.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using AI for Your Applications

1. Start with a Strong CV Base:
   Use tools like Canva or VisualCV to create an initial design. Focus on a clean, professional layout.

2. Polish Your Content:
   Write or refine your CV content with ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Hemingway Editor. Make sure it’s concise and impactful.

3. Tailor for Each Job:
   Use Jobscan to match your CV to each job description. This step ensures you pass ATS filters and highlight relevant skills.

4. Craft a Winning Cover Letter:
   Draft a cover letter using ChatGPT, then refine it with Grammarly Premium for tone and clarity.

5. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile:
   Use LinkedIn’s headline suggestions or tools like Teal to make your profile recruiter-friendly.

6. Practice for Interviews:
   Ask ChatGPT to generate common interview questions for your industry and practice your answers.

Pro Tips for Young Professionals in the UK

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Many roles value skills like communication and teamwork. AI tools can help you phrase these effectively.

• Keep it ATS-Friendly: Avoid overly creative designs for CVs when applying online; use tools like Jobscan to ensure compatibility.

• Leverage University Resources: Many UK universities offer free access to premium tools like Grammarly or LinkedIn Learning.

• Network on LinkedIn: Use AI to write personalised connection requests or post engaging updates about your career journey.

Final Thoughts

AI tools are game-changers for students and young professionals in the UK. They can help you create standout CVs, write tailored applications, and boost your confidence throughout the job search process. Best of all, many of these tools are free or affordable, making them accessible to everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Start exploring these tools today and take the first step towards landing your dream job. Good luck, and remember: the right job is out there waiting for you!