Using AI for your career
Generative AI is increasingly being used to support career planning and job applications. Find out more about how you can use it to your benefit, and what to avoid.
About generative AI
Generative AI can create new content, such as text, images, video, or music. It learns patterns and structures from existing data. Examples of generative AI are Chat GPT, Google Bard, Microsoft Copilot.
Some generative AI platforms are free to access online. You can pay or subscribe to access additional tools and functionality.
The technology has had a big impact on the way that people approach writing as a process. Its important to understand how to use these tools effectively and responsibly.
How can it support your career?
Generative AI can be used as a starting point to get ideas or inspiration. It could also save you some time when writing applications by providing some of the wording.
You could use generative AI for:
- Researching jobs and employers
- CVs, cover letters and application forms
- Preparing for interview
- Creating presentations
5 key principles when using AI for your career
1. Review, modify and personalise
Don’t copy and paste content directly from an AI tool, the content should only be used as a starting point or for inspiration.
You should adapt the content by adding in more detailed information and personalising it. When using AI to generate ideas and content for applications, you should include your own STAR examples.
Some employers can detect copied content from an AI tool. You might be disqualified from the application process as a result. You could also end up with an application that is identical to another candidate if they used the same AI tool.
2. Cross reference and check facts
Don’t rely on the accuracy of information generated by AI, it could be incorrect. For example, it can generate false facts and figures. Evaluate the content and cross reference against other sources.
The Academic Skills Kit includes advice on how to evaluate responses generated by AI.
See our Researching Employers page for resources to support you with research for career planning and job applications.
3. Access Careers Service support for guidance on structure and presentation
Generative AI could help you when you are writing sections of text. You still need to create the right structure and format for your application. See Making Applications for guidance on how to effectively structure your CVs, cover letters and application forms.
4. Use effective prompts
Effective prompts will save you time and minimise inaccuracies or irrelevant information.
- Give a clear and specific prompt, elaborating on key aspects of the topic
- Explain the purpose of your request
- Provide relevant background information for your question
- Give instructions on the length and the information you want it to include or exclude
- Use follow up questions or re-focus on specific areas of your question
5. Be careful about the information you share
To protect your data security do not share personal or sensitive details. The information you enter may not be securely stored.
More help
The Newcastle University Library have produced AI guidance. This will help you to use AI responsibly and productively during your studies. See the Academic Skills Kit for more information.
You can book an appointment with an adviser at the Careers Service if you need further support with making applications.