Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere at the moment (not literally, yet at least!); every day it seems there are countless articles, news reports and internet commentators talking about the technology and offering different views on the potential benefits as well as the potential pitfalls.

Opinions range widely about AI, some see it as a useful tool that, as in the case of ChatGPT, are nothing more than a next generation search engine. Then there are the slightly more worrying assessments from the likes of Elon Musk who warns we should be ‘cautious with AI’ because the technology could become a ‘danger to the public’ and that the singularity could be just around the corner.

The debate and opinions about the technology will likely run and run, but for now, we thought it might be useful to take a calm, rational look at what’s going on at the moment and how it relates to careers and employability.

What are LLMs?

• LLMs are probability models – they estimate, based on probability, the correct words or phrases to use.  They combine and feed back to us language that has been used before – they are not attempting to create meaning.  This means that we have to be cautious when using them.
• There are a whole range of LLMs – ChatGPT is one example of this (Google’s LaMDA is another).  Microsoft will soon be adopting similar technology.
• LLMs will invent facts that are not real – they are just likely to exist, based on the probability function of the model.  This process is called the ‘hallucinatory experience’.
• LLMs often create material that is repetitive.

Should you use LLMs when applying for jobs (e.g. to create a CV, covering letter, or personal statement for an application)?

It’s up to you – but if you do, proceed with caution!

What to bear in mind:

• Content produced may appear comprehensive, but given that this content is based on existing online material, it is likely to lack originality and appear bland at times.
• Given the hallucinatory experience described above, sometimes the material that is generated will be simply incorrect.
• In addition, given that content created in this way can be repetitive, this may occur and is something which should be avoided in job applications.
• The material created by LLMs may also lack the important details that are required in order to promote yourself; skills may be listed, but it is unlikely that the content will include a demonstration of understanding of why these skills are important.

How to approach this wisely:

• The most important aspect to remember is that the role of a CV, covering letter or application form are to make you stand out from all other applicants.  If others are using a LLM to create their application, it could appear similar to yours.  You will stand out and make your application personalised and original if you include examples of how you have demonstrated skills and developed your knowledge.
• If you choose to use a LLM to support the creation of your CV, covering letter or personal statement, this should only ever be treated as a first draft.
• Once you have this first draft, examine every word and sentence and consider ways to ensure that your application is unique.  Back up every claim of a skill you have with an example of how you have demonstrated this, ideally with detailed results of the impact you have made.
• In a covering letter or personal statement, ensure that you have included your motivations for that particular role that you are applying for and demonstrate the research you have carried out into the organisation; these are details which are unlikely to have been included by an LLM and again, will help you to stand out.
• For more information about how to create winning CVs, covering letters and personal statements for application forms, please see (link to our other resources).

Can I use LLMs to research interview questions?

It’s up to you – but if you do, proceed with caution!

What to bear in mind:

• Interview questions are linked closely to the job description and person specification.  Asking an LLM to write interview questions based on providing copies of job descriptions and person specification can help you start to get an idea of the kind of questions that may be asked but they will be very mechanical. Student Futures  have tested creating and answering interview questions to job adverts using LLM, it offers a basic starting point but you’ll need to prepare for different styles of questions including strength based interview questions and competency based ones and have a good understanding of what the employer is looking for in an answer especially if you have a technical interview. 
• Employers may be wise to this and actually avoid the type of questions created from automated systems.
• The content from LLMs will be as good as the prompt questions that you use, so you should be aware it can only work to what you have asked (it can’t read your mind!) and you may miss an important piece of information.  For example, interview questions at a graduate level or senior manager level will be very different, interview questions answered using the STAR method will be different from other kinds of answers.
• There are websites like Glass Door that offer example interview questions from recruiters so researching wider graduate questions may give you a more rounded view.

How to approach this wisely:

• If you have been shortlisted for an interview – congratulations!  The recruiting panel have seen enough in your application to want to know more.  They will want to know specifically what skills you can bring to their organisation, and they want to hear from you how you can evidence these.   They are looking for genuine and authentic answers.  Using an LLM to generate interview questions and answers will create very automated answers that will not present your true skills and experience in an authentic way.  
• LLM will not support you with nerves during an interview (most people have these!) and how to manage these, or feedback on your body language or speech (we tend to talk fast when nervous), so you’ll always be better supported by practicing your interview with a human.   One way to do this is to book a mock interview with Student Futures.
• If you want to use LLM use it as one part of your research, but concentrate on really understanding the job description, person specification and the values of the company you are interviewing for.  Tailor your answers to each individual organisation.
• You could spend a lot of time on LLMs and overthink your interview, trying to second guess questions – instead of really focussing on detailed examples that showcase your strengths, skills and experience.

For help with applications, CVs and interviews visit the Student Futures website at https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures