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Recently, an HR representative on LinkedIn accused me of “cheating” because I use GPT to help with my work. I didn’t take it personally, but I did take it seriously. This incident highlights a significant misunderstanding about how AI is actually used in the professional world. Many people, particularly in HR, don’t understand the real role of AI in modern work.
How AI is Truly Used: My Reality
Working with AI isn’t about letting a machine do your work for you. It’s about using a powerful tool to enhance your skills and efficiency. Here’s a look at how I, and many other professionals, actually use AI:
- Analyzing Job Ads: I use AI to quickly analyze job descriptions, helping me understand the core requirements and responsibilities, and identify key skills and keywords.
- ATS-Scan and Keyword Matching: AI tools help me ensure my resume and cover letter are optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS), making sure my relevant experience isn’t missed.
- Tonal Control and Clear Communication: I use AI to refine my writing, whether it’s for B2B communication or an internal memo. It helps me ensure the tone is professional and the message is clear and concise.
- Iterative Co-Creation with a Human Touch: I work with the AI to brainstorm ideas and draft content. It’s an iterative process where I provide the context and expertise, and the AI helps me structure and refine the text. The final product is always reviewed and edited by me, ensuring it reflects my authentic voice and intent.
Why This Isn’t Cheating
Using AI in this way is not cheating; it’s a smart and strategic approach to work. Here’s why:
- No Falsified Content: The core ideas, experiences, and data are my own. AI simply helps me express them more effectively.
- No Invented Skills: AI doesn’t create skills I don’t have. It helps me articulate the skills I do have in a more compelling way.
- Purposeful and Transparent Communication: My goal is to create clear, targeted, and well-organized content. AI is a tool that helps me achieve that goal efficiently.
What Recruiters and HR Should Be Learning
The conversation shouldn’t be about whether or not people are using AI. It should be about how they are using it. Here’s what recruiters and HR professionals should consider:
- Prompt Competence is Not Copy/Paste: The ability to craft effective prompts and guide an AI to produce a quality result is a skill in itself. It shows a deep understanding of the task and a command of modern tools.
- AI Proficiency is a Modern Skill: In today’s job market, being able to leverage AI to improve your work is a valuable skill, not a liability. It shows a candidate is adaptable and forward-thinking.
- Good Candidates Use Modern Tools: The best candidates aren’t spending hours on manual “application sudoku.” They’re using modern tools to streamline processes, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: showcasing their abilities and experience.
Conclusion: AI is the New Excel
Think of it this way: just as we moved from handwritten ledgers to spreadsheets, we are now moving from manual text creation to AI-assisted work. No one would accuse a financial analyst of “cheating” for using Excel, so why is it different with AI?
Anyone who believes that a “handwritten” application is a better choice for today’s digital world is likely to fall behind. Embracing AI is not about cutting corners; it’s about working smarter, faster, and more effectively. It’s the new standard for professional efficiency.
