Is it okay to use AI in the job-hunting process?

It is a question many job seekers have been asking over the past year, and one that will only become more relevant as AI tools continue to evolve.

With increasing scrutiny around AI-generated content, authenticity, and bias, many candidates are unsure when it is appropriate to use AI and how to use it effectively. At Flexa, we regularly speak with hiring managers from leading companies, and the guidance is consistent:

Use AI as a tool, not a replacement.

When used well, AI can help you structure, refine, and tailor your CV and cover letter. When used poorly, it can result in generic applications that fail to reflect who you really are. In this guide, we break down how to use AI to support your CV and cover letter in 2026, without losing your voice or credibility.

This blog will cover:

• When it is ok to use AI in the job hunting process
• How to use AI to structure your CV
• The best AI prompts to use for your CV
• How to remain authentic when combining AI with your personal experience

Is it ethical to use AI for your CV and cover letter?

Yes, as long as it is used responsibly.

Hiring managers are not against you using AI. What they care about is whether the application is authentic, accurate, and reflective of the individual applying. AI should support your thinking, not replace it.

If your CV or cover letter sounds generic, overly polished, or disconnected from the role, it will be obvious. The strongest applications use AI to improve clarity and relevance, not to invent experience or exaggerate achievements.

Here are 4 steps to follow when it comes to using AI in the application process.

1. Keep your CV and cover letter authentic

The company you are applying to is hiring you, not ChatGPT.

They want to understand your experience, achievements, and learning journey. They also want to get a sense of your personality and how you communicate. Generic corporate language is easy to spot and rarely stands out.

If you know what you want to say but struggle to articulate it clearly, start without AI.

Write down:

• Your key skills
• Your biggest achievements
• Projects you are proud of
• Results you have delivered

This gives you a clear foundation and makes it much easier to tailor applications later.

For example, if you are a sales manager, list the skills that matter most in your role and include real examples of how you have demonstrated them. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a simple and effective way to structure this.

Once this groundwork is done, AI becomes far more powerful and far more accurate.

2. Create a simple, ATS-friendly CV template

Now that you have gathered your experience and achievements, it is time to build your CV.

If you are creating a CV from scratch, or refreshing an old one, this format works well across most industries and is optimised for applicant tracking systems.

Full Name
Job Title or Professional Headline

Location (City, Country)
Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if relevant)

Professional summary

A short 2–3 sentence overview highlighting who you are, your core experience, and the value you bring. Focus on impact, not responsibilities.

Example:
Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years’ experience in content and employer branding. Known for creating campaigns that drive awareness, attraction, and conversion.

Key skills

A concise list of relevant, role-specific skills. Aim for 8–12.

• Skill or tool
• Skill or tool
• Skill or tool
• Skill or tool

Professional experience

Job title Company name
Month year to Month year

• Achievement-focused bullet points describing impact and outcomes
• Include metrics where possible, such as growth, revenue, or engagement
• Keep each bullet to one or two lines

Education

Qualification Institution name
Year completed

Certifications and training (optional)

Additional information (optional)

Languages, volunteering, publications, or interests that are relevant and concise.

3. Use AI prompts to refine your CV and cover letter

The most important part of using AI effectively is knowing what to ask.

Instead of asking AI to write your CV or cover letter from scratch, use prompts that help it refine, tailor, and strengthen what you have already written. This results in applications that feel personal, relevant, and human.

AI is especially useful for:

• Tailoring your CV to a specific job description
• Turning responsibilities into achievement-led statements
• Improving clarity, confidence, and structure
• Adapting tone for different companies or seniority levels

✍️ Copy-and-paste AI prompts

1. CV tailoring prompt

Please rewrite my CV for a [job title] role in [industry]. Use this job description to tailor my skills and experience, but keep my tone natural and authentic.
[Paste CV]
[Paste job description]

1. Achievement-focused prompt

Please rewrite my CV bullet points to focus on achievements and outcomes rather than responsibilities. Use metrics where possible but do not exaggerate.

Professional summary prompt

Please write a concise professional summary for my CV based on my experience below. Keep it clear, confident, and human, not corporate.
[Paste experience]

1. Cover letter prompt

Please help me refine this cover letter for a [job title] role. Improve clarity and flow while keeping my voice and motivation intact.
[Paste cover letter]
[Paste job description]

1. Tone check prompt

Please review my CV and flag any wording that sounds generic, overly corporate, or AI-generated. 

4. Quality over quantity still matters

AI makes it easier than ever to apply for multiple roles quickly, but volume does not equal success.

Recruiters can tell when applications have been rushed, even if they are well written. Using AI well means slowing down enough to tailor each application properly and ensuring it genuinely reflects the role and company.

Fewer, higher-quality applications will almost always outperform mass applications.

Keep your CV up to date

Your CV should be a living document.

Do not wait until you are actively job hunting to update it. Add new projects, responsibilities, and achievements throughout the year while they are fresh in your mind.

When the right opportunity comes along, AI can then help you polish and tailor your CV, rather than rebuild it under pressure.

AI CV and cover letter checklist (with copy-and-paste prompts)

Before submitting your application, run through this checklist.

CV and cover letter AI checklist

✅ I wrote down my experience and achievements before using AI

✅ My CV reflects my real experience and uses my own language

✅ I tailored my CV and cover letter to the specific role

✅ I checked the final version for accuracy and tone

✅ The application still sounds like me