How to use ChatGPT/Gemini smartly in your job application Process
AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini have become part of our daily lives. I often use them to look up random facts just to win a debate with friends. Anyway, an AI tool can actually be useful too. For example, it can help you apply faster, smarter and more creatively. But there is one golden rule: AI is a tool, not a replacement for who you are. The real power lies in combining your own story with the smart support AI can give you. Job applications are still a bit like the Dutch tax authority slogan: we can’t make it more fun, but we can make it easier. And with AI, it really does become easier and maybe even a little more fun.
Use AI as a coach, not as a replacement
Recruitment experts (not just us) emphasize that AI works best as a supplement. ChatGPT can help you analyze job postings, write a strong cover letter/CV or practice interview questions. But your personal tone and your unique energy are what will actually convince recruiters. AI gives structure, you give meaning. And keep in mind that AI writing has a certain recognizable style. Recruiters who read hundreds of CVs a month can often spot what has been written entirely by ChatGPT or Gemini. So use it the right way, but how and when?
Stages where AI can actively support you
Research shows that candidates successfully use AI in four stages of the application process.
Finding job postings that really fit
Improving and tailoring your CV and cover letter
Practicing interview questions and preparing STARR examples while keeping your story authentic so you remain convincing and credible
By applying these steps smartly, you’ll get the most out of AI without losing yourself in the process.
The best way to use AI in your application process
Finding job postings that really fit
AI models are already fairly up to date with online information. The tricky thing about job postings is that they are often temporary and disappear once filled. Searching for specific open positions through tools like ChatGPT or Gemini is difficult. There are paid platforms that help with this, but where ChatGPT or Gemini can help is in figuring out what types of roles suit you. You can use them as a sort of job coach.
Improving and tailoring your CV and cover letter
You can create a “memory prompt” where you store all your personal details and reuse them across different applications. Here’s how to set it up in ChatGPT:
Click your username at the bottom left
Click on Settings
Click on Personalization
Turn on memory and optionally enable saved memories:
Reference to chat history → this refers to the conversation history you see in the current chat, so I can use it to keep answers consistent.
Reference to saved memories → this goes further. These are things I can consciously remember about you across conversations. The information stays until you change or delete it.
By setting this up, you can use ChatGPT or Gemini almost like an ATS simulator to check if your CV matches the role well. That way you can consistently show a strong connection between you and the job posting.
Practicing interview questions and preparing STARR examples while staying authentic
With ChatGPT’s memory enabled, you already give yourself more space to craft better answers. But if you use an untrained chatbot, the answers can be quite generic. As we often say, it’s important to find and keep your own style and tone. To achieve that, you can personalize ChatGPT.
Here’s how:
Click your username at the bottom left
Click on Personalize ChatGPT
Choose the options that fit you best:
Pick a personality type or traits
Default personalities (Standard, Cynical, Robot, Listener, Nerd)
Specific traits (for example innovative, curious, traditional)
Add extra information like your interests, values or preferences
By setting this up, you’ll get more personalized responses and can practice interviews in a way that feels more natural.
Think like AI but stay yourself
AI helps you work faster, analyze better and phrase things more creatively. But in the end, a job interview is a conversation between people. Employers want to know who you are, what drives you and how you can make a difference. Let AI help you bring structure, generate ideas and boost your confidence. But always let your personality shine through, because that is what sets you apart.
Want to discover how AI can strengthen your application? Try our free CV scan and learn how recruiters look at resumes, plus get tips you can use right away in your next interview.
