AI in job applications

Anyone can apply in seconds, and recruiters are screening most candidates out.

With generative AI now widely available for job applications, it is essential to
understand the limits and risks of over-reliance. AI can help organise and structure an
application, but it cannot replace your insight, judgement, or understanding
of what the employer is really looking for.

selection criteria writer melbourne
AI is a Tool, Not a Crutch

In a world where AI is everywhere, standing out means being real

Standing out now depends on authenticity. Employers are looking for applications that reflect your judgement, personality, and understanding of the role, not generic, machine-polished text. A strong application is thoughtful, role-specific, and grounded in context and culture, making it clear why you are genuinely suited to the position.

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Why does authentic voice matter?

AI churns out many generic applications, and recruiters can spot them a country mile off

Recruiters value authenticity. Applications that read as generic or robotic are easy to discard or dismiss. Your written application should sound like you, clearly explaining who you are and why you are a strong fit for the role.

Here is what counts in practice:

  • Authentic voice matters - Recruiters want to meet real people, not polished output from a chatbot. Vague or lazy AI prompts tend to produce what hiring managers increasingly dismiss as generic filler, which is quickly screened out.
  • Clear match to selection criteria - Whether you are applying in government, health, education, or the private sector, addressing selection criteria is essential. AI content often lacks the precision required. Strong applications use specific examples that directly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the employer’s requirements.
  • Consistency at interview - If an AI assisted application gets you to interview, recruiters will expect the same voice and level of thinking in person. A disconnect between the written application and how you present yourself can raise doubts about credibility.
  • Cultural fit still counts - AI frequently misses cultural nuance, such as American phrasing in Australian or UK applications. Recruiters notice these details. Language that feels out of place can signal poor judgement or limited understanding of the organisation.
  • Avoid generic phrasing - Hiring managers read hundreds of applications and quickly recognise recycled or formulaic language. Broad claims without substance add little value. Specific detail, context, and evidence are what make an application credible.
  • Understanding the employer’s context - Beyond the role itself, employers want to see that you understand their environment, priorities, and pressures. AI struggles with this level of nuance, particularly around organisational challenges, risk, and strategy.
  • Increasing scrutiny of robotic applications - Employers are actively refining screening processes to identify overly generic or formulaic submissions. Applications that lack a human tone or sound mass produced are more likely to be filtered out early.
  • Use AI as a support tool - AI can help organise ideas or improve structure, but it should not replace your judgement. The strongest applications combine efficiency with clear personal insight, ownership, and intent.
The aim is a thoughtful, credible application that reflects who you are and why you make sense for the role.

If you need help with your CV, you view the packages by clicking the buttons below. I'll contact you within 24 hours to work on your CV until you're satisfied with the outcome. Additional services are also available if needed.

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CV or Resume, which should I use?

First job or haven't needed a resume for a long time? Start here. More...

Resume - In the Melbourne job market, a resume is usually a concise two to three page document that summarises your skills, education, strengths, and experience. It should focus on what is most relevant to the role, and make it easy for an employer to see why you should be shortlisted.

CV - A CV (curriculum vitae) is most common in academia and research, and in some highly technical fields. It covers similar ground to a resume, but typically includes additional credentials such as publications, presentations, grants, professional affiliations, and referees. The term is Latin for "the course of one’s life".

Not sure? - In parts of Australia, "CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Always follow the employer’s application instructions, and if the role is important, seek advice so you submit the right document. Choosing the wrong format can cost you an interview.

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Do I need a cover letter?

Resumes or CVs almost always need to be accompanied by one, but what type? More...

Purpose of a cover letter - A cover letter tailors your resume or CV to a specific Melbourne role. For many employers, it is the first screening step. If it does not meet expectations, your resume may not be reviewed. It provides a short narrative that links your experience to the employer’s selection criteria.

What to include - Use your cover letter to explain how your skills, experience, and qualifications fit the role, and to demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation. Both the resume or CV and the cover letter exist to market you, so employer needs should always come first.

When a cover letter matters - Each application requires a tailored cover letter. Reusing generic letters is one of the most common reasons candidates fail to reach interview stage.

Online applications - In online systems, the cover letter may appear as a short written statement or eNote. It serves the same purpose, and carries the same weight, as a traditional cover letter.

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LinkedIn and CVs or resumes

Should you consider creating a LinkedIn profile, and why? More...

Do I need LinkedIn? - LinkedIn is most relevant for executives, professionals building a career trajectory, and those in sales, marketing, or leadership roles. It is not essential for every general job application, but it becomes increasingly important as seniority increases.

Why LinkedIn matters - LinkedIn is now a key self marketing tool for career focused candidates. A well written profile can attract headhunters, Melbourne based recruiters, and direct approaches from employers. It also supports networking and visibility in ways a resume alone cannot.

Consistency counts - Employers commonly review LinkedIn to sense check a candidate’s background. Your LinkedIn profile should align closely with your CV or resume, as inconsistencies can raise doubts.

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What are your qualifications?

The industries I specialise in, and why I am qualified to help you. More...
Professional background - I have worked directly with major organisations in biotech, mining, resources, marketing, HR, and recruitment. Over many years, I have supported applicants pursuing roles across Australia, the UK, and the United States. With a degree in Information Science, I bring a practical understanding of how digital recruitment systems and screening tools operate, and how candidates are assessed within them. I hold dual UK and Australian citizenship with extensive experience across both markets.

Sector experience - My consulting work spans a wide range of organisations, including energy providers, universities, police services, the ADF, state government bodies, health services, information services firms, and large private enterprises. I regularly work with candidates across sectors such as:
  • Mining, resources, oil and gas roles
  • Pharmaceutical, biotech, health, and nursing positions
  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary education, including leadership roles
  • Corporate management and C suite appointments, including international roles
  • Political, chief of staff, and party pre selection applications
  • Government roles at local, state, and federal level
  • Franchise applications and commercial operator submissions
  • Capability statements for professionals and contractors
  • Marketing and sales leadership roles
  • IT, AI and digital leadership positions
  • ADF and former ADF applications
My credentials - I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Certified Resume Writer Corporate consultancy - I have delivered resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for Australian state and local government employees, as well as universities in Australia and the UK.
Click the phone icon anytime, day or night, to book a complimentary 15-minute call at a time that suits you.

What is the Resume creation process?

A resume carefully designed to pass ATS filters & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to guide and support you with clear, honest advice as your resume takes shape. It must sound like you, because you will need to stand behind it at interview. If you are not targeting a specific role, I will shape your resume around broader industry expectations to appeal to multiple employers. Where a particular role is in scope, a tailored resume will always deliver stronger results.

How we create your resume together

Here is how the process works:

  • Initial conversation

    We begin with a detailed discussion about your background, experience, and career goals. This gives me the context needed to represent you accurately and effectively.

  • Drafting your resume

    Using our discussion as a foundation, I develop a resume that reflects your strengths and aligns with what employers are looking for.

  • Bringing your strengths forward

    The focus is not just on listing roles. We draw out what differentiates you, so your experience feels relevant and compelling rather than generic.

  • Review and refinement

    We review the document together for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone, refining it until you are confident submitting it.

  • Ensuring it gets through screening

    As most employers use ATS software, I ensure your resume is formatted and written to pass automated screening and reach human decision makers.
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Do I need a General or Executive Package?

Executive applications typically involve more complex selection criteria. More...

General roles - These applications are for positions where you are not accountable for overall staff or budget management. You may supervise others without full managerial responsibility. Common examples include hospitality, healthcare, trade, and operational roles.

Executive roles - Executive applications require a different level of strategy. These roles involve direct responsibility for people, budgets, and outcomes, from senior management through to C suite appointments. Selection criteria are often detailed and demanding, and an executive resume must demonstrate leadership capability, strategic judgement, and measurable impact.

When choosing between a general or executive package, consider the level of accountability involved and the complexity of the selection criteria for the role you are targeting.
Click the phone icon anytime, day or night, to book a complimentary 15-minute call at a time that suits you.

How do I choose the right package?

It pays to start with a close look at the job ad and job description. More...

Start with the job advertisement - The job ad sets out exactly what the employer is seeking, and should guide which documents you need and how comprehensive they must be.

What the packages include - Resume packages are built around four core components: the resume or CV, a cover letter, LinkedIn, and selection criteria. A resume on its own is rarely enough to secure an interview in competitive Melbourne roles.

  • Resume or CV - A focused summary of your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements, written to align closely with the role’s selection criteria.
  • Cover letter - Often submitted online as a short written statement, this translates your experience into a clear, role specific pitch.
  • LinkedIn - Developed from your resume, LinkedIn supports your application by reinforcing credibility and visibility. It is essential for senior, commercial, and network driven roles, but less critical for entry level or general positions.
  • Selection criteria - Many roles require written responses addressing essential and desirable requirements, covering skills, knowledge, experience, and outcomes.
    • In government, education, health, and not for profit roles, a separate selection criteria document is commonly required.
Click the phone icon anytime, day or night, to book a complimentary 15-minute call at a time that suits you.