Real vs Robotic: How to Stay Human in a Digitally Driven Job Market

Candidate

In an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, communicate, and even job hunt, one thing remains true: being human is still your greatest strength.

We’re seeing more job seekers turning to AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini to assist with CVs and cover letters, and honestly, we get it. Used well, these tools are incredibly helpful. They can break through writer’s block, improve the structure of your application, and sharpen your language. For people who aren’t confident writers, this kind of support can make a big difference.

But, while AI can help you sound polished, it can’t make you stand out. It can’t communicate your unique value, your lived experience, or your real enthusiasm for a role. And that’s where many applications fall flat.

As recruiters, we read several cover letters in a day. The ones written purely by AI? They’re easy to spot. Many start with the same generic phrases. They have perfect grammar, clear structure, and no obvious mistakes. However, because they lack personality or uniqueness, they don’t stand out to the person reading them. They’re easy to skim, and just as easy to forget.

The real point of difference is you! Hiring managers aren’t just looking for the perfect cover letter. They’re looking for people; thoughtful, interesting, motivated individuals who genuinely care about the role they’re applying for. And that energy, that spark of enthusiasm, doesn’t come from a bot. It comes from you.

So yes, it is OK to use AI to help you get started. Use it to brainstorm ideas, check your grammar, or shape your sentences. But once you’ve got that base, take the time to layer in the human elements:

✅ Share a real story. Something that shows how you’ve put your skills into action.
✅ Be clear about why this role matters to you. Why are you excited about the opportunity?
✅ Let your tone reflect your values, your motivations, and your personality.

When you describe the time you led a difficult project, supported your team through a challenging moment, or came up with a creative solution to a problem, that’s the part employers remember. That’s what builds connection and trust.

And a word of caution... If you’re tempted to use AI to send out many different generic applications at once, we urge you to think twice. Mass-applying without tailoring your approach can actually hurt your personal brand. Recruiters can quickly tell when a candidate hasn’t engaged properly with the job ad, and to be honest, it comes across as lazy or disingenuous.

Used effectively, AI can enhance your application, but it should never replace you. Let it be a tool, not the author. Be smart, be intentional, and be ethical in how you use it.
Because in a world flooded with automation and digital tools, the most powerful thing you can offer is yourself. Being human, genuine and real. That’s exactly who employers want to hire.