How to Use AI the Right Way in Your Job Applications
If you’ve ever used ChatGPT to write a CV or asked it to help with a cover letter, you’re not alone. AI tools are fast becoming part of the job application process for many graduates, and it doesn’t look they are going anywhere.
At MDS, we’re not here to tell you not to use AI. We get it – the job market is competitive, and sometimes you just need a hand getting started. But there’s a big difference between using AI to support your application and letting it do all the work.
This guide is here to help you get it right.
AI can be useful
Think of AI like a virtual assistant – not a replacement for your ideas, but a tool to help you organise and improve them.
You can use AI to:
- Tidy up the formatting of your CV
- Spot spelling or grammar issues
- Get an outline for your cover letter
- Summarise key info about a company
- Practise interview questions and answers
These are all smart, time-saving ways to use AI, so long as you’re also doing the work to personalise your application. The problem is when people rely on AI for everything, especially for the bits that matter most.
What AI can’t do for you
AI doesn’t know why you want a role in the food and farming industry. It can’t explain what drew you to MDS or why you’d thrive in a programme like ours.
When graduates submit applications that are 100% AI-generated, they often:
- Sound too polished (and a bit robotic)
- Miss the point of the scheme
- Lack any real connection to the industry
- Say things that just aren’t true (yes, sometimes AI gets it wrong!)
Hiring managers can tell. At MDS, we’re looking for people who are genuinely curious, motivated and excited about the journey – not just good at pasting prompts into a chatbot.
Tips to Stand Out
If you want to stand out, start with this:
- Read the MDS website
It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this step. If you don’t understand how our programme works, or what secondments are, your application won’t land. AI won’t do this for you – it needs you to feed it the right info. - Think about why the food industry matters to you
Do you care about sustainability? Logistics? Helping feed the population? Maybe it’s the variety, the challenge, or the chance to work with innovative businesses. Whatever it is, we want to hear it – and AI can’t tell that story for you. - Reflect on your own experience
What projects have you enjoyed? What feedback have you received? Where have you shown leadership or resilience? Use AI to help structure your answers, but the content has to come from you.
How to prompt AI effectively
If you are going to use AI, here’s how to get the best out of it:
- Bad prompt:
“Write me a CV for a graduate food industry role.” - Better prompt:
“I’m applying for a graduate scheme in the food industry that involves leadership training and secondments. I have a BSc in Environmental Science and completed a placement year in logistics. Help me draft a personal statement that shows my interest in sustainability and team development”
AI is only as good as the information you give it. The more specific you are, the more helpful (and accurate) the results will be.
Final checklist
Before you hit send, ask yourself:
- Have I edited everything AI gave me?
- Does this sound like me?
- Have I shown that I’ve read the MDS website?
- Have I explained why I want this role and industry?
- Does my application show my values, interests, and potential?
In summary
AI can be a brilliant tool, but it’s just that: a tool. It won’t get you the job on its own. What will help you succeed is passion, research, and a clear sense of why this matters to you. Use AI to polish your words, but let your voice lead the way.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to MDS today and begin your journey in the food and farming industry.