In the competitive modern job market, many Canadian applicants are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for an edge. However, a career expert warns that this strategy can be a double-edged sword, potentially securing an interview or getting a resume tossed out entirely.
The Expert Insight on AI in Hiring
Career specialist Angela Champ recently joined CTV's Your Morning to dissect how the widespread use of AI is influencing today's job market and an individual's chances of landing a position. The segment, which aired on December 30, 2025, highlighted a growing trend where job seekers rely on generative AI to craft cover letters, polish resumes, and even prepare for interviews.
Champ emphasized that while these tools can offer a strong starting point, they come with significant risks if used improperly. The key, she suggests, is in the strategic and supplementary use of AI, not as a replacement for genuine personal effort and customization.
The Potential Benefits: A Helpful Assistant
When used correctly, ChatGPT can serve as a powerful assistant for job seekers. It can help overcome writer's block by generating initial drafts of cover letters. It can suggest stronger action verbs and more professional phrasing for a resume. For those nervous about interviews, it can simulate potential questions and help formulate coherent, impactful answers.
This can be particularly helpful for candidates who are not native English or French speakers, or for those re-entering the workforce after an absence, providing a framework to build upon.
The Major Pitfalls: A Hindrance to Authenticity
The primary danger, according to Champ, lies in over-reliance. Hiring managers and automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are becoming increasingly adept at spotting generic, AI-generated content. A cover letter that lacks specific details about the company or the role is a major red flag.
"Submitting a generic, AI-written application can signal a lack of genuine interest and effort," Champ explained. Furthermore, AI tools can sometimes "hallucinate" or produce factually incorrect information about a candidate's own experience if prompted poorly. Ultimately, an application that feels impersonal or inauthentic is unlikely to stand out in a crowded field.
The expert's core advice is to use AI as a tool for brainstorming and editing, but never as the sole author. Job seekers must always personalize, fact-check, and infuse their own voice and specific achievements into every application. The human touch, it seems, remains the most valuable asset in any job search.
