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How not to apply for a job: The applicant makes a major AI mistake in the cover letter. The CEO reacts

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How not to apply for a job: The applicant makes a major AI mistake in the cover letter. The CEO reacts

In an era where AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly being used for everyday tasks, a recent incident highlighted the potential pitfalls of relying on technology without human oversight. Delhi-based CEO Ananya Narang, founder of content-as-a-service platform Entourage, shared a job application blunder on social media that left her both amused and frustrated.

The error occurred when a job seeker applied for a content-related position at Narang’s company. The applicant, instead of sending a polished cover letter, sent a document full of placeholder text typically found in AI-generated templates. The letter included phrases like, “I’m competent (mention your key skills) and passionate (briefly explain how you can add value).” It was clear that the candidate had forgotten to replace the placeholders with personal data, making the application incomplete and impersonal.

The CEO’s response goes viral on social media

Narang took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a screenshot of the letter, jokingly commenting: “Just got another job application. No wonder we have so much unemployment today.” His post quickly gained traction, with social media users blaming the incident on over-reliance on tools like ChatGPT. Many assumed that the applicant had used AI to generate the cover letter and had forgotten to proofread it before sending it.

Reflecting on the situation, Narang asked his followers how best to respond to these AI-generated errors. One user even offered a tongue-in-cheek response: “Thank you for your interest in the (Job Title) position at (Company Name). After reviewing your application, it appears that your submission was a unedited generated by an AI tool such as ChatGPT.”

Overreliance on AI: A growing concern

The post sparked a lively debate, with several users weighing in on the broader question of AI’s role in job applications. One user sarcastically commented: “Artificial intelligence and human stupidity,” while another said: “Thanks for using ChatGPT. Please don’t reply.” It was clear from the conversation that while AI can be a useful tool, over-reliance on it without proper review can lead to embarrassing situations, especially when applying for jobs.

Interestingly, the incident raises questions about the growing use of AI in professional settings. Narang’s experience serves as a reminder to job seekers to be very careful when using AI tools to help them with tasks like writing cover letters. As many users have pointed out, patching and customizing apps are still essential steps that can’t be skipped, especially when you’re applying for a role that involves content creation.

The incident also highlights the evolving nature of job applications in a world where artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent. While AI-generated content can save time, it’s important to ensure that the final submission accurately reflects the individual’s skills and experiences. As one user aptly suggested, “A little less reliance on ChatGPT and a little more proofreading could save a lot of embarrassment.”

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