The use of AI for personal purposes is on the rise, with many individuals utilizing AI tools and systems to gain an advantage in areas such as job hunting, resume building, and career advancement. Studies have shown that job applicants who receive algorithmic assistance with their resumes are more likely to be hired, and those who use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT see a higher response rate from companies. The availability and use of AI help job seekers navigate the use of keyword scanners and application-tracking tools to personalize their applications for each job they apply to.
Beyond job hunting, AI is also used as an editing tool, suggestion generator, and assistant for all career-related pursuits. AI-powered agents and assistants are becoming more common, providing support for various endeavors. However, there are ethical considerations to be aware of when using AI for personal gain. Presenting false expertise, presenting inaccurate information, plagiarism, and intellectual property theft are all potential risks associated with the use of AI for personal purposes. In some cases, AI users may be unknowingly crossing ethical, moral, or legal lines.
Concerns about AI usage extend to the classroom as well, where the use of AI for cheating can deepen socio-economic divides and create unfair advantages for certain students. Additionally, the lack of originality that comes with the overuse of AI may hinder human innovation and creativity. There are also questions about fairness and disclosure when it comes to using AI to gain an advantage in areas like job applications and competitions. The ethical implications of using AI in these settings are complex and require careful consideration.
In one case mentioned in the article, a candidate used AI to generate a 90-day action plan that helped him land a highly competitive job as a sales chief revenue officer. This situation raised questions about whether the candidate gained an unfair advantage over other qualified candidates and how to handle the use of AI in hiring practices. In another instance, an artist won a competition for artwork created using an AI program, sparking concerns about the impact of AI-generated art on the art world and the ability of artists to compete against AI-generated works.
In the second part of the article, the authors will explore the questions employers are raising about personal AI usage, critical considerations for AI users, and how to be mindful about the ethical, moral, and legal implications of using AI for personal gain. With the increasing use of AI in various aspects of life, it is essential for individuals to understand the potential risks and ethical dilemmas associated with relying on AI for personal advancement.AI usage extend beyond the job hunt. It is an editing tool, a suggestion generator, and helpful assistant for all career-related pursuits. AI-powered agents or assistants are springing up to provide support for a variety of endeavors. “I have a friend who is applying for his university studies,” relates Derek Kane, head of advanced analytics for GEA Group: “As he finished writing his college essay, I wanted to help him use the AI to his advantage. I told him to create a series of AI agents with different personas using LLMs. One persona is a grammar professor that helps with proofreading. Another is a subject matter expert to help him with his content. Another agent is an admissions counselor. He used this multi-agent approach to act as a trainer for him.” In these instances, AI served as a super trainer on demand.
