According to recent Kaspersky research on the application of generative AI (GenAI) tools in the workplace, 47 per cent of Dutch people admitted that they would use ChatGPT help to refine cover letters and 43 per cent would use it to create better CVs when applying for a new job.
The research findings, following a survey of 1,000 Dutch people, suggest that jobseekers in the labour market recognise the potential of AI to improve key attributes such as written and communication skills. This is to make their employment history and skills look more attractive to potential employers. The results point in the direction of possible 'catfishing' by employers who thus hire staff who lack the necessary attributes for specific positions.
"Our findings not only underline people's adaptability when adopting new technologies, but also highlight the importance of responsibly and thoughtfully integrating AI into our daily lives," explains David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky. "Job seekers should be careful when using ChatGPT, because while it may help them get that dream job in the short term, their attempts to distort the truth could lead to problems later on. Employers should not be fooled by a flashy CV or good cover letter; check candidates and put them to the test during the recruitment phase so that there is no disappointment."
The survey also analysed the use of AI tools at work, with 75 per cent of respondents using it at work or considering using it. A fifth (22 per cent) of respondents would use ChatGPT at work as a time-saving short-cut, such as for summarising long texts or meeting notes. 19 per cent would use it to analyse trends and have patterns explored. But when it comes to using the content, 67 per cent would not check its accuracy or reliability before passing it off as their own work. This contrasts with a third of respondents (33 per cent) who would check the output before using it, even if it was copied/pasted verbatim.
Emm added: "In addition to carefully screening potential talent, we urge employers to promote a culture of data protection and awareness, formalising and implementing clear guidelines for using ChatGPT and sharing confidential information with AI bots. If ignored, the unverified output that some employers claim as their own could lead to trust and reputation issues in the future."
Methodology
Using an online questionnaire, Kaspersky surveyed 1,000 Dutch people to gain insight into their use of ChatGPT at work, to what extent they are transparent about it and how they handle the output of their searches in a work context.
If you want to read more about kasperky's research, read our other articles.
