AI and Job Applications: What Gippsland Thinks About Using AI to Write Resumes

Landing a job in Gippsland isn’t always easy. Whether you’re in Traralgon, Warragul, Sale, or down on the Bass Coast, putting together a strong application is often the first big hurdle. But with AI tools like ChatGPT now available, more people are asking: is it OK to use AI to help write your job application or resume?

We asked Gippsland — and the results are in.

The Poll Results

When we put the question out to locals, here’s how you voted:

• 23% said “Yes – it’s a smart way to polish and improve.”
• 41% said “Maybe – as long as it’s your own experience and voice.”
• 36% said “No – it should be 100% written by you.”

That’s a pretty even split, showing there’s no single “right” answer. For some, AI is a handy tool to tidy up and add polish. For others, it risks making applications feel cold and generic.

What People in Gippsland Had to Say

The comments tell the story even better than the stats:

💬 “They use AI to write the ad, AI to look at your resume, sometimes AI does the interview as well, why not?”

💬 "I'd rather my application be a true reflection of who I am, including how I write. I prefer to put in an effort towards obtaining a job."

💬 “I hate generic resumes as they lack personality. Every CV should reflect you — and ideally be tailored to the job ad. I’d bin anything that looked AI-generated.”

💬 “100% I use ChatGPT for everything online. It’s efficient and only needs a little input to produce a solid draft. Get with the times.”

It’s clear people see both sides: AI can be efficient, but it can also strip away the personal touch employers are looking for.

Should You Use AI to Write a Resume?

Here’s the thing — employers in Gippsland (and everywhere else) aren’t just looking for skills, they’re looking for personality and cultural fit. A polished resume gets your foot in the door, but it’s your unique story that gets you the interview.

AI can help you…

✅ Fix spelling and grammar

✅ Reformat your resume to look professional

✅ Suggest stronger action words (e.g. “led,” “developed,” “coordinated”)

✅ Match keywords from a job ad so your resume gets past scanning software

But it can’t…

❌ Tell your story the way you can

❌ Show your enthusiasm for a specific employer

❌ Replace tailoring your CV for each job ad

That balance is where most Gippslanders seem to land: AI is fine as a helper, but not as the writer of your whole career story.

Tips for Using AI in Your Job Applications

If you’re thinking about trying it, here are some ways to use AI without losing your own voice:

1. Start with your own draft — write down your experience, skills, and achievements first. Then let AI help polish the language.
2. Keep it personal — add a short “About Me” or career goal statement in your own words.
3. Tailor every time — AI can help reword, but don’t be lazy. A CV for a nursing job in Bairnsdale should look different from one for a retail job in Warragul.
4. Check the tone — sometimes AI makes things too formal or too generic. Read it back and make sure it still sounds like you.
5. Remember AI is on the other side too — many employers now use AI to scan resumes before a human even sees them. Using the right keywords (with a little AI help) can actually help you get noticed.

Taking the Conversation Further

This debate has even hit the airwaves. Kane Bond Founder of gippslander.com.au recently joined Prue Bentley on ABC Statewide Drive to dive deeper into whether AI should play a role in writing job applications and resumes.

Final Word

So, is it OK to use AI in your job applications? Gippsland has spoken: yes, but with caution. Use AI to polish and guide, but keep the heart of your resume human.

At the end of the day, employers are hiring people, not prompts. A good CV should feel professional, but also personal — and that’s something no AI can fake.

💚 If you’re on the hunt for your next role, don’t forget to check out the latest jobs across Gippsland.