<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/cd17aba3-4dbd-43e0-93d5-a5ac46a649bb/a88c648a-4f40-419a-b79c-5ec3dda026ce/AI_Icon.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/cd17aba3-4dbd-43e0-93d5-a5ac46a649bb/a88c648a-4f40-419a-b79c-5ec3dda026ce/AI_Icon.png" width="40px" /> AI is becoming a prevalent tool in the job search process, and the Talent Acquisition team embraces its potential. To empower our candidates, we offer clear recommendations on leveraging AI tools effectively while remaining authentic. Our Director of Talent Acquisition, Katie Rakusin, expands on our intention and approach to creating this guideline!

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Introduction to guidelines for using GenAI in the Merit America Hiring Process: GenAI tools like ChatGPT & Gemini are revolutionizing how we approach a whole host of tasks at work. At Merit America, we champion innovation and believe in embracing, not banning these tools. However, as with all technology, some ways of using it are better than others. When it comes to the job search process, it's essential to make sure you use GenAI tools to help rather than hinder you. The hiring process is a chance for both parties to determine whether the role will be a good fit, so while we encourage you to embrace GenAI, we also want to ensure we have plenty of opportunities to see your true skills and competencies. This guide gives candidates applying for a role at Merit America an overview of how to use GenAI to their advantage throughout our recruitment process –– including guidance on areas where GenAI use is not permitted and why. We also want to acknowledge the valid concerns surrounding potential bias in AI-powered hiring practices. At Merit America, we assure you that the Talent Acquisition team reviews all applications and submitted hiring materials. We use a competency-aligned rubric for scoring, and we do not use AI for candidate assessment. We firmly believe in evaluating each individual based on their unique skills and competencies.

Using AI in the Merit America Hiring Process. To help you leverage GenAI responsibly in your Merit America application, we have three guiding principles: Enhance, don’t replace: Use GenAI to refine and articulate your ideas. It’s a tool to help structure your thoughts and improve clarity, not to replace your unique voice and experiences. Don’t just copy and paste what ChatGPT tells you to write. Don’t rely on the “automated personalization” promised by some new AI tools. If you do, you’ll submit a generic application that looks the same as everyone else’s – and that won’t help you stand out.; Be authentic: Your application should reflect who you are. We value your unique experiences, perspectives, and skills. While GenAI might be able to help you bring that to life or offer ideas, it can’t replace your individuality or creativity. We don’t want to see the version of you that ChatGPT thinks we want to see. By relying solely on AI-generated content, you risk creating a generic application that lacks the depth, breadth, and nuance of your experiences and thought processes. These are the very qualities that make you unique and set you apart from other applicants. We want to get to know the real you and what you have to offer! We also pride ourselves on being an organization built for the individuality of our learners and our staff. This means we encourage you to bring your full, authentic self to the table, and we're excited to see what unique talents and perspectives you can contribute to our team.; Preparation over performance: GenAI can be a valuable resource in understanding the types of questions you might be asked throughout the recruitment process and the stages involved. Use it as a tool for research and preparation, but don’t rely on it as a crutch, or you may struggle to differentiate yourself or navigate interviews effectively.

GenAI Usage Per Stage: Application Materials: AI tools can enhance your resume and application responses by improving clarity, conciseness, and impact. However, it is important that the content remains accurate and reflects your unique stories and experiences.; Interviews: Our interviews are a two-way conversation aimed at understanding your skills and competency alignment. While we understand you taking or referencing your own notes, we ask that you refrain from reading off of generic AI-created responses.; Simulations: Simulations, also known as take-home assignments, serve key purposes: 1) they provide insight into your problem-solving approach and thought process, and 2) they help you understand the role’s responsibilities and expectations. While AI tools can be helpful for research and refinement, we want to learn about your own ideas and approaches that are central to your work.; Talent Acquisition Team’s GenI Usage - GenAI is a resource not only for candidates, but also for our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams. To uphold a transparent hiring process, we share how we use this tool: Identity Hidden Reviewing: In order to ensure a fair and unbiased hiring process, we utilize our Applicant Tracking System’s (Greenhouse) function to anonymize candidates’ identifiable information on their resumes, cover letters, and/or simulation submissions.; Transcribing: To enhance the interview experience for both candidates and interviewers, we may use AI-powered tools to transcribe our notes. This allows us to focus on the conversation and ensures a more accurate and fair evaluation.; Content Creating: Our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams often leverage AI tools to strengthen various aspects of our processes, including reviewing written communications, developing competency-based questions, and auditing job descriptions for biases.

GenAI Usage Examples - Below are several examples of GenAI usage based on the guidance described above: (Acceptable) Asking ChatGPT for industry trends and relating them to your personal experiences to enhance your application. (Why) ChatGPT is great at sorting unstructured data. Using it to collate industry trends can spark ideas about where you’ve seen those trends play out, further enhancing your application.; (Acceptable) Researching potential employers by using AI to understand their culture, values, and employee perspectives. (Why) This can help you assess if the company is a good fit for you; though, it is important to note that GenAI is known to share inaccurate information - so don’t forget to do your own research as well!; (Acceptable) Consulting GenAI for potential interview questions based on the job description. (Why) GenAI can be a good way to prepare for interviews, especially competency-aligned ones.; (Unacceptable) Directly copying AI-generated responses without adding your personal touch or editing. (Why) Again, we want to know about you… not what AI thinks you should be. Generic AI-generated answers will not let us see the real you. Additionally, they’ll look the same as all the other generic responses we receive.; (Unacceptable) Using GenAI exclusively to complete a simulation or performance task. (Why) Misrepresenting how you think and work may mean you are hired for a job that’s a bad fit for you - a result where no one benefits.

Chart outlining key do’s and don’ts for responsibly using GenAI during your Merit America application and interview process. GenAI Do’s: Use GenAI for initial brainstorming and structuring your thoughts; Check the readability and clarity of your answers with GenAI; Use it as a preparation tool for interviews; Be transparent: If you use GenAI as a research or preparation tool, disclose it honestly in your application or during the interview process (for example: “Disclosure: ChatGPT was consulted for this simulation work product in brainstorming; however, answers are my own.”); Follow the directions on interview materials: there may be times when we explicitly name to use/not use GenAI. GenAI Don’ts: Let GenAI replace your personal stories and experiences; Use AI to create false information about your skills or experience; Try to use GenAI to complete assessments that are designed to evaluate your abilities; Depend solely on AI for every step of your application. Use it as a support tool, not a replacement for your own effort, research, and critical thinking. Bottom section of the page includes final thoughts for candidates: Your performance in the selection process should be an authentic reflection of your true abilities and potential. GenAI is a tool. When used correctly, it can enhance your job search process. It cannot, and should not, replace the essence of what makes you the right candidate for the job. Remember that the selection process is as much for you, the candidate, as it is for us, the employer. Throughout the process, you need to decide if you’ll be comfortable in the role and able to succeed at it. This guidance is to ensure you make the most of these technologies while staying true to your unique experiences, skills, and competencies. If you have any questions about using GenAI in your job search, feel free to reach out to us at recruiting@meritamerica.org.

🔗 [Link to our Guidelines for Using GenAI in the Merit America Hiring Process]