AI app takes on labour of job hunt
Job searchers rejoice – the days of cover-letter writing could be numbered, because this app is making AI do it for you.
Human resources, payroll, and employee engagement platform Employment Hero has launched Swag, an employment app that uses artificial intelligence to streamline the process of finding, applying and securing a new role.
The app produces first-draft cover letter suggestions, recommends openings suitable for jobseekers’ experience and skills, and offers a one-click ‘‘apply’’ option by pulling in information from CVs to streamline manual inputting.
Employment Hero co-founder and chief executive Ben Thompson said the entire recruitment process could be streamlined with AI to better serve jobseekers.
‘‘Rather than automating every interaction, Swag streamlines the manual, tedious aspects of the job hunt – like double-entering resume details and writing cover letters – and enhances the personal parts.’’
Swag can reduce onboarding administration and common HR inefficiencies by keeping time sheets, payslips, leave requests, induction policies, and certifications within one central location.
It will be rolled out globally to more than 200,000 small to medium-sized enterprises that collectively manage more than 1 million employees.
David Trollope, the managing director of recruitment specialist Hays NZ, said AI had already brought a lot to the recruitment process, but the focus has predominantly been on the employer side.
‘‘Automation and AI have solved problems associated with moving at scale to handle large volumes of candidate applications.’’
The technology was now being used on the candidate side, which was a natural progression, he said.
‘‘There’s no doubt that AI can make the application process more efficient for candidates. By all means, use all available tools to craft a winning job application.
‘‘But then spend the time that frees up on the subtleties and relationships that are so important to building long-term career success.
‘‘For instance, understand your career goals and needs, and the nuances of roles, teams and organisations you’re considering. Work with your recruiter to find the right jobs that match your career objectives. Prepare thoroughly for your job interview.’’
Felicia Coco, a co-founder of Yaarn.ai, an AI-driven PR management tool, said AI would eventually augment the way people looked for, applied for and did their jobs. ‘‘Generative AI can help to polish, refine and optimise [a] jobseeker’s CV and cover letter to stand out to hiring managers.’’