I want to share how you can use AI to make the job application process easier and even level up your applications.
Now, I know some of you are probably thinking, “Should we really be using AI for job applications?”
Here’s the thing, there’s no rule against it, and I can almost guarantee other applicants are using it.
And let’s be real, most of you are teaching full time while trying to write multiple custom applications for different schools. It’s a lot. Using AI the right way can save time, sharpen your writing and help you present your experience with confidence. Some of us are amazing teachers but are not so great at talking ourselves!
Let’s look at some ways you can use AI to support your next job application:
🧠 1. Analyse the Job Advert
Paste the job description or selection criteria into AI and ask it to:
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Identify the key skills and qualities the school is looking for
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Summarise the school’s values, focus areas or priorities
This helps you identify themes and work out the main points you need to address.
📝 2. Get Feedback on Your Draft
Once you’ve written your application/cover letter, paste it into AI and ask:
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“Did I address all the key elements from the job advert?”
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“Does the flow make sense and sound confident?”
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“Which paragraph is my strongest?”
AI can give you instant feedback and help refine your writing before you submit. I find asking one direct question at a time yields the best results.
✍️ 3. Improve Sentence or Paragraph Structure
It can be hard to “talk yourself up.” Try asking AI to:
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“Rewrite this paragraph in a more active voice.”
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“Make this sound more confident without exaggerating.”
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“Simplify this paragraph while keeping the meaning.”
This can help your writing sound natural but professional. It's also great for helping you to keep to the page limit.
📋 4. Create a Marking Key (Like the Panel Might Use)
Copy the job advert into AI and ask it to create a marking key or rubric the selection panel might use to assess applications. Then:
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Ask AI to score your application against that marking key
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See which criteria you’ve addressed strongly and where you could improve
This gives you insight into how your application might be viewed from the panel’s perspective.
🧾 5. Turn Dot Points into Polished Paragraphs
If you have an idea or example in mind but struggle to write it clearly, jot down some dot points and ask AI to structure them into a paragraph using SAO (Situation, Action, Outcome) or whatever format your application requires and include an introductory and concluding sentence.
Example: “Turn these dot points into an SAO paragraph that addresses teamwork and student engagement including an introduction and concluding sentence.”
This helps you write concise, professional responses that still sound authentic.
🧩 6. Brainstorm Examples for Selection Criteria
If you’re unsure what examples to use, prompt AI with:
“Suggest examples of how a teacher could demonstrate effective differentiation.”
Then tweak those examples to match your real experiences.
⚠️ A Quick Word of Caution
AI is powerful tool but it’s not perfect. It can make mistakes or misunderstand your intent. Always review its suggestions carefully.
I recommend not copying and pasting directly from AI into your application. Instead, use its feedback as a guide then rewrite it in your own words to keep everything accurate and true to you.
If you’re job hunting in the next few months, I hope these tips make the process smoother and help you put your best foot forward.
You’ve got this 💪