Who’s Talking? You or AI?

• Bonnie Johnson
• September 16, 2026
• Career Guide Article

AI can make your job search faster, but relying on it too heavily can make your application sound generic or inauthentic. Learn how to use AI as a helpful tool while keeping your experience, personality, and voice at the center.

---

Resumes, cover letters, applications… you may feel that the job search is a never-ending cycle of copying and pasting or rewriting similar information. With the rise of artificial intelligence, it seems like an easy and efficient way to develop the application materials needed. But wait... consider who is really doing the talking? Is it the real you, or is AI content the focus of your resume, cover letters, and applications? 

 

Using AI for job applications can be a smart advantage—but only if you don't lose your authentic voice. Who are you, and what is the uniqueness you bring to this job opportunity? Relying on AI to complete your application materials dilutes the unique qualities, experiences, and knowledge you bring to the table. Employers want to get a sense of who you are. If AI strips that away, you lose an important connection point. Using strong, human-centered language allows you to highlight your distinctive qualifications and how they relate to the role. Applications that feel overly formal or robotic can do more harm than good. 

 

There are definitely some clear don'ts that can hurt your chances if you cross the line. Here are the big ones to avoid: 

 

1. Generic, copy-paste content 
Employers can tell if your resume or cover letter sounds like it could apply to literally any job. AI often produces polished but vague language. Hiring managers are looking for specificity in your experience, your results, and your fit. 

 

2. AI exaggerated experience 
Major red flag: If AI adds skills, certifications, or accomplishments you don’t actually have, they will probably come to light during an interview or background check. That can immediately disqualify you.  

 

3. No personalization 
AI can help draft content quickly, but not tailoring it to the job description, company values, or the agriculture and food industry is a missed opportunity. Employers want to see that you understand their needs—not just that you can generate a decent-looking resume. 

 

4. Buzzwords and jargon 
AI tends to lean heavily on phrases like “results-driven,” “team player,” or “dynamic professional.” These don’t differentiate you. Too much of this makes your application blend in rather than stand out. 

 

5. No fact-checking or proofreading 
AI can make subtle errors—such as wrong company names, inconsistent timelines, or awkward phrasing. AI may also not understand some nuances of the agricultural and food industry. Sending something without careful review signals a lack of attention to detail. 

 

6. Using AI responses verbatim in assessments or interviews 
If you’re asked to complete a writing sample, questionnaire, or technical assessment, submitting AI-generated answers without modification can backfire—especially if the employer is testing your thinking or voice. 

 

7. Ignoring ethical or employer guidelines 
Some companies explicitly state whether they allow AI use in the hiring process. If they prohibit it and you use it anyway, that can be grounds for rejection. 

 

The smarter way to use AI is to think of it as a drafting assistant, not a replacement.  
Use it to: 

• Brainstorm bullet points 
• Improve clarity and structure 
• Tailor language to a job description 

 

When you apply for a job on AgCareers.com, there is a built-in AI assistant you can choose to use for help with your cover letter. Use it as a jump-start, but then refine everything yourself so it’s accurate, specific, and genuinely you! Give it a try today at www.AgCareers.com!