Whilst the emergence of AI has brought many advantages to recruitment, it has impacted both job-seekers and recruiters in different ways. Job seekers are often impacted by AI filtering, which can prevent employers from seeing applications which do not pass criteria, or those which are not sufficiently scanned by AI algorithms. On the other side of the coin, recruiters are finding it harder to find the people they need – not only due to applications being filtered out, but also due to the increase in evidently AI generated CVs and cover letters reducing recruiters’ confidence in the abilities of applicants. Last quarter, some of our employability skills sessions focused on AI in recruitment processes, particularly how AI can both benefit and hinder job applications, and how young people can use it to their advantage: Forrester High School: Hospitality Connect – AI in Applications As part of the Hospitality Connect programme, Forrester High School welcomed Klaountia, People and Culture Manager at Voco Royal Terrace Hotel, to deliver a session on the use of AI in job applications for an S6 employability group. With many pupils already using AI tools to draft CVs and cover letters, the session aimed to bridge the gap between convenience and understanding, helping students learn how to use AI effectively without becoming overly reliant on it. The session, developed in collaboration with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), provided insight into how employers view AI-generated applications and encouraged students to critically evaluate and personalise their submissions. The 50-minute session was split into two parts: an informative overview of AI and its growing presence in recruitment processes, followed by a hands-on activity where pupils compared AI-generated CVs to human-written ones. This helped them identify common traits of over-reliance on AI and encouraged more thoughtful application writing. Feedback was positive, with 80% of pupils reporting an improved understanding of how to use AI in job applications. The school plans to continue working with VOCO Hotels to offer more real-world career learning experiences, ensuring pupils are better prepared for job, college, and apprenticeship applications.  Firrhill High School: Employability Skills Session
As part of the S4 PSE Employability Skills unit at Firrhill High School, pupils took part in a series of employer-led workshops designed to prepare them for future job applications and career opportunities. Representatives from Xpress Recruitment, Capco, and Investment 2020 delivered sessions covering key employability topics, including how to write a stand-out CV, how to use AI effectively in applications, and how to prepare for common interview formats. Pupils had the chance to practise mock interview questions in small groups, with guidance and feedback directly from industry professionals. The sessions not only provided practical skills but also raised awareness of careers in growth sectors such as financial services, food & drink, and professional services. The workshops were timed to give pupils real-world context before beginning coursework. Feedback from both educators and employers was overwhelmingly positive, with all employers expressing interest in returning to support further activities like mock interviews. While some S4 pupils may not be entering the workforce immediately, the skills gained are relevant for applying to part-time jobs, college courses, and future roles. The experience helped students build confidence and provided a strong foundation for their ongoing career education journey. Get Involved Regardless of your organisation’s sector, you could make a positive difference to young people as they prepare to enter the workforce. Currently, we are looking for employers to deliver employability sessions in at least two of our local schools. Check out the opportunities calendar for more information on how you can get involved. For guidance on delivering employability skills sessions, visit the DYW Employer Hub and read the ‘Get Started with Employability Skills’ guide. If you have any questions, would like further support, or would like to discuss an opportunity that is not currently on the calendar, contact us for more information. Comments are closed.
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