How to stop your defence job application being thrown out

Preparing a defence job application can be challenging. Not only will you be required to submit a resume and cover letter, in many cases you will be required to provide responses to a series of selection criteria.

With 45 per cent of job-seekers using generative AI in their job application, it can be tempting to follow the crowd. Why not sit back, relax, and let AI do all the hard work for you?

Indeed, if other applicants are relying on AI job applications, you might question how your human-crafted application will stack up.

But be warned. Relying on AI to generate your application might mean it is not even considered.
So why is it essential not to rely on AI for your application?

Why shouldn’t I rely on AI for my defence application?

Not only should you not rely on AI for your defence application — you MUST not use it. Many defence job descriptions explicitly state that AI must not be used in applications.

For example, an application on the Defence Careers website for an Executive Contract Manager declares “please do not use AI to generate your CV or proposed response”.

Why is it so important applications don’t use AI?

You might be thinking why would the hiring manager care if my application is written using AI?

When assessing a candidate’s application, employers examine a candidate’s background against the requirements of the role. To do that, they need to have a clear picture of a candidate’s skills and personality. It can be argued an AI generated application does not provide this.

Many defence roles require applicants to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. While AI tools can assist with structure and wording, relying on them entirely—without your own input—can raise questions. If you haven’t written the application yourself, how can you genuinely demonstrate your communication skills?

Defence role requirements also call for mature judgement and professionalism. It’s fair to question whether relying entirely on a computer to write your application truly reflects those qualities. In any defence role, integrity is paramount. Applications written by AI may over-inflate your skills or experience which can demonstrate a lack of integrity.

Defence recruiters are also looking for enthusiasm and drive in prospective candidates. They are looking for candidates who can meet tight deadlines and manage workloads. Submitting an application generated using AI can give the impression of a lack of effort and commitment. If you can’t manage to write an application yourself by the deadline, employers will be rightly asking whether you are capable of performing the role.

Employers want to see your personality and unique characteristics, no matter what role you are applying for. Applications generated by AI may come across as highly generic.

Isn’t it easy to get away with using AI?

You might think it is easy to get away with generating an application using AI. After all, how will potential employers even notice?

However, it is simply not worth the risk. Employers increasingly use AI tools to detect if an application was machine-generated.

While using AI to create an application might seem tempting, it could cost you your dream career. Is that a risk worth taking?

We get it. Making sure your defence application meets all the requirements is challenging. That’s why Selection Criteria Writers is here to help. We offer more than just selection criteria writing. We can also assist with your professional resume writing and expert career counselling needs.

Article References

Criddle, C (9 September 2024) ‘How AI is generating a ‘sea of sameness’ in job applications’, Australian Financial Review, accessed 16 September 2024.

Defence Careers (n.d) ‘Contract manager-Executive Level 1’, Defence Careers, accessed 5 February 2020.