Hear what Joel has to say about using AI when applying to BDO

AI tools such as ChatGPT and CV-writing assistants are becoming a common part of the job-search process. But where should candidates draw the line between useful support and gaining an unfair advantage?

BDO UK’s Early Careers recruitment team explains how candidates can use AI responsibly throughout the application and assessment process.

Is BDO comfortable with candidates using AI during the application process?

BDO Early Careers: Yes. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful when preparing an application. Candidates can use them to structure their ideas, improve the clarity of application documents, research BDO and practise interview questions.

However, everything submitted should genuinely reflect the candidate’s experience, communication style and way of thinking. AI should support your abilities, not replace them.

What are some appropriate ways to use AI?

BDO Early Careers: AI can be particularly useful for:

• Improving the formatting or clarity of your CV
• Proofreading application documents
• Researching BDO and the assessments you may complete
• Practising interview questions and developing your answers

The important thing is to review and personalise anything an AI tool produces. Make sure the final content sounds like you and accurately represents your experience.

What uses of AI are not acceptable?

BDO Early Careers: Candidates should not use AI to:

• Submit content written entirely by AI without reviewing or personalising it
• Generate automatic answers during assessments or video interviews
• Invent or exaggerate skills and experience
• Misrepresent their qualifications, achievements or identity

Using AI in these ways prevents us from understanding a candidate’s genuine abilities and may provide an unfair advantage.

How can candidates use AI when preparing their application?

BDO Early Careers: During the application stage, AI can help refine wording, check clarity and improve the structure of a CV or written answer.

It shouldn’t be used to invent experience or create responses that the candidate hasn’t reviewed and made their own. Before submitting anything, ask yourself: Does this accurately describe me, and could I confidently discuss it at an interview?

What about online assessments?

BDO Early Careers: Candidates can use AI beforehand to learn about the assessment format, practise sample questions or summarise preparation materials.

However, AI must not be used to complete the assessment itself. The tasks are designed to demonstrate the candidate’s own skills and abilities, so all answers must be their own.

Can candidates use AI to prepare for a video interview?

BDO Early Careers: Absolutely. AI can be a useful practice partner. For example, candidates might use it to generate potential interview questions, research BDO or think about how to structure their answers.

What candidates shouldn’t do is rely on AI to script or generate answers during the interview. We want to understand how each person thinks and communicates, not how an AI tool responds on their behalf.

Does BDO use AI when making hiring decisions?

BDO Early Careers: No. Although BDO uses AI to support employees and the way they work, we never use it to make hiring decisions. Our goal throughout the recruitment process is to understand the real candidate, not their AI assistant.

We may use detection tools during certain parts of the process to help maintain fairness. If we believe a candidate has used AI to gain an unfair advantage, they may be disqualified from the application process.

What are BDO’s golden rules for using AI?

BDO Early Careers: Be authentic, be smart, be open and take ownership of everything you submit. Used responsibly, AI can be a valuable preparation tool, but it should always enhance your skills rather than replace them.

If you’re ever unsure whether a particular use of AI is appropriate, ask the BDO Early Careers team. We’re here to help you put your best, and most authentic, self forward.