The Do's and Don'ts of Using AI to Prepare Your CV and Cover Letter

In this article we discuss the factors you should consider if you utilise AI tools to assist with your next legal job application. Find out what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for and how to use AI tools in a smart way so that you don’t end up sounding like everyone else!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become a tool many lawyers turn to when drafting and polishing job applications. With its ability to generate text, suggest improvements, and check formatting, AI can feel like a timesaving shortcut to getting your CV and cover letter ready.

Having said that, when you’re applying to a law firm or corporate legal role- where precision, credibility, communication skills and professionalism matter - there is a very fine line between using AI as an aid and having it undermine your application.

Here are the key do’s and don’ts that our team of expert legal industry recruiters at Legal People recommend you keep in mind.

The Do's

1. Use AI for Structure and Formatting

If you’re struggling with layout, headings, or the order of information, AI can help you create a clear, logical structure. A well-organised CV makes it easy for law firm partners, HR managers, and recruiters to see your career story at a glance.

2. Ask AI to Refine your Writing

AI can smooth out awkward sentences, correct grammar, and suggest more concise ways of phrasing. This is particularly useful when turning long descriptions of matters into succinct bullet points that highlight impact.

3. Use AI to Tailor your Application for a Specific Role

Feeding in the job description and asking AI for ideas on keywords or selection criteria alignment can help ensure your CV and cover letter speak directly to the employer’s needs.

4. Let AI Highlight Achievements

AI can help transform task-heavy job descriptions into results-driven accomplishments (e.g., turning “drafted contracts” into “successfully drafted and negotiated commercial contracts valued at $10M+”).

5. Treat AI as a Drafting Partner, Not the Final Editor

The best use of AI is to speed up early drafts. The final version should always be thoroughly reviewed, edited, and personalised by you.

The Don'ts

1. Don't Rely on AI for Accuracy

AI doesn’t know your career history. It may insert generic examples, incorrect case names, or even fabricate achievements. Always fact-check every line. In law, accuracy is non-negotiable.

2. Don't Let AI Strip Out Your Personality

Law firms and corporations want to hire you, not a generic template. Over-reliance on AI can make your application sound robotic and bland. Inject your own authentic voice, especially in the cover letter. Remember that many other applicants will be using AI tools for the same purpose and you need to stand out from the crowd, not all sound the same. 

3. Don't Copy Paste AI Text Without Customisation

Our team at Legal People and our client hiring managers can spot formulaic, AI-generated phrases a mile away. Some of the giveaways are American spelling, the over-use of emojis, and the use of words or phrases that do not belong in the Australian vernacular. We recommend that you invest time tailoring each sentence or dot point to reflect how your unique experience matches the key selection criteria for the specific role. 

Also remember that many recruiters and organisations have the technology to determine whether an application has been written by AI, so if you do use it, do it with the understanding that they will know that you have. 

4. Don't Ignore Confidentiality Risks

Be very cautious about uploading sensitive client, matter, or employer details into AI tools. Use placeholders where needed (e.g., “Top-Tier Construction Matter” instead of a client’s name).

5. Don't Forget Human Review

At the end of the day, a polished and authentic application still benefits from a trusted mentor, recruiter, or colleague reviewing it. AI cannot replace human judgement about tone, credibility, or demonstrate a natural values and cultural fit.

AI can be a powerful assistant in preparing your CV and cover letter but only if you use it wisely. Think of it as a research clerk or virtual assistant, helpful for first drafts, formatting, and tidying up, but not the person you’d trust to run the case in court!

If you want your application to stand out, let AI speed up the drafting but make sure your final document reflects your authentic achievements and personality, professional credibility, and career story.

As specialist legal recruiters, we regularly review CVs and cover letters for lawyers at all levels. If you’d like feedback relating to your CV or advice on making the next step in your legal career, get in touch with us today.

Meet Our Experts:

Sharon Henderson - Director and national leader in legal recruitment. Known for her deep networks and market insight.

Rosie Mamic - Principal Consultant with over two decades of success in placing legal professionals and support staff across private practice and corporate teams.

Laine McKenzie - One of Melbourne's most trusted legal support recruiters, offering guidance, market advice, and enduring client relationships.

Get in touch today to start a conversation about your legal career. You can contact us at info@legalpeople.com.au.