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The use of AI in the recruitment process

Showing your true self

At SSE, we believe in a people-first approach to recruitment.  While AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful in helping you prepare your application and build confidence, we want to get to know the real you.  That’s why, at every stage of our hiring process, decisions are made by people—not technology.  AI can be a great way to refine your application, but it’s important to remember that your experiences and skills are what truly make you stand out.  If you choose to use AI, we encourage you to do so in a way that enhances your application rather than replaces your unique voice and perspective.

Creating a CV and cover letter

AI can be a handy tool to fine tune your application—whether it’s for checking spelling, improving clarity, or structuring your responses.  However, your application should still reflect your personal experiences and the qualities that make you a great fit for SSE.

Using AI to prepare

AI can support your interview preparation by:

  • Generating practice questions based on the job description.
  • Helping you frame answers using structured formats like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Offering insights into industry trends related to the role. 

AI can support you in articulating your experiences clearly, but the content must come from you.  Here’s how you can use AI in a way that stays true to your own journey:

If you’re asked, “Describe a time when you tackled a challenge at work,” try this approach:

  • Think about a real experience – Recall a situation where you successfully addressed a challenge and jot down key points.
  • Use AI to refine your wording – AI can help structure your response in a clear and concise manner.
  • Add your personal touch – Make sure the final version sounds natural and reflects your voice.

Similarly, if you’re asked, “What makes you a strong candidate for this role?”  AI can:

  • Help identify the key skills mentioned in the job description.
  • Assist in structuring your response, ensuring your answer is well organised and relevant.

Your application should always be a true reflection of your skills and experiences. Using AI to fabricate details or generate answers without any basis in your own work is not the way to go!

Misusing AI might mean missing out on a role that’s a great fit for you or struggling in a position that doesn’t match your actual skill set.  The best way to stand out is to be yourself!

AI in interviews and assessments

Our interviews and assessments are designed to help us understand your skills, problem solving abilities, and how you’d fit into our team.  We recognise that using AI or automated tools to tackle the selection process might be convenient. At SSE, we use assessments, pre-recorded videos, online interviews, and face to face interviews to understand who you are and how you might fit into our company.  By being authentic and showcasing your unique strengths, you'll help us see the best match for both you and SSE. 

  • Having notes to refer to is fine, but if you use AI to prepare responses, put them in your own words rather than reading them verbatim. We want to have a genuine conversation with you.
  • Feel free to ask questions and share your thoughts openly.
  • Avoid relying on AI to generate responses in real-time—it can disrupt the flow of the conversation and prevent us from really getting to know you.
  • Using AI for assessments or interviews might seem like a shortcut, but it can actually work against you—slowing down your responses and making it harder for us to see your true skills. We want to match you with a role where you'll thrive, so it’s important that your answers genuinely reflect what you can do.

AI and Accessibility 

We’re committed to making our hiring process fair and accessible. If you require any adjustments, such as using AI for note taking during an interview, please let our recruitment team know in advance. Be aware that recording or transcribing interviews may have privacy and data protection implications, so we’ll need to discuss the best approach to ensure compliance.

If you have any questions about AI use or need support during the hiring process, our team is here to help. We look forward to learning more about you and seeing how you could be part of SSE!

Get in touch

For queries or to discuss adjustments, please email sse.resourcing.team@sse.com and connect with our team.