ChatGPT for CV and Cover Letter: What UK Graduate Employers Allow
Rolling Employers set their own AI rules. Read the guidance in your application before you use any AI tool.
27 October 2026
Using ChatGPT on a CV or cover letter is not banned by most UK graduate employers, but how you use it decides whether it helps or hurts. The Bank of England, for example, lets you use AI to research, proofread and refine wording, yet asks you not to copy and paste an AI-generated response. This guide turns the published rules into a working routine for your CV and cover letter. For the employer-by-employer rules, see our pillar guide: can you use AI in a graduate application.
What you can and cannot do with ChatGPT on a CV
| Task | Usually fine | Risky |
|---|---|---|
| Researching the employer | Yes | Copying facts you do not understand |
| Spelling and grammar check | Yes | None |
| Suggesting structure or wording | Yes, if you rewrite it | Pasting the result unchanged |
| Writing your examples | Only as a prompt for you to rewrite | Inventing or inflating experience |
| Practising interview questions | Yes | Using AI during the real interview |
Based on the Bank of England and AstraZeneca candidate guidance, checked 27 October 2026. Check your employer’s own page.
What the employers say
| Bank of England | Use AI to proofread and refine; avoid copying and pasting AI answers. | Official |
| Bank of England | Writer’s block is a fair use, but relay your experience in your own words. | Official |
| AstraZeneca | Review and personalise AI-supported content so it reflects your own voice. | Official |
| Rolls-Royce | AI is acceptable as a foundation or first draft with your own personality added. | Reported |
Sources: Bank of England how-to-apply page and AstraZeneca candidate guidance on AI use, checked 27 October 2026. Rolls-Royce is as summarised on our Rolls-Royce guide.
Write the first draft yourself
Start with real examples from your degree, jobs and projects, in your own rough words. The Bank of England warns that over-relying on AI can leave you at interview not understanding the concepts you mentioned. A first draft you wrote is also the best protection if anyone asks how you prepared.
Prompt for structure, not content
Ask for feedback on clarity, order and length rather than asking it to write the letter. The Bank of England explicitly allows AI to refine answers by suggesting improvements to structure and word choice. Then close the chat and rewrite each suggestion in your own voice.
Keep facts true and checkable
AstraZeneca lists misrepresenting skills, experience or background as misuse. PwC says it checks academics later in the process and that vague or untrue results are a problem. Every number and claim in your CV should be something you can explain aloud.
Skip AI in live stages
The Bank of England asks you not to use AI tools in video interviews, live interviews or group exercises, and AstraZeneca lists real-time AI answers as misuse. Practise with AI beforehand, then go in without it. Our video interview guide covers the setup.
A four-step routine for your CV and letter
1. Draft
Write the CV bullets and letter yourself, from real examples.
2. Ask
Ask for structure and wording feedback only, if the employer allows it.
3. Rewrite
Put every change into your own voice and delete anything you cannot back up.
4. Check
Read it aloud and confirm you can explain every line at interview.
Checklist
0 of 4 done
Related guides
Continue with the full employer AI rules guide, read whether AI detectors work on cover letters, and browse the graduate scheme hub.
ChatGPT for CV and cover letter FAQ
Can I use ChatGPT to write my cover letter?
Most employers allow AI for research and refining, but not copy-pasting an AI-generated letter. The Bank of England says avoid copying and pasting AI responses.
Do I have to tell the employer I used AI?
AstraZeneca says to be open about how AI supported your preparation if asked. Follow each employer’s instructions.
Is it fine to use AI for proofreading?
Yes. The Bank of England lists proofreading for grammar and spelling as an acceptable use.
Can AI help me practise interviews?
Yes. The Bank of England suggests practising mock interviews with an AI tool, but not using it during the real interview.
