We all know that putting together a job application isn’t easy. Increasingly, candidates have been turning to AI to assist them to put together their job application. However, public service organisations such as the ATO have a responsibility to ensure that all applications are judged based on merit and that technology does not give any single candidate an advantage over another. To help address this issue, the Australian Tax Office recently introduced new guidelines regarding the use of AI in recruitment.
So, what do the guidelines include?
Expectations when applying for the ATO
Be Honest
The ATO advises you should only include information in your application that genuinely reflects your skills, experiences and achievements. When answering questions in written applications, interviews or assessments you should rely on your own knowledge.
Be transparent
According to the ATO, you should let them know. You should advise how you have used AI to support or enhance your responses.
Be Yourself
It is vital that you demonstrate your own ideas, skills and understanding of the role. You must be able to speak about your experiences and demonstrate your skills without the support of AI.
Be fair
The ATO warns that using AI in the wrong way can give some candidates an unfair advantage. This contradicts the Australian Public Service’s merit based recruitment process.
According to the ATO, if you are going to use AI in your application you should use it as a supplement not a substitute. It should involve critical thought, not just copy and paste. In some cases AI could be used to assist you to prepare for an interview, but not during the interview itself. Always be aware that information entered into AI systems could become in the public domain.
Risks of using AI in your application
The ATO warns that relying on AI for your job application comes with many risks these include:
Misrepresentation
Content that is generated by AI may not accurately reflect your skills and experience.
Skills gaps
AI might hide areas where your skills and experience don’t match those listed in the job description. This can be exposed during interviews or practical assessments.
Over-Reliance
If you rely too much on AI you might struggle to explain your thoughts in interviews or answer questions on the spot. Loss of personal voice Applications that are generated using AI will often sound polished or generic. Therefore, they may not accurately convey your personality, passion or suitability for the role.
Inaccurate information
AI can produce incorrect information. It can generate statements that may sound convincing, but are actually misleading.
Data privacy concerns
Some AI tools do not protect your data privacy very well.
Our advice: Think carefully before using AI in your ATO application
When you are applying for your dream role, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. If you have any doubts whatsoever about using AI in your application, don’t use it at all. Only then can you be certain your application is written using your own voice and an accurate representation of your skills and experience.
Preparing a quality application from scratch can be highly daunting. Therefore, it’s worth considering engaging a professional resume writing service to ensure you put your best foot forward.
Are you looking for a new career? Public Service Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and cover letter writing service.
Article References
Australian Taxation Office (6 October 2025) ‘Guidelines for candidate use of AI in recruitment processes’, Australian Taxation Office, accessed 3 November 2025.