At West Notts College, we recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and similar platforms can be helpful resources when applying for roles. These tools can support applicants to draft, review and refine written content, as well as help with preparation for the recruitment process.
We welcome the responsible use of AI; however, it is important that any information submitted as part of your application is accurate, truthful and reflects your own skills, experience and understanding. AI tools must not be used to generate misleading, exaggerated or false information at any stage of the application or recruitment process.
This guide is designed to help applicants understand what is considered appropriate and inappropriate use of AI when applying for roles at the college. It also provides examples of how AI may be used constructively to support your application, while ensuring fairness, transparency and integrity throughout the recruitment process.
What we look for in applications
When applying for a role at the college, the most important thing to remember is that we want to get to know you. Your application should reflect your skills, experience and motivations honestly and authentically, and show how you align with our values and culture.
Strong applications help us understand how your skills and experience match the role you are applying for, what motivates you to do your best work, what you have achieved and how you achieved it, and why you would like to work at the college.
The recruitment process includes two main stages: the written application and the interview. At each stage, there may be ways that tools such as AI can support you, for example by helping you structure your thoughts or prepare responses.
However, the purpose of using AI is to help you present your own experiences clearly and confidently. It should never be used to create a version of you that is not genuine. We are looking for the real person behind the application and how you can contribute to the college.
The importance of being authentic
Your application and interview should reflect your true skills, experiences, and achievements. It is essential that AI is not used during any live assessments at any point in the recruitment process. This helps us maintain a fair process where every candidate is evaluated on their own merit.
We are seeking talented individuals who align with our values and culture. Being honest and genuine in your application allows us to determine if you are the right fit for the role and the college.
Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm that all the information you provide is accurate and truthful. Full guidance on this will be included in the application form. Applications may be withdrawn or rejected if AI is used inappropriately at any stage of the process.
Writing your application
We only accept online application forms, so it is important to understand what information we ask for and how it is used.
- Personal details
This information is not shared with the line manager during the shortlisting stage. It is used solely so we can contact you with updates and outcomes at both the application and interview stages.
- Employment history
This section helps us understand your experience and the skills you have developed. Please provide clear detail about your roles, including your responsibilities and a brief overview of your duties.
- Qualifications
This is a key part of the application, as many roles within the college have essential qualification requirements, such as English and maths at GCSE Level 2 or equivalent. Please ensure all relevant qualifications are clearly listed.
- Supporting information
This is your opportunity to demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Use this section to provide relevant examples from your experience that show your skills, knowledge and suitability for the role.
Using AI to support your application
AI can be a useful tool to help you present your experience clearly and confidently, but it must reflect your own voice.
Acceptable use
You may use AI to:
- Refine and clarify your ideas and examples.
- Research publicly available information about West Notts College and the role.
- Check spelling, grammar, and clarity.
Effective use examples
- Ask AI to help structure and present your skills, qualifications, or leadership experiences clearly.
- Identify key skills from the job advert and consider how you’ve demonstrated them in previous roles.
- Structure examples using STAR or other methods to strengthen your responses.
- Check that your answers are concise while maintaining their meaning.
Unacceptable use
Do not use AI to:
- Inflate or invent skills, experience, or qualifications.
- Copy generic responses that don’t reflect your own experience.
- Complete assessments designed to evaluate your abilities, such as situational judgement, numerical, or personality-based tests.
- Share sensitive or confidential information, including organisational data, financial figures, or personal details.
Using AI in these unacceptable ways may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.
Using AI tools to support your interview
At West Notts College, we encourage candidates to use AI tools as part of their interview preparation. AI can support you by helping to:
- Practice interview questions and refine your answers
- Research the college and the role you are applying for
- Explore industry trends and relate them to your experience
However, AI must be used responsibly. It is not acceptable to:
- Exaggerate or invent your skills or experience
- Generate answers during a live or recorded interview
- Produce responses to scenario-based interview questions
- Share sensitive or confidential information about the College
AI should support your preparation, but your responses must always reflect your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Using AI to prepare for interviews or assessment centres
If you are invited to an interview or assessment centre, AI can help you practice in advance. Useful approaches include:
- Creating mock interview questions from the job description
- Practicing behavioural questions and structuring your responses
- Reviewing and refining your answers while keeping them personal
- Getting tips on communication, body language and interview technique
Important: AI must not be used to generate answers during the interview itself. Your responses should always be your own.