LinkedIn's AI Writing Assistant: Worth It for Job Seekers?
LinkedIn's AI writing assistant offers convenience in outreach, yet its effectiveness varies. Assess its pros and cons to determine if it suits your needs.
Networking on LinkedIn can sometimes feel like staring at a blank screen with a blinking cursor taunting you. You know you should reach out, build connections, and let people know you're on the job hunt... but getting those first words down?
That's a whole different challenge. LinkedIn's new "Write with AI" feature claims to be the answer. But is an AI-written message really the key to landing your dream role? Let's find out!
What is the AI Writing Assistant?
LinkedIn's AI Writing Assistant is like a little robot sidekick that lives inside your LinkedIn message box. Its mission? To help you get over that initial "what do I even say?" hurdle when reaching out to potential connections.
Here's how it works:
You start a new message.
Click on “Write with AI”
A special window pops up: With several options like "Introduce yourself," "Ask for advice" etc.
Click a prompt, AI does its thing. It spits out a draft message based on the prompt you selected.
You edit, personalize, and hit send!
A Few Caveats
Before you start dreaming of robot-crafted networking magic, there are some limitations:
English Only (For Now): Right now, it won't help with messages in other languages, but hang tight! We're expecting to add languages like Spanish, German, and more sometime this year.
Premium Feature: You'll need a LinkedIn Premium subscription to use it.
First-Message Focus: It's not a full-conversation assistant, just a Kickstarter. The AI assistant is meant for that first message only, once you start a conversation, it disappears.
LinkedIn AI Writing Assistant
LinkedIn is currently promoting an AI-powered writing assistant, designed to help users craft their initial messages with ease. However, like many tools offered by LinkedIn, this feature comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It's important to carefully weigh these before deciding to use it.
The Good Stuff
Even with its limitations, this AI assistant does have a few things going for it:
Overcoming the Blank Page
Let's face it, sometimes the hardest part of networking is simply getting started. The AI tool can give you that first push, breaking the ice and saving you from writer's block.
Learning by Example:
After a few AI-assisted messages, you might notice patterns. "Oh, so that's how you introduce yourself professionally!" This can inspire you to craft even better, more personalized messages on your own.
Spotting Low-Effort Outreach (Recruiter Perspective)
If you're on the receiving end of LinkedIn messages, AI-generated ones can be pretty easy to spot. This means thoughtful, personalized messages will stand out even more!
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Okay, let's be real. This AI assistant is not a magic solution to all your networking woes. Here's why:
1. Generic Language
Everyone using the AI gets similar prompts and results. This means the messages can start to feel robotic and impersonal – the opposite of what you want when you're trying to stand out. Think about it – if everyone's messages sound the same, yours won't make an impression.
While "Spotting Low-Effort Outreach" might seem a bit harsh, it's an honest evaluation. Imagine that as a recruiter, you received 4 messages from four different people, and they all have something like this as part of the message.
This one part of the message might give you a hint that it's been generated by AI.
Now, picture this: you're getting 100 messages a week from folks who just clicked on a button to create a message (that they probably didn’t even read), fully expecting a reply from the recruiter on the other side. Are you going to respond to all of them?
If not, then maybe that's why so many recruiters aren't getting back to people who send them similar messages.
Ever since LinkedIn implemented this AI writing tool, I've received six times more messages from job seekers than I used to. I reply to every single one, talking to over 100+ people. This is only manageable with some smart personalization and the help of text expander tools.
But a bunch of my recruiter friends? They're not replying. And why would they? Most of those messages feel pretty impersonal.
This is pretty much expected with the number of messages and info skyrocketing, not just from job seekers but from recruiters too.
2. It Gets in the Way of Building Your Voice
Your writing style is part of what makes you unique! Over-reliance on the AI means you might not develop your own authentic way of networking through messages. Your individual personality could get lost in the shuffle of AI-crafted sameness.
3. Can Sound Too Formal or "Sales-y"
The AI doesn't know your personality, your background, or the specific job you're interested in. This can lead to generated messages that feel stiff, overly focused on selling yourself, or even sound like they came from an infomercial rather than a real human looking to connect.
4. Potential for "AI Speak"
AI-generated writing sometimes has a certain feel – overly structured sentences, buzzwords thrown in for good measure. This can be a dead giveaway to a recruiter, making your message feel less genuine.
Examples Generated by LinkedIn AI Writing Assistant
Wondering what those generated LinkedIn messages look like? Here are some examples to give you a better idea. These samples will show you the kind of quality and style you can expect, helping you decide if they match what you're looking for in your communications on the platform.
Option: Introduce yourself
Option: Ask about someone’s time in their company (example 1)
Option: Ask about someone’s time in their company (example 2)
Option: Ask about job opportunities (example 1)
Option: Ask about job opportunities (example 2)
AI Tool, Not a Mastermind
It's important to manage your expectations. Think of this AI helper as a set of training wheels on a bike. It might help you get moving, but you won't be winning any races with them on. The goal is to build your own skills and leave the training wheels behind!
The AI is still learning
The messages it generates can feel generic or robotic because it's working with a limited dataset. The more people use it, the smarter it might become – but don't count on dazzling, personalized results just yet.
Best for specific situations
If the idea of starting a conversation leaves you paralyzed, the AI might be a temporary way to break through the fear. However, think of it as a stepping stone. The goal is to learn from the AI-generated examples, observe what works and what doesn't, and find those words that feel truly authentic to you.
It's a tool, not a replacement
Powerful communication is a vital skill in the job market. Using this AI assistant as a constant crutch might actually hinder you in the long run. Consider it a practice tool, not a lifelong networking companion.
Some folks have started adding a disclaimer so everyone knows they whipped up that message from scratch without help of AI.
Is AI Writing Assistant Worth it?
At this stage, the AI Writing Assistant is interesting, but flawed. It can help overcome that initial messaging hurdle, but it won't magically secure your dream job. Its true potential lies in the future.
Let's envision a tool that truly learns our communication patterns and the nuances of the roles we seek. In that scenario, the AI could act as a brainstorming partner, suggesting phrases or opening lines tailored to our style, inspiring us to craft even more compelling messages.
For now, consider approaching it with a sense of curiosity. If you find yourself frozen with anxiety when it comes to reaching out, the AI could give you enough of a nudge to get those fingers typing. However, be critical of its suggestions! Analyze what it generates: do certain phrases resonate, while others feel off? Use these insights to refine your approach and develop a style that is unmistakably your own.
Remember, genuine connections and thoughtful communication will always win out over generic, AI-assisted approaches. The best way to stand out in a crowded job market is to invest in yourself. Take some time to think about your strengths, what you're passionate about, and the unique value you bring to the table. Let that authentic enthusiasm shine through in your messages, and you'll make the kind of connections that truly matter.
3 Prompts to Craft Irresistible Job-Seeking Messages
Let's explore three powerful ChatGPT prompts that can help you craft irresistible job-seeking messages, complete with examples to inspire your own unique approach.