Using AI in Our Recruitment Process

The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) within the recruitment process is increasing and here at Essex County Council (ECC), we think there are lots of benefits to this. But we also believe in a human approach to our recruitment process.

We love getting to know our colleagues and learning about the unique skills that make them stand out, whether they are already part of the Council or individuals looking to explore opportunities with us.

If you’re about to apply for one of our vacancies, feel free to use AI tools to assist you; your decision to use AI will not impact our assessment of your application. However, if you choose to use an AI tool, we recommend reviewing our guidelines on the appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI to ensure a fair and transparent process. After all, we want to see the real you.

• Do use AI to gather information about ECC – research into organisations is key when applying for roles
• Do use it to help spell check and format your CV – sometimes it’s the tiniest of details that score applicants higher
• Do use AI to help describe your job responsibilities – some individuals struggle with writing about their own skills and experiences
• Do use it to gather ideas for your supporting statement – AI can help align your skill set with the job advert

• Don’t copy and paste the research from AI – use it as a base for you to develop your knowledge
• Don’t use it to embellish your knowledge, skills or experiences – we want you to be comfortable and confident when we ask you about these.
• Don’t use AI to write your supporting statement – all our hiring managers will read the supporting statement. This is our first chance to get to know you and not an AI generated statement

• Do use AI tools to help you prepare for an interview – it can help with creating mock interview questions and show you how to use the STAR method confidently
• Do use AI tools to practice your answers – some AI tools even give you feedback as to how you can improve your answers
• Do use AI tools to help create a ‘brag book’ of your experiences that are listed on your CV – having a brag book is a way to help you have notes to hand during your interview

• Don’t use AI tools to answer questions during a virtual interview with ECC – we want to get to know the real you. Plus, it breaks the flow of your interview
• Don’t use AI to develop imaginary examples during your interview – our hiring managers may ask follow up questions to your answers to get a better understanding of the example
• Don’t copy and paste information from AI onto presentations/documents – our hiring managers may ask you about your work and see how in-depth your knowledge is

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We are looking for individuals who embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan Principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

If you wish to apply under our disability job interview scheme and would like to use an AI tool as a reasonable adjustment, such as taking notes, please speak to one of our Recruitment Consultants who can discuss how this can be supported.

Transparency is key when using AI, therefore it’s only right that we let you know that there will be occasions when the Talent and Resourcing team have used AI (Copilot to be exact) to support us with writing relevant job adverts. The team do not use AI sifting or detection tools as part of our recruitment process. Every stage is handled by people, because we believe in a human approach.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our approach. We’re committed to making your experience positive and transparent – and we can’t wait to see what makes you unique. Good luck with your application!

Ready to apply?

Visit our Search and Apply page to see what roles we have available.