Ai Novice, Should I Mention Ai on My CV?

Short answer: Yes. But with a caveat - only if you’ve genuinely explored it.

In this climate, not mentioning any AI experience (no matter how small) might quietly signal you’re not keeping up. But pretending you’re fluent when you’re still on the basics? That’ll get sniffed out fast. Authenticity is key, and curiosity, when demonstrated properly, is powerful.

Why It Matters

The skills market is shifting under our feet. Recruiters and hiring managers aren’t just looking for experts — they’re looking for learners. People who aren’t afraid to explore, experiment, and evolve.

So even if you’re still figuring it out, showing that you’re engaging with AI — even at a beginner level — tells a future employer: “I’m aware of what’s coming, and I’m preparing for it.”

If you’re in Recruitment, TA, or HR, that’s not optional anymore. The tech is already changing how we screen, hire, onboard, and retain. Ignoring it? That’s a risky move.

Don’t Oversell It, Don’t Undervalue It

Let me be blunt: don’t lie.

There’s no need to say you’ve “led AI transformation projects” when all you’ve done is tried ChatGPT to help write a job post. But do mention that. If you’ve tested how AI tools can speed up your admin, brainstorm interview questions, or even summarise candidate feedback — that’s real engagement.

In a world where AI capability is becoming the new digital literacy, showing you're using the tools , even playfully, is a signal of adaptability. And trust me, that signal matters.

3 Things You Can Do Right Now (And Yes, You Can Put These on Your CV)

If you’re starting from zero, here are three ways to engage with AI today — no PhD required.

1. Learn the Art of Prompting (talking to GPT etc)

Using AI well isn’t about typing random questions into a box. It’s about structuring prompts that deliver useful, contextual answers.

If you’re in HR or Recruitment, experiment with prompts like:

• “Create a first-round interview scorecard for a customer service role.”

• “Summarise these 3 CVs for me and highlight key differences.”

Learning prompt structure is a modern-day skill. The better your prompts, the better your results. Add this to your CV as:

“Developing foundational skills in prompt engineering to enhance efficiency in recruitment and candidate engagement.”

2. Listen to 3 AI Podcasts a Week

Start absorbing. Podcasts are an easy entry point. They’ll help you stay on top of emerging trends and understand use cases in a digestible way.

Three recommendations:

• “The AI Breakdown”

• “Multiplai ai" (one of my fav's)

• "Aionion" (shameless plug launching in September 😉)

CV addition:

“Engaging with AI industry trends through weekly podcast learning to inform recruitment strategies.”

3. Find a Personal Problem and Fix It with AI

Got a problem that bugs you? A messy calendar, chaotic inbox, or disorganised notes? Use AI to solve it.

This builds confidence and shows initiative. For example:

• Automate your weekly to-do list using Notion AI

• Use ChatGPT to write a meal plan for a specific diet or training plan

• Summarise meeting notes with Otter.ai

CV example:

“Exploring generative AI applications for real-life problem solving to develop practical knowledge and use-case awareness.”

AI on Your CV? Only If It's Real

Being an AI novice is not a red flag. Staying one indefinitely might be.

So get started. Play, test, build confidence — and let your CV reflect that journey. Just keep it real.

If you’d like me to send you some ideas as to how to get started, just comment Yes 👇🏻 And connect with me and follow daily for more practical AI insights — this is only just beginning.

💬 Quote:

“In the future, the illiterate will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler

✅ 3 Additional Actionable Insights:

1. Don’t hide your AI curiosity — show it, even if it’s early-stage.

2. Make AI experimentation part of your weekly learning ritual.

3. Learn to prompt like a pro — it’s the new typing skill.