Using AI in your SEND job search: What you need to know
Are you using artificial intelligence (AI) to support your job search for a new role within SEND?
In this blog, we look at the changing landscape of job applications within education in the age of AI, what you should consider when using it and how it can be used positively to support your job search and applications.
How is AI being used to support job searching?
There are many generative AI tools available, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Claude, that are widely used daily to support people in a variety of ways, including when looking for a new role. Job seekers are using them to:
- Research a school or trust
- Review job descriptions
- Write/ edit CV’s and cover letters
- Prepare for interviews
The State of Volume Hiring 2026 report showed that 42% of job seekers would use or have used AI to help write a CV and 38% have used or would use AI to help write a cover letter. The most common motivators reported were to improve writing quality (51%), and giving themselves the best possible shot at getting a job (49%).
However, because of this, school leaders are reporting that they have found it difficult to differentiate between applicants when it was clear that AI had been used in applications.
Using AI within the SEND sector
Today, there is no doubt that AI skills can be valuable, and many of those working within education are using it to support their role (such as lesson planning), so showing you can use AI effectively, can be a positive skill to showcase.
However, what AI can’t do, is show who you are beyond your skill set. Schools are not simply looking at a transactional CV; they want to know you and understand things such as:
- Why you want to work with children & young people with SEND
- The settings and needs you have experience working within
- How you build relationships with your pupils
- How you respond to behaviour or dysregulation
- Your understanding of safeguarding
- Your resilience, adaptability and communication
- What you have learned from your experiences.
All of these are highly personal. AI should not create these for you; however, it could help you communicate them more clearly.
What to avoid and how to use AI effectively in your job search
- Writing your CV or cover letter from scratch
When AI has been used to write a CV or cover letter from scratch, you run the risk of producing generic copy, that is often similar to other content produced by generative AI tools. When hiring managers then shortlist for a role, you may not stand out for the right reasons.
Instead, use AI to refine your writing or to improve your grammar and structure. Always ensure it is in your own tone of voice and showcases your experience within SEND.
Example prompt: ‘Check this CV for spelling, grammar and repetition. Suggest improvements on structure. Do not change my tone of voice.’
- Claiming skills you are unable to demonstrate or exaggerating experience
Generative AI tools are not 100% accurate, and they can sometimes include information that is not representative of your experience. You should always ensure you fact check anything produced by AI.
Avoid prompts such as ‘write my CV with examples to match this job advertisement’.
Instead try this prompt: ‘Ask me 10 questions about my experience and help me identify examples relevant to this job role.’ Include a copy of the advert or job description, then use this information to support your job application.
- Asking AI to provide examples that make you the perfect candidate for the job
Prompts such as ‘Give me an example of when I have successfully de-escalated challenging behaviour’ will result in exaggerated content that is exaggerated or untrue of your skills and experience. Instead try this prompt: “Here is a job advertisement.
What are the five most important skills the school is looking for?’ You can then use these to ensure you have highlighted these on your CV or job application. If you do not have all the required skills, consider which transferable skills you can genuinely demonstrate.
- Do not include personal or sensitive information
You should not enter any sensitive information into AI tools, including identifiable information about pupils, schools or safeguarding incidents.
The Department for Education (DfE) has produced Generative AI in education guidance, that explores the risks and opportunities within education.
In summary, should you use AI to support your job search within SEND?
When used correctly, there are many pros to using AI, some of which have been highlighted above. However, it should be used to enhance and support your job search rather than do the job for you. AI can help organise your thoughts, improve your writing and prepare effectively for interviews. It cannot replace your personal experience, motivations for working within SEND and your ability to demonstrate those qualities to a school.
Where a specialist agency can support you
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we take a human-centred approach to recruitment. Our team of specialist consultants are experts in recruiting within SEND and we go through a thorough registration process with you. We will help ensure you are showcasing all your skills and experience effectively on your CV and applications, as well as fully preparing you for your interview. For further advice and support on your job search within SEND contact your Consultant on 0203 011 4848 or hello@psinclusion.co.uk.
