Jane Lu, the founder of the online fashion store Showpo, has shared what she calls the “worst job application ever.” The Australian entrepreneur suspects the application was written using artificial intelligence (AI), citing numerous glaring mistakes that reminded her of “ChatGPT copy and paste.”
In a TikTok video, Ms. Lu, who also appears as a panellist on Shark Tank, read excerpts from the application. She pointed out the applicant’s lack of attention to detail, showcasing how poorly crafted it was. One line stated, “I am confident that my experience in (relevant experience/skill) positions me as a strong candidate.” This vague phrasing highlighted the applicant’s oversight.
The application had missing key information, particularly regarding “specific projects, courses, or initiatives,” indicating that the applicant had not thoroughly proofread the document before submission. To make matters worse, the top of the cover letter included a leftover prompt from the AI, stating, “Here is a more polished and articulate version of your cover letter.”
Lu criticized the applicant for “copying and pasting this thing that’s, like, half-filled.” She later expressed her regret to the applicant for not advancing them to the interview stage, encouraging others to “use a little bit of this,” as she gestured to her head.
According to data from YouGov, nearly half of Australians—48%—are aware of major AI platforms like ChatGPT, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they actively use them. The statistics show that younger people are more inclined to rely on these tools, with 40% of ‘Gen Z’ and 37% of millennials having used ChatGPT at least once.
Jane Lu, a prominent figure in the fashion world, launched Showpo in 2010 from her parents’ garage. Over the past few years, her brand has grown significantly, becoming well-known for its stylish and affordable clothing. Additionally, she has published The Lazy CEO’s Guide to Starting and Growing an Online Business.