Job seekers are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools more than ever to improve their applications and practice interviewing. For many, the fear is that AI will displace millions of jobs. Hundreds, if not thousands, of candidates are already mastering technologies such as ChatGPT, Grammarly and Hemingway to improve their applications and improve their chances of landing interviews.
AI tools have gained traction for their ability to assist with writing tasks rather than completely crafting applications from scratch. ChatGPT can help candidates fine-tune grammar and improve clarity. This will make their submission more attractive in a competitive job market. As Hannah Salton, a careers coach, notes, clients have successfully used AI to condense and improve the quality of their resumes.
Enhancing Applications with AI
AI-driven platforms such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Hemingway are quickly becoming key tools for job applicants. These tools help writers of all levels make smarter choices to create strong, clear, and lively prose. Instead of using AI to produce or replicate warm, deep dives or biting critiques, candidates can leverage these applications to sharpen their own distinctive voices.
This client used chatGPT to tighten the focus on their most important skills, but kept their unique tone and style. This strategy helped to not only improve the quality of the entire document, but it shed positive light back on the candidate.
“One of my clients was struggling with a wordy CV,” – Hannah Salton
Martha Brook, a hiring manager in the tech industry, said she’s worried about over-reliance on AI-generated content.
This quote away from the application itself I think emphasizes how much the personal touch means in applications. The bottom line all candidates should make sure their submissions stand out by being truly unique and based on detailed research.
“Aside from the obvious copy-and-paste jobs from ChatGPT, many applications regurgitated the job description and sounded generic. In a pool of thousands, I’m looking for candidates who sound human, showcase their unique voice and show they’ve done their research rather than relying on AI to do the heavy lifting.” – Martha Brook
With the help of AI tools, candidates can now network more effectively. They work with people to find the SMEs that best match their skills, interests and experience. ChatGPT can recommend SMEs that have marketing teams located in the cities they want to apply to, helping job seekers narrow down their applications.
Networking and Researching with AI
Additionally, AI models such as ChatGPT and Perplexity can help job candidates thoroughly research prospective employers, competitors and industry trends. This study serves as a guide to organizational culture, areas of market development, and potential career paths.
That kind of information is priceless to have in the interview process where candidates can showcase an understanding of the company’s culture and business.
LinkedIn’s Career Coach is another great tool that highlights just how important crafting strong headlines and professional summaries are. As stated on their platform, beefing up these features can help get you noticed for almost two times as many jobs.
“They used ChatGPT to highlight their key skills more concisely. But they were careful to keep their authentic voice.” – Hannah Salton
As candidates practice for interviews, making sure to infuse their personality into their answers should be step one. Julia Morgon, a director at Brook Street, explains why you need to be anything but cookie cutter in interviews.
In additional, while AI may help candidates practice their responses, it can’t recreate the emotion and human touch that employers are really looking for. Eloise Skinner recommends that candidates practice saying their answers out loud.
Preparing for Interviews
Skinner describes this approach as allowing candidates to hear themselves think in real-time during interviews. She’s quick to add that nothing replaces the practice with real people that is still necessary to sharpen interpersonal skills.
“Don’t forget to inject your own personality into an interview. What makes you different from your colleagues is what employers see the most value in. AI can’t help you stand out as an individual on the day.” – Julia Morgon
Here’s one more reason to use AI when negotiating your salary, according to Tom Buckell.
“Saying your answers out loud provides a more natural and immersive practice experience,” – Eloise Skinner
With a clearer picture of incoming market trends, candidates have the ability to negotiate competitively with a broader scope of compensation.
AI tools, no doubt, will become an even more prominent player in the ever-changing environment of job application. While many fear that these technologies will replace jobs, they can empower candidates by enhancing their skills and providing valuable insights.
“This also gives you more options for increasing non-salary related benefits if your potential employer can’t meet your wage expectations,” – Tom Buckell
That mix of tech and human element will determine success in the job search of the future. Candidates who embrace AI responsibly, using it as a tool rather than a crutch, will likely find themselves better equipped to navigate the competitive job market.
The Future of AI in Job Applications
As the landscape of job applications continues to evolve, AI tools will likely play an increasingly prominent role. While many fear that these technologies will replace jobs, they can also empower candidates by enhancing their skills and providing valuable insights.
The blend of technology and personal touch will dictate future success in job hunting. Candidates who embrace AI responsibly—using it as a tool rather than a crutch—will likely find themselves better equipped to navigate the competitive job market.