Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Your Job Search?

Yes it can!

In today's extremely competitive job market, your resume's first review is not by a human, but rather an algorithm. Many companies implore the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter, scan and rate resumes. Today's job market requires a little more than the traditional skillset of writing an effective resume to pique the interest of the Hiring Manager, the new resume needs to be optimized in order to be highly rated by the ATS system as a first line of review.

A young man sharing his qualifications during a job interview.

Many employers will disclose their use of an ATS to screen applications on their website. The use of AI in a job search may be beneficial to the productivity of the company and the applicant. The traditional resume may work fine; however, some applicants may consider leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to meet the demands of ATS to stand out from the crowded applicant pool by using AI to boost their application materials and chances of securing an interview.

The primary function of an ATS is to find keywords from the job description in an applicant's submitted application materials. Of course, these keywords can be manually added to a resume, but AI tools can be used to help the applicant identify and apply those keywords to their application materials in a moments time. AI platforms created to allow for the uploading of resumes and cover letters with generative prompting to tailor information to align with specific job descriptions as advertised. AI can also be used to create templates for resumes and cover letters based on specific careers as well.

Think of it as a communication medium. The hiring company is using AI to communicate. In order to be fully understood, the applicant may consider using AI to communicate with them effectively.

Companies may use Artificial Intelligence beyond the screening of application materials, by using AI tools to analyze responses during interviews. On the flipside, applicants can leverage AI job interview simulators such as "GreetAI" or "JobiBot" to conduct mock interviews in preparation for the actual interview, should the opportunity be presented.

As in many opportunities where AI can be a great resource, it is not a substitute for human instinct, knowledge and qualities. There are instances where AI can be beneficial, such as assisting both ends of the job search journey, but the best qualification for any career is being everything that makes you human - flaws and all.