The job search landscape has undergone significant transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and tools like ChatGPT. Savvy job seekers can harness these innovative technologies to streamline their search, enhance their application materials and stand out in a competitive market – but some employers have warned not to take it too far.

In this blog, we’ll explore how candidates can effectively utilise AI tools in their job search, and where exactly to draw the line.

Optimising your CV and cover letter

ChatGPT can help you refine your CV, ensuring it's tailored to the job you’re applying for and highlighting relevant skills. AI driven tools can also review your CV and suggest improvements to make it more effective. For example, ChatGPT identifies gaps in your CV and provides actionable advice to enhance its impact.

Additionally, AI tools can assist in crafting compelling cover letters, saving time and ensuring efficiency. It analyses job descriptions, extracting key phrases and incorporating them into your cover letter. This personalised approach increases the chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and impressing hiring managers – but not every employer feels positively about it.

Enhancing your online presence

AI can elevate your LinkedIn profile by making it more visible, engaging and effective. Tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can analyse successful LinkedIn profiles in your industry and suggest relevant headlines and summaries for your education, employment and personal section.

Additionally, AI can assist in crafting engaging content, such as posts that share industry insights, news or thought leadership pieces and in-depth articles for LinkedIn to showcase your expertise in your sector.

AI powered tools also help showcase your work, skills and achievements through online portfolios. Platforms like GitHub, Behance or WordPress demonstrate professionalism and provide recruiters with easy access to your work.

Preparing for interviews

ChatGPT can serve as a virtual interview coach, helping you  refine your responses to common questions, build confidence, and identify areas for improvement. You can even simulate mock interviews to practice in a low-pressure environment. ChatGPT will provide insights into frequently asked questions and optimal answers, helping you prepare.

You can also use ChatGPT to gather information on potential employers, including their company culture, their values and their mission statements. The tool can also prepare questions for you to ask during interviews, but it’s important not to fully rely on AI to prepare for interviews as the suggestions may not be unique, and therefore you won’t stand out from the crowd.

Using AI as a time saving tool

AI driven tools can help save you time and offer resources during your job search, such as

  • Virtual career coaching – there are a multitude of services online that offer guidance on CV building, interview preparation and career development, and hosting them all on one platform helps save you time searching for each tool individually.

  • Application tracking – some employers use AI when listing a role, allowing applicants to monitor their status and see where their application sits in the pipeline.

  • Skill assessments – many AI tools and platforms can identify skill gaps based on your CV and employment history and recommend relevant courses to allow you to upskill.

In order to maximise AI’s potential, it’s crucial that you stay updated in the latest AI advancements, experiment with various AI tools and platforms, and set boundaries by ensuring you balance AI and human judgement – AI cannot replicate everything accurately.

Anti-AI employers

While AI offers many benefits, some employers view its use in applications as "cheating." Research from our sister company SRG reveals a small but growing number of organisations actively discouraging or even banning AI in the hiring process., Organisations such as Arctic Shores are actively advising against this but AI resistant writing tools have already been deployed in some organisations.

The AI focused candidate screening platform HireVue have integrated detection of ‘cheating’ in to their technology by disabling copy and paste for candidates during assessments and preventing candidates from changing tabs during interview. They have also implemented the ability for  employers to see records of browser activity during interviews and more. Major employers in sectors like accountancy have adopted similar policies, signalling a hard stance of prohibiting the use of AI tools for candidates.

Embrace AI, but with caution

AI can be a powerful ally in your job search when used responsibly. By leveraging its capabilities to optimise your CV, enhance your online presence, and prepare for interviews, you can save time and stand out to employers. However, balancing AI-generated content with your personal touch is key to navigating the growing concerns around over-reliance on technology.

 

For more Lorien insights on the latest trending tech topics, click here. To utilise the tips we provided in this blog, visit our jobs page and explore new opportunities.