How to use AI for a job search: a comprehensive guide

When you’re searching for a new job, the process can feel stressful and overwhelming. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer useful ways to simplify your job search. But you need to know some best practices for using this technology. When you know how to use AI for a job search, you can automate the process while submitting polished, professional resumes that sound like you—not a robot.

We’ll discuss the following:

• Ways you can use AI for all stages of the job search

• 5 tips for leveraging AI to make your search easier

• Some dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you start using AI

How to use AI for a job search

In the last few years, AI has dramatically changed the way many people find and apply for jobs. Using this technology the right way can make a big difference in your job search. If you want to use AI for job searching but don’t know where to start, consider these ideas:

1. Plan your career path

Before you even start job searching, you need a plan. You can use AI-powered tools to plan for your future or assess your current career path. Some tools, like Career.io’s Career Assessment, use AI technology to evaluate your qualifications and recommend the best jobs to advance your career. You can also use AI to get ideas for using your transferable skills to make a career change.

When you use AI to plan your career path, provide detailed information about your professional background, including your education, past jobs, and skill set. With this information, AI tools can provide personalized recommendations. You can also use generative AI models, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google Gemini, to get feedback about your career when you provide specific prompts.

For example, some prompts you may use for career planning include: “What are some in-demand careers or industries that align with my skills?” or “What gaps do I have in my professional background, and how can I address them?” Others include “What steps can I take to advance into a leadership or management role?” and “What should I consider before making a career change to another industry?”

2. Find relevant jobs

If you’ve looked for a job recently, you’re probably already using AI in your job search—though you may not know it. Many job boards use AI technology to filter open positions by various criteria, such as location, experience level, or salary range. Using these filters can allow you to find jobs that match your skills and preferences.

When using an online job board, it’s a good idea to upload your resume and make a profile. That way, the platform’s AI technology can automatically match you with new jobs that align with your skills and experience. This technology also allows recruiters and employers to find your resume if they post a job that matches your qualifications.

3. Optimize your resume

Tailoring your resume to a specific job gives you a better chance at landing an interview. When you’re applying for multiple jobs, however, it’s time-consuming to tweak your resume for each one. AI technology streamlines the optimization process so you can apply for jobs more quickly without sacrificing this essential step.

Using ChatGPT, you can paste in a job description and ask it to write bullet points that use similar language and keywords. Provide details about your duties and achievements in other roles, so you can get bullet points that are unique to your experience. ChatGPT can even include quantifiable data, such as percentages and dollar amounts, if you provide this information.

If you want to use AI to build your resume from scratch, you have this option, too. Many AI resume writing tools allow you to quickly create a resume by inputting basic information, such as your past job titles. While you should customize an AI-generated resume to ensure it accurately reflects your skills and experience, these tools can give you a place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

4. Create a cover letter

Some wonder if cover letters are necessary anymore with many job seekers dreading to write them. Even when an employer doesn’t require one, including a cover letter with your resume can set you apart. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to create a cover letter using AI tools, like Career.io’s cover letter builder.

With an AI cover letter tool, you can quickly create tailored cover letters for different jobs. These tools can craft letters that resonate with hiring managers by using industry-specific language. Some tools also offer feedback on cover letters, showing you how to add keywords or adjust phrasing to make an impact on employers.

5. Practice interview questions

Interview preparation can make you feel more confident about discussing your skills and career achievements. You can use interview AI tools to predict questions an employer may ask and prepare insightful answers. This technology can also offer feedback, giving you recommendations about ways you can polish your answers to impress a hiring manager.

While you can use AI chatbots to type your answers and receive insights, some tools go a step further by simulating a real interview. You can practice responding to questions out loud and get feedback about the structure, tone, and clarity of your answers. These tools also provide advice about ways you can continue to improve your answers so you’re ready by the time your interview arrives.

6. Write job-related emails

Throughout your job search, you may write dozens of emails to hiring managers to introduce yourself, ask for updates, or send thank-you notes after interviews. When corresponding with potential employers, you want to make sure your emails sound professional. AI technology can allow you to draft customized, polished emails. Plus, using AI tools can ensure you send emails without spelling or grammar errors.

Prompt an AI chatbot to write a job-related email by offering clear parameters. For example, you can ask the bot to write a thank-you email that mentions a specific exchange you had with an interviewer. Review the AI-generated draft and add some personalized details so the email sounds authentic.

7. Improve your networking

While we’ve discussed various ways on how to use AI to land your next job, there is also networking. Making a connection with a prospective employer can increase your chances of landing a job. AI can be a helpful way to make these connections through networking. You can ask an AI chatbot to draft a personalized message you can send to a hiring manager. AI technology can also help you boost your online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile.

Once you make connections, you can continue to use AI tools to prepare for informational interviews, engage with people on social media, or follow up with new contacts. All these strategies can improve your professional network, which can significantly expand your job search.

5 Tips for using AI for a job search

Technology has its limitations. Before you start using it for your job search, review the following tips to fully understand how to use AI for a job search:

• Use it as a rough draft. Never submit a resume or cover letter that’s entirely written by AI, which can sound generic or inauthentic. Use AI to create rough drafts and build on those by infusing your own personality.

• Create specific prompts. When using generative AI models, create specific prompts to generate personalized responses and insights. The more details you provide, the better the technology can tailor its output to your background, skills, and expertise.

• Check grammar and spelling. Grammar mistakes and spelling errors can be huge red flags for many employers. Use AI tools to check all your materials for proper grammar and spelling before you hit submit.

• Be honest. The technology may change, but one part of job searching remains the same: Honesty is the best policy. Don’t use AI tools to inflate or exaggerate your experience to sound more impressive.

• Experiment with different tools. You can find numerous AI tools to assist with your job search, and many are free to use. Experiment with different tools to find the ones you feel most comfortable using.

Ready to take your job search to the next level with AI? Leverage the power of AI with Career.io’s Job Search Strategy and transform your job search for success!

Key takeaways

1. AI can be a powerful tool to use throughout your job search, from finding the right jobs to preparing for interviews.

2. You can use AI technology to optimize your resume and write a cover letter, but make sure you’re adding personalized details to set yourself apart.

3. For the best results with AI, provide specific information and create clear prompts so the technology can tailor its output to you.

4. There are many types of AI tools and models you can use for job searching, so experiment with different ones to find the right technology for you.