AI is everywhere in the job search process - and it's not just candidates who are using it. Recruiters, too, rely heavily on AI to screen resumes, filter candidates, and streamline hiring. In fact, over 90% of large companies use AI for these purposes (Jobscan). But here’s the challenge - they also see a lot of AI-generated content. That means it's crucial to use AI wisely - not as a crutch, but as a tool to refine and enhance your materials, helping you stand out rather than blend in.
This blog post is designed to be a companion resource to The Coders Guild’s QuickBytes session on AI in Job Search and the talk I recently gave at LeedsJS. Here, we’ll guide you through how to use AI tools effectively across various stages of your job hunt - from enhancing your CV and LinkedIn profile to preparing for interviews and matching with the right job opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about using AI - it’s about using it well.
Stay in the loop - Follow The Coders Guild on LinkedIn to get notified about our next QuickBytes session.
1. AI for CV Enhancement - Use It, Don’t Depend On It
Your CV is often your first chance to impress a potential employer. AI can help refine and enhance it, but remember - you want to maintain a personal touch. Let AI assist you in improving your draft, but don’t let it do all the work for you.
For example, here’s how AI can help refine a CV bullet point:
- OriginalBuilt a website using JavaScript.
- AI-Enhanced - (prompt for Chat GPT: you take the role of a careers advisor and mentor with knowledge of Javascript and software engineering please rewrite this bullet point for my CV to make it more appealing to employers)Developed a dynamic personal website using JavaScript, incorporating responsive design and interactive features to showcase projects and enhance user engagement.
- Final Version - with a human touchDeveloped a dynamic personal CV website using JavaScript and a responsive, mobile-first design.
The AI version is good - but your final human-crafted edit should make it even better by tailoring it to reflect your unique voice and the role you’re applying for. This is where AI shines - helping you iterate and polish, not replacing your input.
Some Suggested Tools:
- Jobscan - Optimise your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and tailor it to specific job descriptions.
- Careerflow.ai - AI-driven resume improvements based on industry best practices.
- kickResume - Turn your LinkedIn Profile into a CV
- Teal - Job search and CV tools in one
2. Crafting a Strong Cover Letter with AI
Cover letters are an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job. AI tools like Grammarly and CoverDoc.ai can assist with structure, tone, and grammar, but again, be sure to apply your own voice.
Best Practices:
- Use AI to fix grammatical issues and suggest improvements.
- Let AI help you align the cover letter with the job description by highlighting relevant skills.
- Personalise the final draft - tailor it to the company and position to make sure your voice comes through.
Some Suggested Tools:
- Grammarly - For clear, professional writing.
- CoverDoc.ai - AI-assisted cover letter generator tailored to job descriptions.
- HemingwayApp.com - Makes your writing more concise and correct.
3. Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile with AI
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you’ll make online. AI tools can help you refine your headline, summary, and even suggest skills and networking opportunities to improve your visibility.
Did you know? LinkedIn has its own AI suggestions for keywords, skill enhancements, and networking connections. By optimising your profile with the right AI tools, you can ensure you’re getting noticed by recruiters and industry professionals.
Some Suggested Tools:
- LinkedIn Resume Builder - Optimise your LinkedIn profile for recruiter searches.
- Jobscan - Analyse your LinkedIn profile for better keyword targeting.
- Careerflow.ai - AI-driven LinkedIn profile enhancements for increased visibility.
Key Benefits:
- Boost visibility in recruiter searches by optimising your profile with the right keywords.
- Expand your network with AI suggestions for connections and influencers in your industry.
- Get content ideas from AI to keep your LinkedIn feed active and relevant.
4. Preparing for Interviews with AI
AI can help simulate interview scenarios and generate practice questions tailored to the roles you’re applying for. AI-powered platforms allow you to rehearse answers, analyse your performance, and improve over time.
Some Suggested Tools:
- Interviewing.io - Mock interviews with AI feedback.
- Pramp - Pair programming and interview practice.
- Interview Warmup by Google - AI-driven interview prep, offering instant feedback on your responses.
Key Benefits:
- Practise realistic interview scenarios with AI-generated questions.
- Improve your performance with instant feedback on answers, body language, and tone.
- Build confidence through repetition in a low-stress environment.
5. AI-Powered Job Matching
Finding the right job can be overwhelming, but AI tools can simplify the process by matching you with roles that align with your skills, experience, and preferences.
Some Suggested Tools:
- Talentpris - AI-powered job matching based on your unique skill set.
- ResumeNerd - Job matching through AI-powered resume analysis.
- Sonara - Receive personalised job recommendations tailored to your qualifications.
- Arytic - AI-driven job search tailored to your experience.
Key Benefits:
- Focus your efforts on job opportunities that are the right fit for you.
- Save time by receiving curated job listings aligned with your preferences.
- Get notifications for roles as soon as they become available.
6. Ethical Considerations When Using AI
While AI offers incredible advantages in job searching, it's essential to approach it responsibly. Candidates must be aware of the ethical aspects involved in using AI-driven tools, such as:
- Transparency: Understand how and when AI is being used in the recruitment process.
- Fairness: AI tools should be unbiased, but it’s vital to be mindful of potential algorithmic biases.
- Privacy: Ensure your data is handled securely when using AI platforms.
- Authenticity: Use AI to enhance your applications, but always let your unique voice and qualifications shine through.
The Rule of Thumb for AI in Your Job Search - Be Ready to Explain It
Whenever you use AI in your job search, always think about how you would explain it during an interview. Imagine the interviewer asking you,
If you can comfortably answer that question and describe how AI helped improve your CV, cover letter, or preparation - without replacing your personal input - then you're using AI in the right way.
The takeaway - AI is here to assist, not replace. Use it to get to the next level, but make sure your unique skills and personality shine through in every part of the application process.
Final Thought - AI is transforming job searching, but success still depends on how well you use it. By integrating AI tools in a thoughtful and strategic way, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the modern job market - and you’ll stand out in a crowd of AI-assisted applications.
Stay in the loop
Follow The Coders Guild on LinkedIn to get notified about our next QuickBytes session.
Join LeedsJS for more info and to be alerted to our friendly monthly meetups
