AI Tips for Job Seekers and Hiring Managers

Fun fact: We have been using artificial intelligence (AI) to support us in the hunt for talent (and new jobs) for a long time! 

Algorithms on career-focused social media platforms push the most appropriate candidates to hiring managers and jobs to seekers based on the information you have shared about yourself, your skills, your company, and so on. Even so, with the lightning-fast rise of ChatGPT, Bard and other AI platforms, conversation around the use of AI in our work and lives has been a hot topic. 

Pew Research released a report regarding AI in Hiring and Evaluating Workers in April. Through their research, it was determined that some 62% of Americans think the use of AI in the workplace will have a major impact on workers over the next 20 years. They also noted that people are generally wary and uncertain of AI being used in hiring and assessing workers. 

As the capabilities of AI become more refined and efficient, and as the use of these tools becomes more accessible and integrated, we should be open to embracing them, as long as we utilize them in a purposeful and ethical way. 

I am a job seeker. How should I use AI to support my search efforts?

• Crafting résumés and cover letters: Writing a great résumé and cover letter is a pain point for many job seekers throughout their careers. There are AI tools available now that can help you craft a résumé that best presents your experiences and capabilities. Grammarly is just one example of a solid AI writing assistant. If you’ve been having trouble getting responses to your applications, then consider trying one. 
• Tracking your applications: Career-focused websites have AI widely incorporated to both push appropriate jobs your way, and they also have ways for you to track the applications you have sent. Huntr is a cool CRM that allows you to create job wishlists, take notes and keep track of contacts. Follow up (and follow through) is so much easier when you can stay organized. 
• Generating questions: Most interviewers will ask, at some point in the conversation, “Do you have any questions for me?” It’s never a good idea to miss that opportunity, so come prepared! An AI chat bot can generate questions for you to bring into an interviewer. Paste the job description into the chat and ask the AI to create questions for you to bring to the hiring manager. 

I am a hiring manager. How will AI help me hire more efficiently?

• Simplifying the application review: At the end of the day, all hiring managers and talent acquisition professionals want is to find the best talent and fill open positions as quickly as possible. Think of the hours you have spent pouring through résumés and applications and imagine getting some of those precious minutes back. With AI tools, you can. LinkedIn, for example, has sophisticated tools available to recruiters that allow you to quickly whittle down your application pool based on qualifying factors. 
• Streamlining responses: Auto-generated smart text has made replying to messages faster, and it’s clear that those tools are rapidly improving. Consider automating some of the more routine tasks by utilizing a chatbot to answer some standard questions from applicants. LinkedIn has recently rolled out AI-generated message responses. When used correctly, these tools can enhance your employer brand, too.
• Embracing inclusivity: There are incredible tools available that support hiring teams in diversifying their workforces by embracing inclusivity and removing barriers. Textio has a product that aids you in refining your job descriptions that may be inadvertently turning away candidates you want to reach by swapping in more inclusive language. 

While there are so many great ways to use AI to support you in job seeking and hiring alike, I maintain that the human brain cannot be replicated. Our jobs are not being replaced. We can, instead, use these tools to work more quickly and efficiently. Experiment to find out what works, and what doesn’t, for you and your teams. Finally, continue to be involved, thoughtful, cautious and honest when using any tool, not limited to AI.