How to Use AI For An Easier Job-Hunting and Application Process
72% of job seekers say that job hunting takes a toll on their mental health and with good reason. The work necessary to tailor resumes and cover letters, the time pressure, juggling job boards, interview preparation, and the uncertainty of the entire process all make it frustrating.
Luckily, job seekers can celebrate as Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer in job hunting. Here’s a deep dive into how to use AI for job applications to ease some of the stress.
Job Search and Matching
30% of respondents struggle to find jobs that match their skills and qualifications. This is because job descriptions aren’t always well-written, or job seekers want local or remote opportunities.
AI can do the heavy lifting. It can swing into action on job search platforms by analyzing your resume, profile, job preferences, and interactions, all to understand your skill levels and career goals. Based on its findings, it can identify and recommend fresh suitable job opportunities.
AI-powered tools, such as Teal HQ, typically take it a step further by identifying transferable skills and recommending roles with matching skills, even if the titles and keywords don’t match. Others like Talent.com reverse the process by allowing employers to reach out to you.
Skills Gap Analysis
What do a boxing match and the job-hunting process have in common? It’s the fact that you can’t hit what you can’t see.
A skills gap analysis compares your current skills and experience to job requirements, highlighting what you need to get to where you want to be. Such insight can save you from applying for roles you’re not ready for and guide you towards securing vital competencies first.
AI platforms can streamline this process. Tools like Rezi and Jobscan can analyze your resume against job descriptions to provide match scores and detailed gap reports. Another AI software, like Gloat, conducts skill diagnostics and informs you of your degree of readiness for various roles as well as the next steps to be fully ready.
Personal Branding and Networking Support
Job-hunting often involves standing out and getting noticed. You need to control how the professional world perceives you. Also, it’s essential to have someone mention your name in the right rooms. After all, a large percentage of jobs are never made public. Instead, they’re filled through referrals and connections.
Job seekers can use AI tools like ChatGPT to craft strong LinkedIn profiles, optimized with industry keywords and compelling headlines. You can also thoughtfully use it to generate content across various platforms to demonstrate thought leadership in your industry.
Similarly, this tool can be used to craft personalized outreach messages and discover online communities to connect with professionals in your industry.
Career and Interview Coaching
Coaching can make a difference in your career decisions and performance in interviews. It can offer clarity, helping you identify the right opportunities in the job market. By guiding you through rehearsing answers and projecting confidence, coaching can help you present yourself well during interviews.
AI platforms can function as your personal career coach or interview trainer. Cangrade’s Jules, for example, offers tailored professional and personal guidance. Equipped with 50 well-calibrated profile questions and strong introspection ability, a chat with Jules will yield hyper-personalized advice on:
- Preparing for interviews
- Advancing your career
- Managing stress and improving self-care
- Nurturing healthy relationships
Application Optimization
The job market is growing increasingly competitive, with hundreds of candidates often applying for the same role. This makes it imperative for your application to stand out in a sea of applications.
You can use AI platforms like Kickresume to scan a job posting and rewrite or adjust your resume to match the job more closely. The tools can implement proper formatting and include role-specific keywords that applicant tracking systems (ATS) search for.
AI tools can also help write or improve your cover letters, highlighting your relevant achievements while maintaining a strong professional tone.
Application Tracking and Follow-Up
A successful job search strategy requires you to stay organized and in control of your progress. You don’t want to forget where you applied, reapply, or miss follow-up deadlines.
With SkillSyncer and Careerflow AI, you can track jobs and journal your job search. Platforms like Notion AI can enable smart reminders to follow up on applications or interviews.
All job seekers should learn how to use AI for job applications. This will transform the job-hunting process from a frustrating experience to a smooth journey.