Digital technology has revolutionized the way we approach various aspects of our lives, including job applications. With the rise of AI-generated job applications, cover letters and resumes, candidates often find themselves grappling with feelings of desperation and exhaustion, especially in a tough economy. But how should one navigate this new landscape and stand out amidst the competition?
Below, 17 Forbes Human Resources Council members share insights from industry experts who offer valuable advice for candidates facing rejection and seeking to regain their momentum. These experts provide practical tips to help candidates overcome the challenges of the AI job application era and increase their chances of success.
1. Align Your Strengths And Passion With The Job Requirements
Highlight your strengths and passion, aligning them with job requirements. Use AI tools to enhance your resume, but remember substance matters most. Embrace resilience, targeting roles that align with your true potential. Success awaits beyond rejections. – Sudhir Singh, Sound Agriculture
2. Personalize And Express How You Fit The Opportunity
Technology is making many aspects of the recruiting process easier and more efficient, but nothing can replace the human connection between candidate and employer. It’s not an either/or choice—we need both. While AI and ChatGPT can help, candidates still need to personalize and express how they uniquely fit the opportunity. That authenticity will come through clearly. – Sarah Peiker, Orion Talent
3. Utilize Tools To Reflect Your Details And Thoughts Accurately
Technology is a tool that is to be utilized. If applicants are using tools that can accurately reflect the details and thoughts that they are looking to express, then they are utilizing the resources in hand that they have to land the job that they desire. The responsibility falls on the employers to create proper interview selection measures to ensure that they are hiring their best applicants. – Omar Alhadi, Adobe Care and Wellness
4. Focus On The Human Interaction Aspect
Technology should motivate companies to provide service more efficiently; however, the human interaction between recruiters and job candidates should prevail. The potential impediment is not how to use the technology but that HR professionals must refrain from deploying all artificial intelligence platforms. The core values of HR management should prevail over technology. – Dr. Nara Ringrose, Aquila Nuclear Engineering
5. Prepare For The In-Person Interview
According to February 2023 research of job seekers who used ChatGPT to write application materials, 70% reported a higher company response rate and 78% landed an interview. It is not new that many job seekers do not write their own resumes and cover letters, AI is just today’s way of doing it. The interview is still the critical component of the recruiting process separating top talent from others. – Laci Loew, XpertHR (a division of LexisNexis)
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6. Check Keywords In Your Resume
AI-based applications provide outcomes based on a pre-defined data set. Therefore, candidates need to recheck if their resumes contain keywords in line with the job description for the role they are applying for. These keywords include technical and behavioral competencies. The applicant tracking system picks only those resumes which have these essentials. A tailor-made resume is the key. – Subhash Chandar, Laminaar Aviation Infotech
7. Devote Saved Time Into Building Relationships, Research And Role Alignment
Having third parties write resumes has been a standard for many years. Transitioning to AI only makes it a simpler and more streamlined process. Resumes are door openers and marketing documents. The time saved should translate into time invested in building relationships, company and competitor research, role alignment and preparing for the interview so that you have a clear path to success. – Julie Hankins, NNIT
8. Tailor Your Materials To Each Job, Highlight Your Unique Skills And Network
AI-generated job materials can save time but may lack personal touch. Tailor materials to each job and highlight unique skills. Network to find opportunities and take care of yourself during the process. – Smarthveer Sidana, HireQuotient
9. Showcase Your Unique Personality, Attributes And Qualifications
While AI-powered large language models like ChatGPT can now create content like resumes and cover letters from prompts, I would advise job seekers to not be fully reliant on its outputs. It’s critical that they personally inject their unique personality, attributes and qualifications into their applications versus relying solely on a bot that will generate more standardized and generic content. – Albert Galarza, telusinternational.com
10. Be Mindful For The Potential Of Large Language Model Mishaps
A lot of applicants are already using large language models (LLM) such as ChatGPT to create cover letters and even resumes tailored to every requisition. In some cases, it can work in their favor to show that their interest and skills are a good fit for the role, but in many cases, LLM matches the keywords, but semantics and context are different, making the candidate’s application weaker. – Siddharth Sharma, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
11. Be Resilient
While AI streamlines the application submission process, it can’t replace one’s ability to authentically convey passion, purpose and fit. The best applications demonstrate a genuine interest in the role and the value someone brings to the job. AI-crafted resumes might secure an interview, but your performance in the interview is what will secure the job. Job seekers must remain resilient. – Marcus Bryant, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
12. Take Advantage Of The Tools And Resources Available To You
Take ethical advantage of the tools and resources available to you. In addition to accelerating the process, leveraging AI generation to automate and optimize will simplify your efforts to effectively express your fitness for the role while tailoring your resume or cover letter to the role and industry you’re applying to. Just be sure these tools are supplementing your efforts, not replacing them. – Will Gaines, Super Store Industries
13. Use AI-Generated Job Applications To Effectively Navigate The Employment Market
AI-generated job applications, cover letters and resumes serve as powerful tools in modern job hunting. By enhancing efficiency, customization, quality and data-driven optimization, they help job seekers navigate the challenging employment market more effectively and mitigate application fatigue. – Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
14. Keep On Applying
The best advice: keep applying. It takes only one “yes.” It can be an ego-shattering experience as rejection notices pile high. There are multiple tentacles to the hiring process. Sometimes the job is already filled, and the company needs to advertise for compliance—an internal referral usually takes precedence. It comes down to timing. Remember you are your own business. Invest in yourself. – Patricia Sharkey, Sharkey HR Consulting, LLC
15. Be Selective And Focus On What You Can Offer
We encourage candidates to personalize their resumes, cover letters and applications. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out in a competitive market. Be selective and focus on your unique skills and experience in your job search. Network, mentor and don’t lose hope— resilience and authenticity will help you find opportunities in a tough economy. – Joseph Soares, IBPROM Corp.
16. Personalize Your Cover Letter And Edit AI-Generated Content
Candidates should view AI bots simply as a tool to assist them in their job search. While there is nothing wrong with generating a first draft of a cover letter through AI, candidates should personalize their cover letters to maximize their chances of success. They should also edit any AI-generated content carefully to ensure its accuracy and that it reflects their identity as a candidate. – Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
17. Use AI Tools As An Asset To Assist But Don’t Plagiarize From Them
AI technology is there to help you work smarter, not harder. You will not be replaced by AI; however, you will be replaced by an individual who knows how to use it effectively. In a world that places great focus on operation efficiency, doing more with less and eliminating wasteful processes, I urge candidates to use the tool as an asset to assist with applications while not plagiarizing from it. – JacLyn Pagnotta, Rose Associates Inc.
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