Here are the key points from the video “AI Can’t Make You Stand Out in Your Job Search, with Gina Riley”:

• AI can make applications sound generic: While generative AI helps create resumes and cover letters quickly, relying solely on it leads to generic documents that sound like everyone else’s. Recruiters and hiring managers spot these similarities and may not find them authentic.

• Custom storytelling is crucial: Gina Riley emphasizes job seekers should develop and use their unique career stories. Tailoring your application materials and highlighting specific results you’ve achieved will make you stand out, rather than using AI-generated sameness.

• Risks of mass-applying with AI: The “spray and pray” mentality causes jobseekers to apply everywhere quickly, often using impersonal materials. This can trigger blacklisting or filtering by applicant tracking systems due to volume or bot-like patterns.

• Networking and human connections matter: Building relationships, networking, and getting referrals are still far more effective than depending solely on online applications. Personal connections help you become the “obvious choice” to employers.

• Use AI wisely—as a support tool: Gina suggests using AI to help shape your stories or refine your materials, not to replace your own thinking. Feed AI your real results and experiences, then tailor the output, ensuring you sound like you—not like AI.

• Storytelling framework: She encourages using the “RAS” model when constructing resume bullets: Lead with the Result, explain your Action, and give the Situation/context. This structure spotlights your unique impact.

• Be strategic, not a “Swiss Army knife”: Focus your application and storytelling on what the employer needs, rather than presenting yourself as a jack-of-all-trades. Target your messaging to the companies and roles you are best suited for.

• Research and informational interviews: Gina recommends conducting research on companies and holding informational interviews before applying, to ensure your story and value proposition align with what those organizations want right now.

• Summary advice: Don’t wait to be “plucked out of obscurity” by job boards or AI. Proactive relationships, storytelling, research, and customization make you memorable and hireable in ways generic AI can’t.