Optimizing Your Job Search with AI Tools

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

Applying for jobs today isn’t what it used to be. Most employers now screen resumes using automated software before a human even sees it. But what are these resume robots looking for? And can job seekers use AI tools to their advantage and get noticed? The rise of artificial intelligence has completely changed the hiring and recruitment process. Candidates apply for a job online, and their applications get processed through software called an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System. The ATS will sort and rank applicants based on how well they match the job profile. For job seekers, though, these automated hiring tools can be a black box. You’ll never know which algorithms are being used, and you won’t know who or what is making the decisions. Job searches are already intimidating, and not understanding how these tools work can make it even scarier.

The Ethical Concerns

The use of AI in employment is raising serious ethical concerns about bias, privacy, and transparency. However, some advanced technology can benefit job seekers. Think about algorithm-based career networking platforms like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter that give you job recommendations and greater access to networking. You can also optimize your resume with keyword matching software, write your cover letter using generative AI, or practice an interview with an automated communication coach. It won’t feel the same as personal feedback, but it could improve your chances and give you a leg up.

The Power of Keyword Matching

One of the coolest hacks for job seekers is a keyword simulator. This software mimics an ATS by scanning your resume and comparing it with a job posting. If you have a high keyword match, your chances of moving on to the next round are better. However, if you have a low keyword match, you’ll probably end up in the rejection pile, even if you’re fully qualified for the job. There are two things to keep in mind before you get started. First, don’t try to trick the tech. Using white font or listing skills you don’t have isn’t being authentic. Remember, you’re trying to get seen by an actual human. Second, don’t use the same resume for each position you apply for. Tailor it for the job description every time and adjust it based on the requirements. Make sure it’s freshly updated with your qualifications.

Resume Optimization with Jobscan

Let’s walk through one of these resume optimization tools called Jobscan. Jobscan promises to get under the hood of an ATS and know what the resume robots are looking for. Here’s how it works:

1. Find an open position you’re interested in
2. Simplify your resume to a format that’s easy for the ATS to read
3. Create a scan on Jobscan by copying and pasting your resume and the job description
4. Review the scan results and look for a keyword match rate of at least 70%
5. Adjust your resume based on the scan results to increase your match rate
6. Take advantage of Jobscan’s power edit tool to easily edit your resume alongside the list of keywords you need to include
7. Save your jobs in Jobscan’s job tracker to keep track of your progress

Preparing for Interviews with Yoodli

Let’s say you make it to the next step and the hiring manager emails you for a Zoom interview. How do you prepare? You can rehearse in front of the mirror or ask a friend for help. Or, you can use an AI-powered speech coach online that helps you with your interview and gives you real-time feedback. One of those AI interview tools is called Yoodli

. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up for an account with Yoodli
2. Select the type of interview you want to practice
3. Answer the interview questions prompted by Yoodli
4. Receive an analysis of your interviews, including word choice, delivery, and feedback on areas for improvement
5. Use this feedback to refine your interview skills and increase your chances of success

Telling Your Story and Being You

AI-powered tools can definitely help you optimize your employment profile and save you time and energy. However, it’s important to remember that you still have to find a way to tell your own story and be yourself. While hiring and recruitment may never be 100% automated, there is still room for human intervention and personal assessment. Rejections do happen, but maybe the robot can give you some tips to redirect you. If you’ve tried any of these AI-powered tools, let us know how they helped you in your job search!

 

Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2024 

 

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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER

People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those

things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues. 

He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2700 episodes. 

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You will find great info to help with your job search at my new site, ⁠⁠JobSearch.Community⁠⁠ Besides the video courses, books and guides, I answer questions from members daily about their job search. Leave job search questions and I will respond daily. Become an Insider+ member and you get everything you’d get as an Insider PLUS you can get me on Zoom calls to get questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we do individual and group coaching.

Also, subscribe to ⁠JobSearchTV.com⁠ on YouTube and No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast for job search with more than 2700 episodes over 12+ years.in Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music and almost anywhere you listen or watch podcasts.

You can also have your #jobsearchquestions answered Tuesdays at noon Eastern. Search for Career Coach Office Hours on LinkedIn and mark that you’re attending. You’ll have access to the recording if you miss it live. 

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Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about coaching you during your job search at ⁠www.TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ to discuss one-on-one or group coaching with me 

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/T⁠⁠heBigGameHunter⁠

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