How to Use AI to Maximise Your Job Search: A Definitive Guide

Ever since the introduction of AI, we've seen a transformation - and this is particularly true for the job search process.

AI tools are now being used by both candidates and hiring managers to speed up the recruitment process, increase efficiencies and boost performance.

But how can you best use AI in your job search?

In this blog post, we provide a definitive guide on how to use AI to boost your job search, and provide tips to ensure you maintain your unique voice and a personal touch.

1. Writing Your CV with AI

Using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, or Microsoft's CoPilot, can be a huge timesaver when creating your CV. From helping compose your personal statement, to summarising your key responsibilities within a role, it can provide a great foundation to a comprehensive and engaging CV. You can also input job descriptions and ask the AI tools to analyse and highlight what areas of experience on our CV you should make most prominent - giving more success when passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Tips for Using AI CV Tools:

• Tailor Your CV: Always customise your CV for each job application. This doesn't mean a complete rewrite of your CV each time - simply adjusting your personal statement and including the key skills they're after is enough. Just make sure you only include skills you genuinely have experience in.
• Maintain Your Voice: Remember, your CV is a professional reflection of you. Make sure it still reflects who you are - avoid using overly generic language that will just make your CV blend in with others.
• Use as a Guide: AI should only be used as a tool or template - use this as a starting point to then customise and create your own unique CV.

2. Identifying and Preparing for Interview Questions

There are many AI tools and platforms you can use to prepare for interviews. One way is to use generative AI tools to input the job description and ask it to generate questions based on the content. You can then input your CV and ask it to create model interview answers for specific questions based on your experience.

Google have also released the tool Interview Warmup - an AI-powered platform that simulates job interviews for your sector. It will ask you a question, and using your microphone, you simply say your answers as you would in a real-life interview situation. This tool then provides feedback on your responses, and helps you prepare for both technical and behavioural questions. This tool can highlight how you answer your questions and areas you need to improve.

Tips for Using AI in Interview Prep:

• Personalise Your Answers: AI is great at suggesting generic "stock" answers - but what if everyone answers the interview questions using the same AI responses? This is why personalising your answers is key. Use the AI responses as a starting point, but then tailor your actual answers drawing upon specific examples from your experience.
• Practice Aloud: Make sure to practice your answers aloud - they need to sound natural and confident, and not as if they're read off a script. Record yourself answering questions and listen back - you'll be able to assess if you're speaking too fast/slowly or if you're using too many filler words (e.g. "err, umm, hmm...").

3. Writing Email Cover Letters

Not every job application is a one click CV submission. You may be required to email a copy of your CV to the hiring manager/recruiter - including a brief cover email will help your application stand out. If you're stuck on how to start, use AI tools to help. Enter in the job description and your CV and ask it to generate a short email highlighting how your skills match the position.

Tips for Creating AI-Assisted Cover Letters:

• Be Specific: Make sure you customise each cover letter for the job you're applying for. Mention the company name and specific details about the role that highlights your suitability.
• Check for Relevance: Always review AI generated content to make sure it's both relevant and accurate. It should only ever be a starting point, not the finished article. Pay particular attention to spelling and grammar - especially differences like American vs. British English.

4. Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile

AI can be a great way help you be creative within LinkedIn. Just by inputting a few pointers, you can get great suggestions for headlines and professional summaries. LinkedIn has even started to integrate it's own AI tools into the platform which can help you write headlines and skill endorsements (and even your LinkedIn posts!). But be aware; it's still in it's infancy, so any content generated still requires heavy editing.

Tips for Using AI to Optimise LinkedIn:

• Remember Your Unique Voice: Tone of voice and personality is important to showcase on LinkedIn - and AI often cannot recreate this well. Make sure your profile reflects your own personal brand and voice.
• Avoid Being Generic: You can spot a purely AI generated profile a mile off. Don't fall into the trap of relying too heavily on AI to create your profile or content. Keep highlighting unique experiences and achievements that make you stand out!

5. Other Ways AI Can Help Your Job Search

• Job Matching Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor use AI algorithms to match you with job opportunities based on your profile and search history.
• Skill Development: There are plenty of online learning platforms (such as Coursera and Udacity) which can use AI tools to recommend courses to take to enhance your skills.
• Networking: LinkedIn's integrated AI tools now suggests potential connections and industry groups on LinkedIn to help you expand your network.

Ready to Enhance Your Job Search with AI?

AI is revolutionising how we navigate our job search. Using AI tools for CV writing, interview preparation and optimising LinkedIn profiles can both streamline the process and increase your chances of securing your next job role.

Just remember, AI is a tool - it's a great way to generate ideas or to give you a starting point. Any AI aided content needs to be checked and thoroughly edited so you don't lose your individuality and ability to stand out from the crowd.

To find out what roles we currently have available, head over to our website. You can also get in contact with one of our consultants using the details below, to see how we can help you progress your career:

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