If you’ve been job searching lately, chances are you’ve thought about turning to AI for help. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Claude, or another tool, there’s a lot of noise out there about how AI is transforming recruitment, and job seekers are wondering how (or even if) they should be using it.
As a career coach and former recruiter, I’ve seen the good and the bad when it comes to AI in job hunting.
When used well, AI tools can save time, help focus ideas, and even boost your confidence. Used badly, it can make your application blend into a sea of sameness and sound nothing like you.
Here’s how you can make AI work in your job search…
Use AI to polish – not write – your cover letter
Let’s get one thing straight. AI can’t explain your motivation for why you actually want the job. That part is up to you.
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is copying and pasting a job description into ChatGPT and asking it to write their cover letter. This results in a generic, flat, overly formal letter that recruiters can spot a mile off. Many of my former recruitment colleagues are already seeing near-identical applications coming through, which isn’t a great look.
Instead, write a first draft yourself. Get your core message down – write down why you’re interested in the role, what you bring, and why you’re interested in the specific employer. Then ask AI to help you improve the flow, structure, or clarity – depending on where you think you need help. You’ll end up with a new version, where you can pick out the bits you like, and leave the bits that don’t sound like you.
Use It for company research – with caution
AI can be a useful shortcut when you’re trying to get to grips with a new industry or explore a company’s background. My clients have used it to:
- Learn more about company culture and values
- Understand competitors and trends in a sector
- Get a quick overview of new industries they’re considering moving into
You can even ask ChatGPT to suggest a list of, say, fintech start-ups in Manchester if that’s your target market – which helps identify companies to research or reach out to.
It’s important to remember that AI’s info isn’t always up to date. For more recent insights, supplement it with a quick Google, or better still, talk to someone who works in the field.
Don’t just apply – start conversations
So many job seekers worry that their applications are being filtered out by algorithms before a human even sees them. But in reality, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to organise and manage applications – not to automatically reject them. Just because a company uses an ATS doesn’t mean your application won’t be read by a real person.
But that still doesn’t mean you should rely purely on online applications.
If I could give you just one piece of advice in this AI-obsessed world, it would be this: networking matters more than ever. Having a real conversation with someone inside your target industry massively increases your chances of being noticed. AI can help you find the right people – but only you can start the conversation.
Remember: AI Is a tool, not a strategy
AI can suggest, polish, and support, but it can’t replace your own voice, experience, and motivation. Use it wisely, and always keep the human element front and centre.
And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not sure what to say in your applications – that’s where career coaching can help.
If you want to know more about my Career Boost Programme and how it can help you figure out your next move, get in touch for more information.
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Keen to ‘sell’ yourself? Read this!
