How to use Generative AI in your Job Hunt: Experts tips and practical use cases
Use generative AI to find hidden opportunities with job matching, craft multiple perfect resumes, and expand your professional network. Partner with Gen AI, but lead with your unique strengths.
If you’ve been in the job market recently, you’ve probably noticed something different. Maybe it’s the speed at which you can apply to positions, or the eerie accuracy of job recommendations popping up in your inbox. What you’re experiencing is the silent, yet seismic generative AI-driven shift to how we find and land jobs.
Let’s get one thing straight—Gen AI is not here to take your job. It’s here to help you find the next one. But like any tool, it’s only as effective as the person using it. So, how can you harness the technology to not just keep up, but get ahead in today’s job market?
I talked to Camille Trent, Director of Content and Community at Teal — an AI-based resume builder — on what the future looks like for job applicants.
Gen AI knows what you want—sometimes before you do
Remember the days of scrolling endlessly through job boards, trying to decipher whether a position was the right fit? That’s quickly becoming a thing of the past. Today, AI-enabled platforms like Teal are doing the heavy lifting, analyzing your skills, experiences, and even your career aspirations to match you with jobs that you might have overlooked.
“Gen AI job-matching tools are incredible because they remove some of the blind spots you may have about what roles you’re qualified for. They do a great job of connecting the dots between your skills and potential opportunities,” says Camille.
Pro tips for effective job matching
Keep your profile updated: Generative AI works best when it has accurate data. Regularly update your skills and experiences on platforms like LinkedIn and Teal
Leverage job alerts: Set up Gen AI-driven job alerts to stay on top of new opportunities that match your profile
Be open to hybrid roles: Don’t box yourself into one category. Gen AI tools can connect the dots between seemingly unrelated skills and suggest roles that are a blend of your experiences
The beauty of Gen AI in job matching is its ability to go beyond keywords. It understands context. So, if you’ve got experience in, say, content marketing but also dabbled in product management, AI can connect the dots and suggest hybrid roles that leverage both skill sets. This is where the magic happens—when you’re no longer just a content marketer or just a product manager, but a unique combination of the two.
Crafting the perfect resume is harder than it seems
We all know the feeling of staring at a blank Word doc, trying to summarize years of experience into bullet points that will impress a recruiter. It’s daunting.
"At first, I used ChatGPT to copy and paste the job description and then my resume and then ask it to customize resumes to match the job description. But it's not always successful because I have to be really specific, and I modify a lot of things. The resumes were getting more generic because, again, GPT doesn't know my background, right? So it's using a lot of resumes from other people to create my resume,” says Oktavianus Ludiro, Engineering Manager at CaptivateIQ.
But Gen AI is making this process less painful—and more effective.
By analyzing job descriptions and your past experiences, tools like Teal suggest the right keywords and phrases to include so that your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and lands on a human recruiter’s desk.
Best practices for optimizing your resumes
Use relevant keywords: Extract keywords from job descriptions and incorporate them naturally into your resume
Tailor your resume for each application: Don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all resume. Create tailored versions that highlight the most relevant experiences for each job
Focus on accomplishments: Quantify your achievements (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%") to make a stronger impact
“You should format your resume in a way the hiring manager (and ATS) prefers. But you shouldn’t have to submit something you hate. Ultimately, it’s a reflection of you. It’s their first impression.” says Camille.
And let’s not overlook the technology’s ability to tailor your resume for different roles. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all resumes. With Gen AI, you can quickly generate multiple versions of your resume, each one finely tuned to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job at hand.
Networking: Gen AI can help you connect
Networking is, and always will be, one of the most powerful tools in job hunting. But Gen AI is taking it to the next level by connecting the dots you didn’t even know existed.
Platforms like LinkedIn are leveraging the technology to suggest connections based on your career interests, industry, and even mutual connections. But it’s more than just a numbers game. Gen AI is helping you build meaningful connections by identifying people who are in your field and might have similar career trajectories or interests.
Pro tips for networking using Generative AI
Engage with recommended connections: Don’t just add connections and then ghost them—engage with them through comments, messages, or by sharing relevant content
Expand your network: Let Gen AI suggest people outside your immediate industry who might offer fresh perspectives or opportunities
Leverage it for follow-ups: Set reminders for following up with connections or scheduling catch-ups
Take the example of a hypothetical Mike Evans, a data scientist who was looking to transition into a more managerial role. Through LinkedIn’s Gen AI-powered recommendations, he connected with several professionals who had made similar transitions. These connections didn’t just expand his network; they provided invaluable advice and mentorship that helped him navigate his career change.
Interview prep: Generative AI can help you answer tough questions
Interview prep: Generative AI can help you answer tough questions
Several platforms are now offering personalized interview preparation, analyzing job descriptions to predict the questions you’re likely to be asked and suggesting the best ways to answer them.
Best Practices for Gen AI-Enhanced Interview Prep
Practice: Use platforms like Google’s Interview Warmup to simulate interviews and get instant feedback
Study common questions: Let Gen AI predict common interview questions and prepare your answers in advance
Focus on STAR responses: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to structure your answers, and get feedback on how well you convey your points.
And it’s not just about guessing the questions; you can practice your answers too. Tools like Interview Warmup from Google offer a simulated interview environment where you can practice answering questions and get instant feedback on your responses. It’s like having a personal interview coach available 24/7.
Continuous learning: How Generative AI can help you stay competitive
The job market is constantly evolving, and staying competitive means continuously updating your skills. Gen AI is not just helping you find jobs; it’s helping you stay employable in the long run.
Platforms are now offering personalized learning paths based on the skills you need to advance in your career. Whether it’s a new coding language, a certification in digital marketing, or leadership training, Gen AI can recommend courses and resources that fit your career goals.
Camille Trent highlights this growing trend: “I see generative AI being more widely adopted than even popular no-code automation tools soon. Though, the real value comes when used together. In a few years, it may reach verb status.”
Easy ways to make continuous learning a priority
Set learning goals: Use generative AI to identify the skills you need to stay competitive and set clear learning objectives
Leverage micro-learning: Incorporate short, focused learning sessions into your routine using AI-recommended content
Track your progress: Use AI tools to monitor your learning progress and adjust your path as needed
You’re still the hero
Job hunting can be soul crushing when you can’t seem to land interviews for perfect-fit roles and there isn’t enough time in the day to apply to everything. Use generative AI to find hidden opportunities with job matching, craft multiple perfect resumes, and expand your professional network.
By using the technology strategically, you’re not just keeping up—you’re getting ahead. But remember, while it can give you the tools and insights you need, it’s your creativity, persistence, and personal touch that will ultimately land you the job. So, partner with Gen AI, but lead with your unique strengths.
