"Tik-toker applies for over 550 jobs and doesn't hear back from any of them."
"Florida man tests the 'no one wants to work' theory by applying to 60 entry-level jobs and only gets one interview."
"I hit send on my online application, then received an automatic rejection email less than a minute later."
We hear stories like this from frustrated job-seekers all of the time. Unfortunately, as companies rush to incorporate AI screening tools to (supposedly) make the hiring process more efficient, the candidate experience has become increasingly labor-intensive. While there aren't any sure-fire guarantees to "beating the bots" when applying for a job in today's market, there are a few actions you can take to increase your chances that your resume gets reviewed by an actual living, breathing human.
Trade your WiFi network for your in-person network. When it feels like you can't win the online game, take your job-search offline by reaching out to your professional network. Call on former coworkers, former bosses or classmates. Let them know you're searching for a job and ask if they know of anything that might be a good fit for your skills, or if they know any employees at companies you're applying to. You might be surprised how many "friends of friends" can help you land your next position.
Use ChatGPT to update your application. You can use ChatGPT to proofread your resume, tailor it to a specific job posting, draft a cover letter, role play written interview questions and answers, or draft content to update your LinkedIn profile. Once you create an account for ChatGPT, test out different prompts such as "draft a cover letter to match this (copy-pasted) job posting," or "tell me the best answer to five common interview questions for a customer service representative." Of course, you'll have to review suggested output and practice interview Q&A yourself. Doing so adds personality and will help you deliver interview answers with confidence.
Use candidate AI to fight fire with fire. AI isn't just for big companies. New apps such as Interview Prep AI and Final Round provide practice opportunities and even teleprompter-style interview support for job applicants. Users can set up mock interviews for specific jobs and practice questions and answers. Not sure how you'd answer a question about problem-solving, conflict resolution or teamwork? Let AI teach you new approaches to answering these questions. Users can also set up a real-time teleprompter feature which, while it would take a little getting used to in order to use it seamlessly, can coach candidates in real-time during their interview.
Keep your resume simple and machine-readable. Remember, artificial intelligence has no ability to interpret fancy fonts, colorful formatting, unique designs or images. Keep a version of your resume in simple plain text format, loaded with skills, past duties performed and accomplishments (rather than names of schools, companies or references). Make it easy for the AI resume reader to "match" keywords from the posting to your resume. With many companies using AI, once you've used ChatGPT as suggested above, don't forget to list this as a skill on your resume.
Artificial intelligence in the hiring process is not new – companies have been using keywords to search and prioritize resumes and using automated assessments for years – but it is a space that is evolving rapidly. Job applicants can face this challenge head on and beat the bots by applying a few simple methods. By expanding your search efforts to include in-person networking, leveraging candidate-facing AI and keeping your resume clean and simple, you can increase your chances of landing your next new position.
Kelly Gust is the CEO of HR Full Circle, a Springfield-based consulting firm that provides talent management and human resources consulting to organizations of all sizes and stages. "Tik-toker applies for over 550 jobs and doesn't hear back from any of them."
"Florida man tests the 'no one wants to work' theory by applying to 60 entry-level jobs and only gets one interview."
"I hit send on my online application, then received an automatic rejection email less than a minute later."
We hear stories like this from frustrated job-seekers all of the time. Unfortunately, as companies rush to incorporate AI screening tools to (supposedly) make the hiring process more efficient, the candidate experience has become increasingly labor-intensive. While there aren't any sure-fire guarantees to "beating the bots" when applying for a job in today's market, there are a few actions you can take to increase your chances that your resume gets reviewed by an actual living, breathing human.
Trade your WiFi network for your in-person network. When it feels like you can't win the online game, take your job-search offline by reaching out to your professional network. Call on former coworkers, former bosses or classmates. Let them know you're searching for a job and ask if they know of anything that might be a good fit for your skills, or if they know any employees at companies you're applying to. You might be surprised how many "friends of friends" can help you land your next position.
Use ChatGPT to update your application. You can use ChatGPT to proofread your resume, tailor it to a specific job posting, draft a cover letter, role play written interview questions and answers, or draft content to update your LinkedIn profile. Once you create an account for ChatGPT, test out different prompts such as "draft a cover letter to match this (copy-pasted) job posting," or "tell me the best answer to five common interview questions for a customer service representative." Of course, you'll have to review suggested output and practice interview Q&A yourself. Doing so adds personality and will help you deliver interview answers with confidence.
Use candidate AI to fight fire with fire. AI isn't just for big companies. New apps such as Interview Prep AI and Final Round provide practice opportunities and even teleprompter-style interview support for job applicants. Users can set up mock interviews for specific jobs and practice questions and answers. Not sure how you'd answer a question about problem-solving, conflict resolution or teamwork? Let AI teach you new approaches to answering these questions. Users can also set up a real-time teleprompter feature which, while it would take a little getting used to in order to use it seamlessly, can coach candidates in real-time during their interview.
Keep your resume simple and machine-readable. Remember, artificial intelligence has no ability to interpret fancy fonts, colorful formatting, unique designs or images. Keep a version of your resume in simple plain text format, loaded with skills, past duties performed and accomplishments (rather than names of schools, companies or references). Make it easy for the AI resume reader to "match" keywords from the posting to your resume. With many companies using AI, once you've used ChatGPT as suggested above, don't forget to list this as a skill on your resume.
Artificial intelligence in the hiring process is not new – companies have been using keywords to search and prioritize resumes and using automated assessments for years – but it is a space that is evolving rapidly. Job applicants can face this challenge head on and beat the bots by applying a few simple methods. By expanding your search efforts to include in-person networking, leveraging candidate-facing AI and keeping your resume clean and simple, you can increase your chances of landing your next new position.
Kelly Gust is the CEO of HR Full Circle, a Springfield-based consulting firm that provides talent management and human resources consulting to organizations of all sizes and stages.
