Using AI for Recruiting and Job Searching
by Pauline Fournier
I’ve read a lot about AI and generative AI recently and wondered how it can help the employer and the candidate seeking a new role. I tested two of the more popular AI tools (Bard and ChatGPT) to see how they work and how they could be helpful in the process.
How can I use AI to find the right candidates as an employer?
I asked each platform this question, and the answers were similar but somewhat different. Both mentioned tools that have been used for some time, like applicant tracking systems, AI-powered job boards and search engines, AI-powered interview scoring tools, predictive analytics, video screening, and skills assessments.
Here are two key takeaways:
- AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle initial candidate interactions and inquiries. They can answer frequently asked questions, schedule interviews, and collect basic information, freeing up your HR team’s time and providing a seamless candidate experience.
- AI can aid in promoting diversity and inclusion in the hiring process. By removing identifying information from resumes, AI-powered systems can reduce unconscious bias and ensure fair evaluation of candidates based solely on their qualifications and skills.
It’s important to note that while AI can streamline candidate sourcing and screening, human involvement and judgment remain critical throughout the recruitment process. AI should be used as a tool to support decision-making, but final candidate selection should involve human assessment and evaluation.
How can I use AI for my job search?
Again, each platform was asked the same question and responded similarly. The advice was to use AI-powered resume optimization and review tools, AI-powered job matching platforms, chatbots for interviewing scenarios, and AI-powered social media analysis.
Here are two suggestions that I also share with job seekers:
- Take advantage of tools that can help optimize resumes to match the requirements of specific job postings. These tools analyze job descriptions and suggest relevant keywords, skills, and achievements to include in your resume, increasing your chances of getting noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by employers.
- Set up automated job alerts through AI-enabled job search platforms or email notifications. These alerts can notify you of new job postings that match your desired criteria, helping you stay up to date with the latest opportunities. You can’t be in front of the computer screen 24×7 and won’t miss anything new if you set up an alert.
Remember that while AI can be a powerful tool, combining it with traditional job search techniques, such as networking, personal connections, and direct outreach is crucial. AI should complement your efforts and help you streamline the job search process, but it’s still important to maintain a proactive and targeted approach.
If using an AI tool such as Bard or ChatGPT to write a cover letter for you, make sure you customize that cover letter before sending it. I had them create a cover letter for a specific role, and though the cover letters were very good, they referenced generic skills needed for the role. Make sure you customize with your own skills and competencies.
By the way, some of this article was written by one of the AI tools with my customizations. It was also proofread by another AI tool.
