By Leslie MacNeill, Senior Consultant
The job search landscape is evolving rapidly with the ongoing growth and expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI), but human connection remains irreplaceable. Individuals accessing career transition services can optimize their job search experience by combining the expertise of a strong career professional or career counsellor with the tools of AI.
Integration of AI in the job search process has considerable benefits and limitations. Here we share insights into how you can harness the expertise of a career professional and use AI as a tool to complement your job search productivity.
A career professional can provide personalized guidance tailored to your skills, experiences, and goals, which can lead to increased self-awareness, clearer objectives, and better decision-making in your job search (Career Professionals of Canada).
For an initial market analysis, using AI can search vast amounts of job market data, highlight job details, and identify both emerging in-demand trends and growth industries. For example, tools like LinkedIn’s AI algorithms provide insights into which companies are hiring and what skills are required. AI-driven job recommendations play a significant role in matching job seekers with applicable job opportunities.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. AI-based tools can analyze your resume and cover letter against job descriptions, offering suggestions for keyword optimization. A study by Jobscan shows that candidates using these tools see a 40% increase in interview calls.
However, working with a career professional can explore the dynamics of a role and create an open dialogue to help you reflect on your personal growth, ask challenging questions, and help identify your professional accomplishments. These approaches make your professional work experience both compelling and unique. Currently, AI cannot tell your personal stories.
AI feedback platforms enhance interview skills, provide AI-driven mock interviews, and analyze speech patterns and body language. A strong career professional can provide constructive feedback on your storytelling, cadence, tone, emotional intelligence, and other critical human behaviours and actions that are currently limitations of AI.
AI can sift through online professional networks to recommend valuable connections, potential referrals, and pertinent job opportunities. LinkedIn’s AI identifies networking opportunities based on your career objectives and past interactions.
The combination of AI recommendations with a career professional’s personalized approach, will support your networking goals and highlight the importance of accessing the hidden job market.
AI tools integrated with the personalized guidance of a strong career professional can significantly enhance your job search. Where AI provides data-driven insights and efficiency, a career professional will provide critical elements of empathy, emotional intelligence, and personalized guidance. It will not challenge your thinking, encourage creativity, or create a safe space for critical reflection.
Artificial intelligence is a great tool, and in combination with a strong career professional (human connection!), it can create a space of accountability, and work with you to reach your highest potential.