I’m a massive fan of AI and how it has enhanced so many industries, including recruiting. The efficiency it provides is outstanding, from reading and creating resumes to supporting time-intensive work like writing and researching. AI is changing the game for how companies recruit, which, in turn, means job seekers need to approach the market differently.
How to stand out as a candidate in an AI-driven world:
- Invest in your personal brand: I’ve never been a massive fan of personal branding, instead wanting to believe that great work stands out on its own. I’ve also learned over the years that the best operators are typically heads-down, while many of the largest personalities in business can confuse their own popularity with company success. But with automation and AI taking over more and more in the recruiting world, it is important to be a visible candidate, where your expertise is clear and you are easy to find. Investing time to build out your professional brand will make you an easier to find target for hiring managers and recruiters.
- Be intentional about networking: 75% of jobs hired for are never posted. Executive-level roles are frequently “quiet searches,” and although many of these searches are conducted by recruiters, both the recruiter and the hiring manager always prefer a candidate that is known and has a strong reputation. We all know that networking is critical for career success, but how intentional are you about it? Think ahead to where you want to be in five years, whether it’s taking on board seats or continuing to level up on your current path, and devise a networking strategy to get there. It is absolutely astounding what you can do for your career growth in only a short period of time if you focus on expanding your network. Say yes to as many networking events as you can, invite more people into your inner circle, be generous with your ideas, and open others to your connections. Job opportunities come to those who put themselves out there.
- Update your resume using AI: AI has become the first stop in recruiting, with applicant tracking systems (ATS) flagging resumes that match the posted job description. This saves the recruiter endless amounts of time sifting through hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of applications. But if a candidate doesn’t have the right keywords inserted into their resume, it won’t get picked up, and the candidate will be overlooked. The best way to build a resume today is to use AI to match keywords found in the job spec.
- Keep multiple resumes: You are likely qualified to apply for a variety of job opportunities, but AI forces candidates into a box. AI has no ability to “look for potential” or to understand the individual strengths of a person beyond their listed experience. This will show up in the interview, but first, you need to get through the machine to connect with the human. Keeping multiple resumes that are shaped toward specific job specs will enable you to get past the AI screeners. Of course, accuracy in experience is what counts, but many companies use different terms to describe the position they are hiring for, so it is important to make a resume that is rich in keywords that align with the role.
As AI reshapes recruiting, the candidates that will get the first look are the ones who are putting themselves out there. Don't wait until you are searching for your next role to become visibile. Start building credibility so that both AI bots and hiring managers can easily find you.
