How to Outsmart AI in Your Job Search: 3 Tips from “Surviving the AI Shift”
Are you afraid you’re living in a hiring dystopia suffering the nightmare of job search? I will tell you some easy tips and tricks from my upcoming book, “You Lost Your Job. Now What? Surviving the AI Shift,” where I’ll let you know how to outsmart these AI hiring systems.
Let the Hiring Games Begin!
But first, picture this: You’re applying for your dream job and are up against… a robot? It’s not an AI that will take your job, but an AI that can make your CV completely unseen! AI in HR is not that rosy. Many companies use it to ease the avalanche of resumes they get for a certain job role or just to pick up the best option. You have ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software to sift through the avalanche of resumes they get. An ATS is very picky with what it eats.
But there’s more! Some systems also bring in their biases and toss out potentially great candidates. (Remember: systems are made by humans!) According to Schellmann, who has dived deep into the world of AI hiring tools and tried everything from résumé screeners to personality tests, says there exists bias in these systems. The results? Let’s just say AI isn’t winning any awards for “Employee of the Month” anytime soon. One tool even gave her a gold star for speaking gibberish! So much for smart technology. Even though these tools are marketed as bias-free, they’re about as neutral as a toddler in a candy store. Biased training data means biased decisions. And who ends up paying the price? You guessed it, us, the job seekers.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more Black Mirror, companies are using this tech not just for hiring but for promotions and layoffs, too. It’s not only a job search now; it’s also a promotion! Your key card swipes at the office? They’re watching. They’re judging. Eek!
My Book Can Save the Day
“You Lost Your Job. Now What? Surviving the AI Shift.” I’m handing you the keys to unlock the secrets of prompting ChatGPT to whip your CV into shape while also advising you on dealing with those pesky AI systems!
1. A Keyword Game
Here’s the deal with ATS: it’s like a Google search but more focused. It’s hunting for specific keywords, not your artistic flair. So, while a PDF keeps your format pretty, a .docx file is the golden ticket for ATS compatibility. Always follow the job listing directions – if they want a PDF, give them a PDF. But if there’s no preference, .docx is your best bet.
To optimize your application, strategically incorporate keywords from the job description. However, be cautious: if your résumé matches too closely, say 100%, the hiring AI might flag it as a mere copy of the job listing. Aim for around an 80% match to strike the perfect balance and catch the AI’s attention without raising suspicion.
Now, what if you miss that keyword they flagged as a must-have? Well, you’ll have to make a guess. In a way, it’s still a bit of a gamble.
2. Use the Company’s Page to Apply
Applying through LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” feature might seem convenient, but remember, HR professionals often prioritize direct email applications. So, while LinkedIn’s one-click application is tempting, sending your application directly via email can give you a better shot at standing out in the flood of applicants.
3. Use LinkedIn’s Message Feature
Get yourself a LinkedIn subscription. Why? Because it unlocks the superpower of emailing recruiters directly.
When a job catches your eye (and I mean really grabs your attention, not just a casual glance), here’s what you need to do. Whip up a personalized email. I’m not talking about a copy-paste job. I mean a genuine, tailor-made message that spells out exactly why you’re the missing piece in their company puzzle.
Take your time with this. Pour a cup of coffee, sit down, and really think about how you can be their superhero. Explain why you’re applying and how you can swoop in to solve their problems. And remember, this isn’t just another cover letter. You’ve already sent that. This is your chance to say, “Hey, I just applied to your awesome job, and here’s a little nudge to make sure my CV doesn’t get lost in the digital abyss.”
You’d be shocked to know how many job seekers don’t do this. They either rely on the auto-pilot mode of job applications or just sit back, thinking they’ve done enough. But let me tell you, a simple message can work wonders. Suddenly, hiring managers who wouldn’t have noticed you before are reaching out, wanting to know more. All because you took the time to hit ‘send’ on a well-crafted message.
ChatGPT Can Help You Enhance Your CV
Navigating the AI-dominated job market doesn’t have to feel like a trek through an uncharted jungle. With a bit of AI know-how and the wisdom from my book, you’ll be ready to conquer the job-hunting game. Learn the art of AI prompting and master the human touch in your job search with “You Lost Your Job. Now What? Surviving the AI Shift.” Not just that, I’ll also guide you through diversification strategies to ensure that if layoffs come knocking, you won’t be caught unprepared. Get ahead of the game and pre-order at a lower price now: “You Lost Your Job. Now What? Surviving the AI Shift” (out on March 21st).
