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As more people become comfortable experimenting with AI-generative platforms like ChatGPT and Claude for everyday tasks, the same can be said for professionals using them to bolster their job hunt.
According to a recent Capterra survey, 58% of job seekers are using AI in their job searches. These uses range from simple tasks like tweaking one’s resume to more aggressive approaches, like completing test assignments and crafting complete cover letters.
The line can be fine between using AI to improve your job search strategy and overusing it to the point where it comes back to bite you.
“If there’s no individuality or uniqueness to your application materials, and that’s where AI can become problematic, especially when you’re trying to stand out in a large pool of applicants,” Stephanie Mansueto, a job-hunting coach in the social impact space, told me.
It can also depend on where you are in your career and how much help you really need. “If you’re already good at job searching, AI can sometimes hurt you by making your applications sound generic,” she explained. “But if you’re new to the process, it can really help you get organized and be more efficient.”
For those who are curious about how AI can actually be an asset while looking for your next role, Mansueto shared some practical ways to approach it.
AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can be valuable for brainstorming alternative job titles, identifying potential employers, and discovering new job boards. These tools are especially helpful when you’re not sure how to broaden your search.
“Depending on the sector you’re targeting, companies use different job titles for similar roles, and if you’re only searching for one, you’re missing a huge part of the market,” said Mansueto. For example, she explained that someone in the international development sector looking for an “agribusiness advisor” role might also search for titles like “access to markets director” or “value chain specialist.”
AI can also help generate lists of employers that fit your interests, especially if you specify your sector and region. “One of the biggest challenges job seekers have is knowing what organizations are out there,” said Mansueto. “AI can help you uncover smaller or newer players in your field that you may not have heard of.”
One of the most common uses of AI in the job search is writing resumes and cover letters. While these tools can certainly save time and may even offer inspiration, Mansueto warns that job seekers should never submit AI-generated content without revising it.
“AI is great for producing a first draft, but it should not be your final product,” she said. “I’ve never seen a resume or cover letter generated by AI that didn’t need editing.” Too many AI-generated documents use similar phrasing, which makes it harder for applicants to stand out.
To get the most from these tools, Mansueto recommends giving detailed prompts. For example, you might instruct Claude to write a 300-word cover letter tailored to a specific job, emphasize leadership experience, and reflect a formal tone. Including your resume and the job description in your prompt can result in more accurate outputs.
She also recommends using tools like Teal, a job tracker that can compare your resume to job descriptions and help you identify missing keywords. “It’s particularly helpful for optimizing your resume to align with hard and soft skills employers are prioritizing,” she said. While the basic version is free, she recommends considering the premium version for a week if you’re actively applying to multiple jobs.
AI tools can be particularly useful when preparing for interviews — just don’t rely on them in real time. Mansueto suggests using AI to generate a list of potential interview questions based on a job description, then practicing your answers aloud.
“You can copy and paste a job description into ChatGPT or Claude and ask it to act as a hiring manager,” she said. “It’ll give you 15 or so tailored questions you can rehearse, which is a great way to get started.”
For employer research, platforms like Notion AI can summarize lengthy program documents or reports to help you prepare for interviews with global development organizations. “You don’t always have time to read every article or project summary,” she noted. “This is where AI can help you prep efficiently.”
But she’s quick to caution against trying to use AI-generated answers during an actual interview. “Do not use AI during a virtual interview to generate responses on the fly,” she warned. “It’s easy for interviewers to tell — there’s a long pause, and your language sounds too rehearsed or overly clean.”
Ultimately, Mansueto emphasizes that AI can be a helpful assistant — but only when used thoughtfully. She encourages job seekers to experiment with different tools, but not to feel pressured to use everything. “If a tool doesn’t work for you, don’t overthink it. Just move on to something else,” she advised. “And don’t forget — your own experience, personality, and voice are what make you stand out.”
