Why Job Seekers Shouldn't Rely Fully on AI Tools
Discover how to balance AI tools with your unique voice in job applications. Learn tips to stand out and avoid over-reliance on AI-generated content.
This year, I wrote 49 articles for job seekers—hope they’ve been helpful! In 2025, I’m planning to bring new content in 2025, but I’d love to hear from you. Do you find these articles useful? Would you prefer longer or shorter versions? Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover so I can make next year even better! Just reply to this email.
Sarah thought she had found the perfect way to get her dream job. She used AI tools to quickly create a fancy-looking resume and cover letter. The AI filled them with all the right words and phrases for her field. Sarah was sure these materials would make her stand out from everyone else applying. She sent them off, feeling confident she'd hear back soon.
However, weeks went by, and Sarah didn't get any responses. Confused, she asked her mentor for help. The mentor looked at Sarah's resume and explained that while it seemed impressive, it didn't really show who Sarah was or highlight her true accomplishments. The generic language and overused buzzwords, which are common in AI-generated writing, couldn't capture what made Sarah special.
Many job seekers today are facing the same problem as Sarah. They put too much trust in AI tools, thinking these tools will magically land them a job. I call this "Algorithmic Faith"—believing that AI outputs are perfect and will automatically lead to success. While AI can definitely help make the job search process easier, relying on it too much can backfire. The things that make you unique and show your value to employers often need a human touch.
Defining "Algorithmic Faith"
Have you ever heard someone say they have "blind faith" in something? That means they believe in it completely, without questioning it at all. Well, "Algorithmic Faith" is kind of like that, but with AI tools.
When we talk about Algorithmic Faith, we're describing what happens when people trust AI-generated stuff way too much. They see the professional-looking resumes, cover letters, or messages that AI creates and think, "Wow, this looks perfect! I don't need to change a thing." But here's the problem: just because something looks polished doesn't mean it's the best it can be.
Think of it like a shiny apple at the grocery store. It might look delicious on the outside, but when you take a bite, you realize it's actually kind of mushy and doesn't have much flavor. AI-generated content can be like that shiny apple. It looks great at first glance, but it often lacks the juicy, unique details that make it truly memorable and convincing.
Let's look at a couple of examples to help paint the picture:
AI-generated resumes: These often have tons of industry buzzwords and sound really impressive. But when you read them closely, you realize they're pretty generic and could apply to lots of people. They don't have the specific accomplishments or personal touches that make a candidate stand out.
Automated LinkedIn messages: You know those messages you sometimes get that sound kind of robotic and impersonal? Chances are, they were generated by AI. While they might mention something from your profile, they often feel like they could have been sent to anyone. They lack the genuine connection that comes from a message written by a real person.
So, Algorithmic Faith is all about believing in the power of AI a little too much. It's trusting that AI can do everything perfectly, without realizing that the human touch is still really important. In the next section, we'll explore how AI is changing the job search process and what that means for job seekers like you.
How AI Tools Are Changing the Job Search
AI is making a big splash in the world of job searching. It's changing the game in both good ways and not-so-good ways. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of using AI when you're trying to land your dream job.
First, let's talk about the good stuff:
Speed: With AI, you can create tailored resumes and cover letters in a snap. No more staring at a blank page for hours, wondering what to write. AI gives you a starting point so you can get the ball rolling quickly.
Accessibility: Hiring a professional resume writer can be pricey. But with AI tools, you can get similar help without breaking the bank. This means more people can access the support they need to create strong job application materials.
Guidance: Sometimes, the hardest part of writing a resume or cover letter is figuring out where to start. AI can give you a framework and some ideas to get your creative juices flowing. It's like having a brainstorming buddy right there with you.
But AI isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are some downsides to relying on it too heavily:
Lack of nuance: AI is getting smarter every day, but it still struggles to understand the little details that make your career story unique. It might miss important achievements or experiences that could set you apart from other applicants.
Risk of misinformation: Since AI tools pull information from all over the internet, there's a chance they could include something that's not quite right in your application. Imagine an AI tool saying you have a skill that you don't actually have—that could lead to some awkward moments in a job interview!
Generic outputs: Many hiring managers can spot an AI-generated resume from a mile away. They've seen the same templates and phrases over and over again. If your application looks just like everyone else's, it's going to be harder to stand out.
AI can be a handy sidekick in your job search, but it's not a magic wand. You can't just click a button and expect to get your dream job.
Why Over-Reliance on AI Hurts Job Seekers
When you lean too heavily on AI to do the heavy lifting in your job search, it can come back to bite you. Here are a couple of the biggest ways that putting all your eggs in the AI basket can actually make it harder to land your dream gig.
Missed Personalization:
AI tools are great at spitting out professional-sounding resumes and cover letters. Just because it sounds professional doesn’t mean it really is. AI tools can’t tell your unique career story. They don't know about that time you went above and beyond on a project or how you used your creativity to solve a tricky problem at work. Those personal touches are what make you stand out from the crowd.
For example, let's say you're applying for a marketing job. An AI tool might generate a resume that lists your responsibilities at your previous jobs. But it won't be able to connect the dots to show how your experience in customer service gave you valuable insights into understanding consumer needs. That's the kind of story that grabs a hiring manager's attention and makes them think, "Wow, this person really gets it!"
Unintended Red Flags:
When you use AI-generated materials without reviewing them carefully, you might end up with some stuff that raises eyebrows. One common issue is resumes that are stuffed with buzzwords but don't actually say much about what you've accomplished. Hiring managers can see right through that fluff.
Even worse, AI might include skills or experiences that you don't really have. If a hiring manager catches wind of that, they might start to wonder if you're stretching the truth in other areas too. You don't want to get labeled as a "fake candidate" before you even get a chance to interview.
Lost Growth Opportunities:
One of the most valuable parts of the job search process is the self-reflection that comes with it. When you take the time to think about your strengths, weaknesses, and goals, you learn a ton about yourself. You might realize that you're really passionate about a certain aspect of your field or that you need to build up your skills in a particular area.
If you just plug your information into an AI tool and call it a day, you miss out on that important self-discovery. You're not pushing yourself to grow and improve. And that can come back to haunt you later on in your career when you're not sure what direction you want to go in.
How to Use AI Effectively Without Falling for "Algorithmic Faith"
So, how can you make AI work for you in your job search without falling into the trap of thinking it's doing all the work? The key is to treat AI like a helpful sidekick, not the superhero of your job search story. Here are some tips for using AI effectively:
Use AI as a starting point, not the finish line.
Let AI tools give you a framework for your resume or cover letter, but don't stop there. Take the time to review what the AI has generated and put your own spin on it. Add in personal anecdotes, specific achievements, and details that showcase who you are and what you bring to the table.
Fact-check, fact-check, fact-check.
Don't just assume that everything an AI tool spits out is accurate. Take the time to double-check that the information included aligns with your actual experiences and skills. If the AI suggests including a skill or experience that you don't really have, hit the delete button.
Follow best practices for making AI work for you:
Start with an AI-generated outline, but make sure to flesh it out with your own words and ideas.
Focus on highlighting your measurable accomplishments, not just your day-to-day responsibilities.
Watch out for overused phrases or templates that make your application blend in with the crowd.
Remember, the goal is to use AI as a tool to enhance your job search, not to replace your own voice and experience. By combining the efficiency of AI with your own unique perspective, you can create application materials that truly stand out.
So, what does this look like in practice? Let's dive into some real-world strategies you can use to make the most of AI in your job search without losing sight of what makes you special.
Real-World Strategies for Job Seekers
Alright, now that we know how to use AI as a helpful tool rather than a crutch, let's talk about some concrete strategies you can use to make the most of it in your job search.
1. Emphasize Reflection Over Speed
Before you dive into using AI tools, take some time to think about your career goals and the experiences that have shaped you as a professional. What are the accomplishments you're most proud of? What skills have you developed that make you unique? Having a clear sense of your own story will make it easier to use AI effectively.
2. Humanize Your Resume
Once you have an AI-generated resume draft, look for places where you can add your own personal touch. Include a brief anecdote about a time when you went above and beyond for a client or colleague. Mention a unique project that showcases your creativity and problem-solving skills. These personal details will help you stand out from other applicants who rely too heavily on generic AI outputs.
3. Seek Feedback
AI tools can be great for generating ideas and catching spelling and grammar mistakes, but they can't replace the valuable feedback you can get from actual humans. Share your AI-assisted resume and cover letter with a trusted mentor, colleague, or friend. Ask them if it captures your unique voice and experiences. They might catch things that the AI missed or have suggestions for how to make your application even stronger.
Blend AI with Authentic Networking
Networking is a key part of any job search, and AI can help you make initial connections. Use AI tools to draft personalized messages to people in your field, but don't stop there. Take the time to customize each message based on the person's specific interests and experiences. Follow up with a phone call or coffee meeting to build a real relationship. Remember, AI can open the door, but it's up to you to walk through it and make a genuine connection.
Use Other Tools
There are tons of AI tools out there, so why stick to ChatGPT like everyone else? Give Claude, Gemini, or other tools a shot to mix things up and get different results. Experiment with tone, readability, and how you write your prompts to see what works best. I’ll share my top tips at the end of this article!
By combining AI tools with your own reflection, personal touches, and human connections, you can create a job search strategy that showcases the best of both worlds. You'll be able to work more efficiently and effectively, without sacrificing the authenticity and personality that makes you stand out as a candidate.
Keep the Human Element Alive
AI can help you work faster, generate new ideas, and create polished application materials. But it's important to remember that AI is just that—a tool. It's not a replacement for the human element that makes you unique as a candidate.
Don't let AI do all the work for you. Use it to enhance your job search, but remember that your own unique story and experiences are what will ultimately help you land your dream job.
As you move forward in your job search, keep this in mind: You are more than just a collection of skills and experiences. You have a unique perspective, a set of values, and a passion for your work that no AI tool can replicate. Don't be afraid to let that shine through in your application materials and interactions with potential employers.
Here's my challenge to you: Take ownership of your career story. Use AI to help you tell that story more effectively, but don't let it speak for you. Infuse your own voice, personality, and experiences into everything you do, from your resume to your interviews to your networking conversations.
Remember, AI may be able to help you get your foot in the door, but it's your human qualities—your creativity, your empathy, your resilience—that will ultimately help you succeed in your career.
As you continue on your job search journey, keep this quote in mind: "AI can assist you in your journey, but it's your story, your voice, and your vision that gets you to the finish line."
How to Humanize AI Results: Making AI Work for You
Let's face it—getting the most out of AI tools isn't just about asking them to write something. It's about knowing how to ask in a way that gets you results that actually sound like you. Here are several advanced techniques that'll help you get better, more human-sounding results from AI: