From virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri to chatbots and personalized ad recommendations, artificial intelligence (AI) has integrated itself into almost all aspects of modern life \u2014 whether we prefer it that way or not.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That\u2019s especially true for job seekers, says Jonathan Javier, a career consultant and the CEO of Wonsulting<\/a>. He says that can be a good thing in many cases, as AI has tools<\/a> to help folks refine their r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and get matched with the right roles on employment sites. That said, there are downsides. Several companies now conduct AI first-round interviews, Javier says, which can feel impersonal \u2014 and perhaps limiting in terms of how convincing you can be to a potential employer.\u00a0<\/p>\n The integration of AI into the employment market comes at a difficult time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, the unemployment rate in August 2025 hit 4.3%, the highest in four years. Those numbers are reflective of a multitude of factors \u2014 current economic uncertainties being one of them \u2014 but it\u2019s clear that job seekers are facing a major uphill battle in today\u2019s employment market<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n As for whether AI can hinder or help job hunters in this financial climate, that depends, Javier says. \u201cIn my opinion, AI has made job hunting easier for those who know how to use it effectively, but harder for those who continue using outdated methods,\u201d he explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how AI is weaving itself into the job market, and what smart job seekers can do to stay ahead.\u00a0<\/p>\n How is AI changing the job market?1. The career coaching playing field is leveling out\u00a0<\/p>\n According to Javier, job seekers now have AI-powered tools to create polished r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and cover letters. \u201cFor example, a job seeker can now tailor a r\u00e9sum\u00e9 to a specific role or job description using AI tools like ResumAI<\/a> or JobBoardAI<\/a>,\u201d he notes. \u201cThis gives them the ability to highlight their most relevant skills and experiences more strategically.\u00a0<\/p>\n Importantly, Javier says this has leveled the playing field for folks who might not have had access to these kinds of career resources<\/a>. But these services come with a caveat, Javier notes: \u201cIt only works if you edit and fact-check the output for accuracy.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. Companies are using AI for candidate screenings<\/p>\n As a career coach, Javier notes that many of his clients have reported that their initial interview with a prospective employer was conducted solely via AI \u2014 no human was present. \u201cCompanies are increasingly using AI to conduct first-round interviews,\u201d he notes. \u201cWhile efficient, this often feels awkward because it lacks the human touch and can leave candidates unsure how they performed.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n This is becoming increasingly common, some research shows. An October 2024 survey from Resume Builder<\/a> found that roughly eight out of 10 companies use AI to screen candidates.\u00a0<\/p>\n 3. AI can put jobs you\u2019re qualified for directly in front of you\u00a0<\/p>\n Even with a basic LinkedIn membership, as a job seeker, you\u2019re still presented with a large chunk of roles tailored to your experience \u2014 a far cry from the days you\u2019d need to scour listings and job description bullet points for the right match. That\u2019s a win for job seekers, he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPlatforms can help candidates match even more directly with jobs they\u2019re qualified for, comparing their skills and experiences to job descriptions,\u201d he notes. \u201cThis allows candidates to focus on quality opportunities instead of wasting time applying broadly and helps employers find better-fit candidates without sorting through hundreds of r\u00e9sum\u00e9s.\u201d<\/p>\n What can smart job seekers do to land the right role?<\/p>\n A recent Pew Research Center survey<\/a> found that more than half of U.S. workers (52%) were worried about the future of AI in the workplace<\/a>, and about one-third believe it will lead to fewer job opportunities overall.\u00a0<\/p>\n Those fears are understandable, but don\u2019t worry just yet, Javier says: AI is not designed to replace you. However, you do need to shift your approach to secure the right role. \u201cJob seekers need to upskill and adapt<\/a> AI into their workflows,\u201d he recommends. \u201cThose who learn to use AI as a tool will stay ahead, while those who resist it may be left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s exactly how to use AI to your advantage in today\u2019s job market.<\/p>\n 1. Use AI, but be sure to humanize your experience\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAI can be a powerful tool to create more polished r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and cover letters,” Javier says. It\u2019s perfectly fine to use those aforementioned r\u00e9sum\u00e9-building tools, but don\u2019t shoot off an AI-built document in an employer\u2019s direction blindly. \u201cUse AI for drafting, but always edit for accuracy and personalization,\u201d he recommends.<\/p>\n The danger with these services, Javier says, is when candidates copy-paste outputs without personalization or edits. \u201cAI can get you 80% of the way there, but that last 20% requires your unique voice, stories and context,\u201d he explains. \u201cIf you don\u2019t review carefully, you might end up with errors or content you can\u2019t explain in an interview.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. If you have an AI interview scheduled, make sure you practice first<\/p>\n There\u2019s no way to predict what questions you\u2019ll be asked in an interview, whether that conversation is AI-driven or not. But Javier says several of his clients who had AI screenings noted that they were asked to outline their backgrounds \u2014 so it doesn\u2019t hurt to do a little practice to ensure you\u2019re conveying your experience in a succinct, compelling way. And there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t use AI yourself to do this: You can use ChatGPT, for example, to assess your elevator speech.\u00a0<\/p>\n 3. Build a robust online presence\u00a0<\/p>\n As Javier notes, showcasing your authentic self on LinkedIn or other platforms will help you stand out in the job-hunting process. But be wary of what you post; the Resume Builder survey noted that 47% of companies surveyed are also using AI to scan candidates\u2019 personal websites and social media profiles.<\/p>\n 4. Don\u2019t just send out a flurry of applications<\/p>\n With so many unemployed people, the job market is flooded with applications \u2014 Javier estimates perhaps five times as many as normal. \u201cUse AI to identify the right jobs and tailor your applications; fewer, better-targeted roles will get you more results,\u201d Javier notes. \u201cQuality over quantity.\u201d<\/p>\n Remember, too, that this isn\u2019t the first time new tech has rocked the employment market. Though the integration of AI into the job search<\/a> process might feel unnerving, Javier emphasizes again that robots aren\u2019t looking to replace you. You just need to learn to work alongside AI.\u00a0<\/p>\n Continue reading below.<\/p>\n What is USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you work for a great company? Each year, USA TODAY Top Workplaces<\/a>, a collaboration between Energage<\/a> and USA TODAY, ranks organizations across the United States that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners.<\/p>\n