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Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year and a half, you've heard about artificial intelligence (AI). AI is changing the landscape in many areas of our daily lives – and the job market is no exception.
For job seekers applying for positions, AI makes it easier to apply to jobs en masse. And while that might seem like a good thing, it's also increasing your competition, making it harder to stand out in the sea of applications.
The Impact of AI on the Job Market
From AI-powered browser plugins that swiftly autofill application fields to generative AI programs crafting personalized resumes and cover letters, job seekers are leveraging technology to expedite and broaden their job search.
The impact on the job market is evident, with workers in the U.S. and the U.K. applying to about 15% more roles compared to a year ago, according to data from LinkedIn.
The efficiency and confidence boost provided by AI tools are prompting job seekers to cast a wider net, applying to positions they might not have considered otherwise. It also presents challenges, though – job seekers often feel compelled to cover more bases thanks to the increased competition, applying to a higher number of roles overall. This, combined with factors like slower hiring, layoffs in certain sectors, and ongoing economic uncertainty, makes for a highly competitive job market for applicants.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
It's harder than ever to stand out as an applicant, and the use of AI to flood the market with applications isn’t making things any easier. So, how can you stand apart?
- Choose the right format and structure. In a resume or cover letter, the name of the game is efficiency. You need to deliver a lot of information in a small space – choosing the right structure and format helps you do that. Depending on your career and the job you're applying for, you might take a chronological approach to your resume, or a skills-based approach; it’s up to you. Just make sure it’s easy to skim, error-free, and concise.
- Match your resume to the job. You should always adjust your resume (and other materials, like a cover letter) to the specific job you're applying for. Be sure to include relevant keywords from the job posting to help your application be more searchable by resume parsing software.
- Go beyond the resume. The resume is an essential document in your application, but it's not the only one. Complement your resume with other application materials, like a strong cover letter, your LinkedIn profile, and a work portfolio or website, if applicable. These resources help showcase your full abilities as a candidate and give a more well-rounded picture to the hiring manager.
- Highlight your soft and transferable skills. Your resume and cover letter should highlight the technical or "hard" skills you possess, which are necessary to perform the duties of the position. But hiring managers also want to see soft skills, as well as transferable skills you might have. These include things like communication ability, organization, leadership capabilities, and virtual skills.
- Reconsider using AI for application materials. AI might make it easier for job seekers to apply to more jobs at once, but it might be worth reconsidering the use of this technology. According to a 2023 survey by iCIMS, 39% of hiring professionals say that using AI to write resumes or cover letters is a "definite deal-breaker." Don't underestimate the value of the human touch when it comes to crafting your application materials.
Stand Out With the Help of a Staffing Recruiter
You're not alone in your search for a new job. An expert recruiter uses the right blend of technology and the human touch to match you with opportunities that fit the bill.
- Recruiters work directly with hiring managers to help you secure exclusive opportunities – and help you stand out among the crowd.
- Recruiters help you shape and polish your resume, cover letter, and other supporting materials to make your applications as impactful as possible.
- Recruiters offer personalized guidance for your career, helping you to enhance not only your job search strategy but your long-term career trajectory.
Ready to level up your job search with the help of a professional?
Contact CornerStone Staffing today.
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