AI is your ally: Navigating AI tools in your job search

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Understanding how companies use AI to screen candidates will increase the chances of your resume being picked up by ATS and AI screening tools. Tailor your resume and online profiles to match the keywords and skill sets highlighted in your targeted job descriptions. AI can help you identify these keywords, but make sure your application reflects your true skills, experience and capabilities. Cross-reference information using multiple AI tools to ensure that your application is comprehensive. Before sharing personal information, verify that the tool is reputable. Trusted platforms you can use include LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Dice and Glassdoor. When you use these tools, avoid sharing sensitive data like your address or contact information unless you’ve confirmed the AI platform is private and secure.

Published jANUARY 2026

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Adam Lombardi

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AI can streamline tedious tasks like tailoring resumes and organizing applications. You can use these platforms to automate up to 80% of your application materials, Farivar said, but always review them for accuracy and authenticity. Employers value genuine skills and experiences. Don’t exaggerate or falsify your answers, as AI is increasingly adept at spotting inconsistencies. If an AI doesn’t catch them, a recruiter or interviewer will. “My best advice is to stay grounded in who you are and what you bring to the table,” Farivar said. “Be open, transparent, honest and vulnerable. “If you can do that while using these tools to best prepare you to provide the insight, to give you data points, then you've got it figured out far more than most.” According to a Market Trend Report by Career Group Companies, 62% of candidates are using AI to automate their job search. This includes identifying job openings, tracking applications and simulating interview questions. However, Adam Lombardi, senior vice president of Kforce’s Enterprise Services Talent Delivery, cautions job seekers that automating applications to multiple job postings at the same time can be seen as spamming. If a recruiter sees the same time stamp on 20 applications on 20 different postings with the same resume, there is a chance it is not a real person. With the increased risk of fraud, that recruiter is likely to deprioritize those applications. Lombardi says it also shows a lack of consideration from the applicant that they're prioritizing getting as many bites as possible on their applications over determining if they're the right fit for the role. It’s more important than ever for candidates to be honest and intentional about their skills and the type of work they’re passionate about when applying for roles.

Prioritize human connection

While AI is helping to narrow the search funnel between recruiters and job seekers, human connection remains crucial. Build relationships with recruiters and hiring managers. Candidates who invest in authentic connections stand out. “If you send a personal touch or a meet-and-greet request for coffee or virtual coffee, especially if you're a young person trying to understand things, you’ll stand out,” Farivar said. “You're not going to get 100% return rate. But there will be people that are willing to help.” If you’re not fully qualified for a role, use your networking and communication skills to overcome AI screening barriers. Build your credibility through certificates and a portfolio of alternate work, which can include freelance or volunteer projects relevant to your field that showcase your skillset. Engage with professionals in your field on professional sites like LinkedIn to stay current with new technology and trends.

Stay vigilant against scams

AI has increased the risk of recruitment-related scams. Protect yourself by verifying job offers directly with companies and consulting resources like the Federal Trade Commission’s list of scams. Use a checklist to protect yourself: · Confirm the legitimacy of the company · Avoid sharing irrelevant personal information · Ask detailed questions to validate that a recruiter is authentic · Check online for any reports of scammers using the company name in fake job postings · Check the company’s website or LinkedIn to confirm whether your contact person actually works there

Future-proof your career

AI is sometimes blamed for job cuts, even when other factors like corporate restructuring or changes to business strategy are at play. To safeguard your career, adapt to changes in technology and learn how your field is being automated. Develop AI literacy with prompting and streamlining job search tasks. Human connection will continue to set candidates apart. Farivar advises job seekers to double down on personal skills and strengths, such as presentation skills and stakeholder engagement. Strengthen your soft skills like problem-solving and communication. Continue to network and build your professional brand to be an authentic and well-rounded candidate. AI can be a powerful ally in your job search, and your success as a candidate depends on how well you use it.

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“Combining the use of these emerging technologies with genuine engagement and ongoing learning will help you maximize your chances in today’s competitive market.” Darius Farivar Kforce Principal Talent Executive

“If you send a personal touch or a meet-and-greet request for coffee or virtual coffee, especially if you're a young person trying to understand things, you’ll stand out. You're not going to get 100% return rate. But there will be people that are willing to help.” Darius Farivar Kforce Principal Talent Executive

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AI is transforming how companies recruit and vet prospective employees. A growing number of companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruitment chatbots as part of their talent acquisition process. A study published by the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research found that 80% of recruitment agencies used AI-powered tools to improve candidate-job matching. These tools scan resumes for specific keywords and skills, finding the most suitable candidates for the interview process. The same tools can help job seekers tailor their resume with the keywords and phrases relevant to targeting roles so that they stand out from the crowd. If you’re not finding the right roles or hearing back from recruiters, adapting your job search to include AI tools will keep you relevant in the current job market and make you more visible to potential employers. Platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI Studio, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and others can help you draft resumes, decode job descriptions and prepare for interviews. While it may seem like AI tools are removing the human connection from the job search, if you learn how to use the tools correctly, you can streamline repetitive and tedious tasks and enhance the human aspects. “Combining the use of these emerging technologies with genuine engagement and ongoing learning will help you maximize your chances in today’s competitive market,” Kforce Principal Talent Executive Darius Farivar said.

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