Using AI in your job search: smart strategy or risky shortcut?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm in recent years, and its adoption by the masses is expected to skyrocket even further. The global AI market is projected to grow exponentially from approximately $294 billion in 2025 to $1,772 billion in 2032. This trend is also showing up in the workplace. Over half (56%) of employers are now recommending their employees use these tools – a sharp increase from the 39% who said the same last year – according to our 2025 Employment Trends – Spring Update survey.

With AI becoming more integrated into the workforce, many jobseekers are also turning to this technology, often to save time or gain a competitive edge. One 2025 study found that almost two-thirds (65%) of professionals who are searching for new roles are using AI at some point during the application process. If you’re gearing up for a job search, chances are you’re already considering using AI tools to help. But be wary: misuse or overreliance on AI could increase rejection rates. Why? Because a generic CV or cover letter that lacks the human touch might give the impression that you’re not truly invested in a role. And with more AI-generated applications entering the mix, hiring managers are likely becoming increasingly adept at spotting these. Read on for our tips to ensure AI helps, not hinders, your next job search.

Balancing cover letter efficiency and authenticity

Depending on the role you’re applying for, a cover letter may not be necessary – if it isn’t requested, let your CV do the talking. However, there may be instances when you need to write a cover letter, such as when a job advert or a recruiter specifically asks for one. In this case, you may be tempted to copy and paste your CV and the job advert into a generative AI chatbot and tell it to write you a cover letter. But be warned: this will likely result in an impersonal cover letter that doesn’t give any insight into your passion, motivations and character.

A better approach would be to write a personal cover letter, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the role and company, bringing to life any soft and technical skills that you think would make you a standout applicant. Once you’ve drafted your cover letter, AI can still play a role – but as a refinement tool, rather than the primary writer. Paste your letter, the job advert and your CV into an AI tool with the prompt: ‘Have I missed any key skills in my cover letter based on the job advert and my CV?’ Then, evaluate AI's suggestions and edit your cover letter accordingly, but be mindful that you want your voice to remain authentic, and the information to be accurate.

Don’t lose the human touch on your CV

AI can be useful when refining your CV, helping you enhance readability, optimise for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and ensure you highlight key skills. However, be careful of letting AI write the whole thing for you. AI-generated CVs often have telltale signs that recruiters and hiring managers may spot, such as unnatural wording, generic skills descriptions and a lack of specifics. It can be a red flag to prospective employers if they think you have used AI to write your whole CV, as it can show a lack of effort and make them concerned that your experience, achievements and responsibilities may not be entirely accurate throughout.

Don’t risk a robotic-sounding CV being the reason you end up in the rejected pile. Instead, consider crafting your CV using our free CV template and be sure to proofread it once you’re finished. Then, ask AI to give it a final proofread to spot anything that you might have missed. You may also want to see if AI has any other suggestions for improvement, but don’t feel you have to follow these – trust your own judgement. A balanced approach works best, so while you may use AI for improvements, ensure your CV retains a human feel.

The right way to use AI for interview preparation

Once you’ve been successful in landing an interview, AI can be useful in helping you prepare. By entering the job specification into a chatbot with the prompt: ‘Give me a list of possible interview questions based on this job description,’ you can generate some ideas as to the sorts of questions the interviewer may ask. Bear in mind, though, AI predictions are useful, but interviews require human connection and flexibility, so avoid over-rehearsing AI-generated answers. Instead, be ready to engage in genuine conversation.

It's also important not to rely solely on AI when it comes to interview preparation. You will also need to research the company website and familiarise yourself with the job specification, as your interviewers will likely ask you what you know about the organisation and role itself, and what drew you to apply to the position in the first place – something that AI won’t be able to tell you. And finally, don’t overlook the power of interview preparation with an expert recruitment consultant. They can provide informed insights into the types of questions the interviewers typically ask and what they are looking for in a prospective candidate. If they’ve worked with the hiring company before, they may offer invaluable insider knowledge that stretches far beyond what AI can provide.

Key takeaways: utilising AI as a jobseeker

AI can undeniably be a useful tool for jobseekers, from helping to perfect their cover letter and CV to supporting with interview preparation. However, the key is using it strategically, rather than excessively.

AI should be a collaborative tool, not a replacement for your unique qualities. Use AI to generate suggestions and spot mistakes, but ensure you maintain authenticity and the human touch. AI can be a useful asset in your job search – but remember that there can be downsides to overreliance.

Looking to explore the latest job opportunities? Check out our live vacancies – we add new roles daily.