Using AI in Job Searching

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prominent in the workplace, you may worry that AI threatens your current job or future prospects. Fear not—most hiring decision-makers in the U.S. (84%) and Canada (79%) say generative AI will never replace the need for actual employees at their company, according to a new survey by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals. But, only 69% of U.S. jobseekers and 70% of Canadian jobseekers agree.  

The World Economic Forum estimated in 2020 that AI would displace 85 million jobs but create 97 million new jobs by 2025. By 2030, activities that account for up to 30% of hours worked in the U.S. economy could be automated, per McKinsey Global Institute.  

Use AI to Get Ahead in Your Job Search 

While you or your fellow jobseekers may be concerned about the negative impacts of AI, there are advantages to using this technology. Most jobseekers agree generative AI can be used to: 

• Create mock interview questions: 75% U.S., 73% Canada 
• Draft resumes and cover letters: 71% U.S., 68% Canada 
• Create work samples: 62% U.S., 63% Canada 
• Write outreach responses, like initial and follow-up emails: 62% U.S., 60% Canada  

Only 53% of U.S. jobseekers and 42% of Canadian jobseekers believe using AI to complete online assessments or tests is an appropriate usage. Employers agree that it’s better to demonstrate your skills and abilities in assessments and tests without the help of AI. Not only will this help you get a better understanding of the skills required for the job, but it will also help employers more accurately assess your capabilities, which will lead to finding a better fit for both you and the company. 

Emphasize Skills AI Can’t Beat 

As useful as AI has the potential to be, there are countless skills that human workers possess that AI can’t touch, such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and curiosity. AI is a useful tool, but it often lacks context clues, attention to detail, and can be inaccurate. These are all gaps that will require greater technological advancement or actual employees to fill.  

You can leverage your willingness to embrace AI as a selling point for your next job. By understanding the technology, demonstrating efficient use of it, and incorporating AI into your workflow, you can secure a perception of efficiency, adaptability, and flexibility that can’t be matched by AI systems.  

Protections for Jobseekers  

Legal usage of AI in the hiring and recruiting process may vary by location, as some areas are creating laws and guidance to protect jobseekers and regulate AI’s use. New York City, NY, recently implemented a law to regulate the use of automated employment decision tools (AEDTs), including AI and machine learning. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers guidance and resources to prevent discrimination and ensure fair hiring practices. Canada, one of the first countries to pursue laws regulating AI, has proposed the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) to ensure that AI systems are safe and non-discriminatory. 

How have you used AI to advance in your job search? Let us know in the comment section below!  

To provide accurate and timely employment forecasts for business leaders, Express Employment Professionals commissions an ongoing Job Insights survey to track employment and hiring trends across a wide range of industries. The survey was conducted within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers from June 8 to 22, 2023, and 1,006 jobseekers from June 13 to 16, 2023.