How can AI be used to support students in the post-graduation job search?

Applying for a job in the modern world can feel overwhelming – there are so many companies and roles out there, all with their own specific requirements. To make things harder, a job title at one company may not mean the same thing to another, which can make it difficult for junior candidates to find roles that actually match their level of experience. 

Fortunately, the recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are able to smooth the way to getting a foot on the career ladder. In this post, we explore three ways this technology can be used in the post-graduation job search.

What AI can do for you when you are looking for jobs?

Beyond simple automation, AI tools can now tailor your application materials, pinpoint ideal roles, and even coach you for interviews. This isn’t about replacing your effort, but about making it smarter and more effective.

Enhancing resumes and cover letters

Many people use a template to create their resume and cover letter – both of which are essential components of being successful on the job market. However, graduates tend to not have much business experience. So, it’s important to highlight transferable skills that may have been gained in previous part-time jobs or volunteer work, rather than relying on job titles or company names standing out. 

AI can be used to create a first draft resume and cover letter that are designed specifically for the job role the candidate is applying for. Whilst they’ll need to be proofread and tweaked so that the wording feels personal, they’re a great place to start and create a professional-looking document. Students may have already used AI in a similar way at university, so this is a simple opportunity to enhance their job search.

Finding a job

Filtering through jobs can be a time-consuming task, and after a while all the descriptions blur into one. Plus, there are only so many hours in the day, meaning that candidates are more likely than not to miss out on a role that they’d be interested in. 

AI can take the manual repetition out of this task, digesting the information on a resume and then scanning the job boards, pulling out roles that would best suit that particular applicant’s skills and experience. Not only does this save time, but it means that the candidate is more likely to be a better fit for the job, increasing their chances of securing the all-important interview. Having relevant keywords on their resume can help with this.

For interview practice

Even if someone is qualified for the role, interviewing well is a skill in itself. Many people get daunted by the questions, or find it hard to explain their experience in a way that makes it clear to the hiring manager that they’d be a great fit. Whilst there’s some established interview questions that get asked on a regular basis, so some element of preparation is possible, graduates may not yet be familiar or confident with these – which is where AI can help.

By using generative AI, job seekers can ask the large language model to create a list of potential questions they may be asked, based on the job title and description, allowing graduates to feel more prepared. Whilst it’s important not to just memorize the answers, it can help to have a rough idea of how you might structure an answer before you’re in the hot seat.

Securing their first role

AI can assist graduates in making their first steps into the world of work – but it’s not a replacement for the human touch. Candidates should make sure to thoroughly check their applications before they submit, lest they give a false impression of their skills.

Embracing the Future of Job Hunting

While the job market can feel like a maze, AI offers a compass to navigate it. From crafting tailored resumes to uncovering hidden opportunities and sharpening interview skills, AI empowers graduates to put their best foot forward. But remember, AI is a tool, not a substitute. It’s the combination of your unique skills, experience, and the smart use of AI that will ultimately unlock the door to your dream career. As you embark on this exciting journey, embrace the possibilities that technology offers and confidently step into the future of job hunting.