From virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri to chatbots and personalized ad recommendations, artificial intelligence (AI) has integrated itself into almost all aspects of modern life — whether we prefer it that way or not. 

That’s especially true for job seekers, says Jonathan Javier, a career consultant and the CEO of Wonsulting. He says that can be a good thing in many cases, as AI has tools to help folks refine their résumés and get matched with the right roles on employment sites. That said, there are downsides. Several companies now conduct AI first-round interviews, Javier says, which can feel impersonal — and perhaps limiting in terms of how convincing you can be to a potential employer. 

The integration of AI into the employment market comes at a difficult time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in August 2025 hit 4.3%, the highest in four years. Those numbers are reflective of a multitude of factors — current economic uncertainties being one of them — but it’s clear that job seekers are facing a major uphill battle in today’s employment market. 

As for whether AI can hinder or help job hunters in this financial climate, that depends, Javier says. “In my opinion, AI has made job hunting easier for those who know how to use it effectively, but harder for those who continue using outdated methods,” he explains. 

Here’s how AI is weaving itself into the job market, and what smart job seekers can do to stay ahead. 

How is AI changing the job market?1. The career coaching playing field is leveling out 

According to Javier, job seekers now have AI-powered tools to create polished résumés and cover letters. “For example, a job seeker can now tailor a résumé to a specific role or job description using AI tools like ResumAI or JobBoardAI,” he notes. “This gives them the ability to highlight their most relevant skills and experiences more strategically. 

Importantly, Javier says this has leveled the playing field for folks who might not have had access to these kinds of career resources. But these services come with a caveat, Javier notes: “It only works if you edit and fact-check the output for accuracy.”

2. Companies are using AI for candidate screenings

As a career coach, Javier notes that many of his clients have reported that their initial interview with a prospective employer was conducted solely via AI — no human was present. “Companies are increasingly using AI to conduct first-round interviews,” he notes. “While efficient, this often feels awkward because it lacks the human touch and can leave candidates unsure how they performed.” 

This is becoming increasingly common, some research shows. An October 2024 survey from Resume Builder found that roughly eight out of 10 companies use AI to screen candidates. 

3. AI can put jobs you’re qualified for directly in front of you 

Even with a basic LinkedIn membership, as a job seeker, you’re still presented with a large chunk of roles tailored to your experience — a far cry from the days you’d need to scour listings and job description bullet points for the right match. That’s a win for job seekers, he says. 

“Platforms can help candidates match even more directly with jobs they’re qualified for, comparing their skills and experiences to job descriptions,” he notes. “This allows candidates to focus on quality opportunities instead of wasting time applying broadly and helps employers find better-fit candidates without sorting through hundreds of résumés.”

What can smart job seekers do to land the right role?

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that more than half of U.S. workers (52%) were worried about the future of AI in the workplace, and about one-third believe it will lead to fewer job opportunities overall. 

Those fears are understandable, but don’t worry just yet, Javier says: AI is not designed to replace you. However, you do need to shift your approach to secure the right role. “Job seekers need to upskill and adapt AI into their workflows,” he recommends. “Those who learn to use AI as a tool will stay ahead, while those who resist it may be left behind.”

Here’s exactly how to use AI to your advantage in today’s job market.

1. Use AI, but be sure to humanize your experience 

“AI can be a powerful tool to create more polished résumés and cover letters,” Javier says. It’s perfectly fine to use those aforementioned résumé-building tools, but don’t shoot off an AI-built document in an employer’s direction blindly. “Use AI for drafting, but always edit for accuracy and personalization,” he recommends.

The danger with these services, Javier says, is when candidates copy-paste outputs without personalization or edits. “AI can get you 80% of the way there, but that last 20% requires your unique voice, stories and context,” he explains. “If you don’t review carefully, you might end up with errors or content you can’t explain in an interview.”

2. If you have an AI interview scheduled, make sure you practice first

There’s no way to predict what questions you’ll be asked in an interview, whether that conversation is AI-driven or not. But Javier says several of his clients who had AI screenings noted that they were asked to outline their backgrounds — so it doesn’t hurt to do a little practice to ensure you’re conveying your experience in a succinct, compelling way. And there’s no reason why you can’t use AI yourself to do this: You can use ChatGPT, for example, to assess your elevator speech. 

3. Build a robust online presence 

As Javier notes, showcasing your authentic self on LinkedIn or other platforms will help you stand out in the job-hunting process. But be wary of what you post; the Resume Builder survey noted that 47% of companies surveyed are also using AI to scan candidates’ personal websites and social media profiles.

4. Don’t just send out a flurry of applications

With so many unemployed people, the job market is flooded with applications — Javier estimates perhaps five times as many as normal. “Use AI to identify the right jobs and tailor your applications; fewer, better-targeted roles will get you more results,” Javier notes. “Quality over quantity.”

Remember, too, that this isn’t the first time new tech has rocked the employment market. Though the integration of AI into the job search process might feel unnerving, Javier emphasizes again that robots aren’t looking to replace you. You just need to learn to work alongside AI. 

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