Looking for a job is a job in itself, and it can get overwhelming fast.
However, AI isn’t just some techy buzzword; it’s actually a brilliant tool to take some of the stress off your plate while looking for a solid position. Used the right way, it can help you get organised, write stronger applications, and find opportunities faster. You do need to be smart about it, but there are some solid ways you can start using AI to make your job search feel a little less chaotic and a lot more strategic—here are just a few of them.
1. Use AI to polish your CV.
Tools like ChatGPT or CV-specific apps can help you reword clunky sections, tailor your experience for specific roles, or clean up formatting issues. You just paste in your draft and ask for edits or improvements.
It’s especially handy when you’ve stared at the same CV for too long and need a fresh set of eyes —or, well, a fresh set of algorithms. You’re not faking it here. You’re getting clarity and making sure your strengths come through clearly. Just make sure to proofread the results it comes up with rather than just blindly copying and pasting.
2. Get help writing personalised cover letters.
Cover letters are the bit most people dread, and AI can absolutely help take the pressure off. You can feed in a job description and your CV, and ask AI to help you craft a custom letter that highlights why you’re a good match. It’s way better than sending the same generic version to every job. You still want to tweak the tone and make sure it sounds like you, but using AI as a starting point speeds up the process massively.
3. Summarise job descriptions quickly.
Some job listings are overly long, repetitive, or just hard to decode. You can paste them into an AI tool and ask for a plain-English summary or a quick breakdown of the key requirements and responsibilities. This helps you decide fast whether it’s actually a good fit, or not worth your time. It’s a small step that can save you hours of energy and help you apply more strategically.
4. Create a job tracker with AI help.
Keeping tabs on what you’ve applied for, who you’ve heard back from, and when to follow up gets messy fast. You can ask AI to help you design a simple tracker in Excel or Google Sheets to stay organised. It can help suggest helpful columns like “date applied” or “next steps,” and even write formulas for you if you’re not spreadsheet-savvy. Suddenly, you’re not just applying. You’re managing the process like a pro.
5. Practise interview questions.
You can use AI to run mock interviews based on the role you’re applying for. Just say something like, “Act as a hiring manager for a marketing assistant role” and start answering questions it generates. It’s a great way to get in the zone and build confidence, especially if it’s been a while since your last interview. You can even ask for feedback on your answers or help rephrasing tricky responses.
6. Get help translating jargon.
Some job posts are packed with buzzwords and vague corporate speak. If you’re not sure what something means, or how your experience matches up, AI can help decode it for you in plain terms. Just ask, “What does [term] mean in a job description?” and you’ll get a simple explanation that helps you respond more clearly and confidently in your application or interview.
7. Optimise your LinkedIn profile.
AI can help you rework your LinkedIn headline, summary, or job descriptions to be more engaging and keyword-friendly. Just paste in your current profile and ask for suggestions or a tone update. It’s also great for helping you explain career gaps, side projects, or transitions in a way that sounds professional but still true to you. It’s a handy boost when you’re trying to stand out without overselling yourself.
8. Brainstorm answers for tricky application questions.
Some online forms include questions like, “What makes you a good fit for this role?” or “Describe a challenge you overcame.” AI can help you structure and polish your answers based on examples you give it. You shouldn’t be fabricating stories. Instead, focus on putting your real experiences into words that hit the right notes. When your mind goes blank, it’s like having a calm friend to talk it through with.
9. Compare job offers side-by-side.
Trying to decide between roles? AI can help you make a comparison table based on pay, benefits, commute, responsibilities, or whatever else matters to you. Just feed in the details and ask it to lay them out clearly. Seeing everything side-by-side helps you spot what actually matters most to you, and sometimes the better offer isn’t the one with the higher salary. It’s about the whole picture, and AI can help you see it.
10. Research companies more efficiently.
You can use AI to pull together a quick snapshot of a company’s background, mission, culture cues, and any recent news. It’s a great way to prep for interviews or just decide if it feels like the right vibe. Instead of spending an hour trawling through their website, you get a clearer summary, and can then dig deeper if something catches your eye. It makes company research a lot more manageable.
11. Identify skill gaps and get learning suggestions.
If you’re not sure why you’re not landing interviews, you can show AI a job description and your CV and ask, “What skills am I missing here?” It’ll give you a quick reality check, albeit gently. You can then ask for free online resources or beginner-friendly courses to help you brush up. It’s a smart way to upskill without guessing, and it makes your next applications that much stronger.
12. Draft polite follow-up emails.
Following up after an interview or application can feel awkward, especially when you’re trying to sound professional but not pushy. AI can help you write short, respectful follow-ups that keep you on their radar. Just say what you want to communicate, and it’ll help you phrase it in a clear, polite way. No more second-guessing your tone or staring at a blank screen wondering how to say, “Just checking in…”
13. Boost your motivation when you’re discouraged.
AI tools can be surprisingly helpful when you’re feeling low. You can say, “I’ve applied for 20 jobs and heard nothing—help me feel better,” and it’ll offer supportive, practical advice or motivation tailored to your situation. It’s not magic, but sometimes it gives you just enough clarity or encouragement to keep going. On hard days, even a small nudge like that can stop you from giving up, and that alone makes it worth using.
