AI and the job search: an ally, but not an autopilot

AI and the job search: an ally, but not an autopilot

25 March 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now an essential tool in many fields, and job hunting is no exception. Coaching chatbots, CV-writing assistants, optimised cover letters... solutions based on artificial intelligence promise to speed up and optimise the application process.

While it is tempting to entrust your entire job search to an AI, this can be a strategic mistake. An experienced recruiter will quickly spot a CV or covering letter that is too generic, and an interview that is too scripted can give the impression of a lack of spontaneity. Artificial intelligence is a real assistant, but it should never replace the thought and personalisation that are essential to an effective application.

So how can you make intelligent use of AI in your job search without losing your authenticity ?

1. What artificial intelligence can do (well) for you

AI can be a valuable aid in structuring and optimising certain aspects of the job search. Used properly, it can be used to :

• Save time on formatting your CV and covering letter: some AI tools can analyse a job advert and suggest wording that matches the keywords sought by recruiters. A good way of optimising your application.
•  Helping to rephrase and highlight skills: AI can suggest more powerful ways of describing professional experience, emphasising the results achieved.
• Simulating job interviews: some conversational AIs allow you to practise answering common interview questions, which can be useful for building confidence.
• Automate job vacancy monitoring: thanks to AI, you can set up intelligent alerts that list vacancies that match your profile, without having to scour dozens of platforms every day.

However, these advantages should not mask the limitations of AI in a process as human as job hunting.

2. What artificial intelligence should not do for you

However powerful AI may be, it cannot replace the personal effort and personalisation that are essential to an effective application. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Sending an application without personalisation: while an AI can suggest a structure for a cover letter, it cannot transcribe your genuine motivation. A recruiter will quickly spot a letter that is too standardised, with no real link to the company and the job
• Using preconceived answers in interviews: some candidates prepare for an interview by using AI to anticipate questions and recite ready-made answers. Not a good idea! An interview is above all a human exchange where sincerity and adaptability are essential.
• Trusting AI without checking: AI can sometimes invent information or suggest awkward wording. Always re-read and adapt what it produces.

Recruitment is not just about a good CV or a well-written letter. It's also about convincing, establishing a rapport with the recruiter and showing that you're the right person for the job.

3. How can we make the best use of artificial intelligence without losing our authenticity?

Artificial intelligence can be an excellent tool if used intelligently and discerningly. Here are a few rules to follow:

•  Always personalise and proofread suggestions: a cover letter written by an AI should be used as a basis, not as the final version. Add personal details and a human touch.
• Adapt your CV and letter to each vacancy: rather than sending a standardised document, take the time to adjust the relevant elements to suit the company and the post.
• Use AI as a coach, not a substitute: AI can help structure your ideas and formulate answers, but it's up to you to bring your authenticity and personality to the table.
•  Think critically: don't take all the AI's suggestions at face value. Analyse, modify and adapt according to your own style and experience.

Artificial intelligence is a real tool that can make job hunting much easier, but it will never replace the effort, personal reflection and authenticity of a candidate. A recruiter is first and foremost looking for a person, not a text perfectly optimised by an algorithm.

Using AI intelligently means knowing how to use it to optimise your application while retaining a personal and human touch. In short, make AI your ally, but always retain control over your own career path.