They say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” but here I am, with over three decades of recruiting, and mind you, not the most tech-savvy individual on the planet, learning how ChatGPT can help candidates find their next job opportunity. And honestly…I think it’s fantastic.
As we all know, both recruiting and job searching have changed drastically over the decades, and as someone who values efficiency and human contact, it hasn’t necessarily been for the better in either case. Gone are the days of paper resumes, Rolodexes, and phones ringing off the hook. Gone are the days of taking a job order over the phone, knowing your client companies and client candidates so well that a job order is filled within a few minutes.
Today, candidates are applying online in droves, and the competition for talent is fierce. I recently spoke with a fantastic candidate who was laid off after six years due to a reduction in force, who estimates she has applied to close to 1,000 jobs since February 2025. Keeping up with this pace is surely overwhelming.
This is where I believe ChatGPT can be a useful tool for job seekers to gain a competitive advantage.
1. Optimizing Resumes
One of the first ways to use ChatGPT is to refine your resume for optimal consideration. It can:
- Suggest stronger ways to highlight achievements
- Tailor resumes for specific job descriptions
- Convert technical jargon into plain language to better resonate with hiring managers
For example, a job seeker can input their resume bullet points and the target job description, and ChatGPT will generate multiple versions to emphasize impact. They will still need to tweak it so that it reflects their authentic voice, but this saves a lot of time!
2. Crafting Personalized Cover Letters
Writing a cover letter can often be intimidating. ChatGPT can help draft compelling first versions for job seekers to tailor to each application. It can:
- Suggest engaging openings to catch attention
- Structure experience into a concise, persuasive narrative
- Maintain a professional but approachable tone
It’s important, though, that the final product still reflects the candidate’s personality. AI is the helper, not the voice!
3. Interview Prep Support
Believe it or not, ChatGPT can also be used as a mock interviewer and coach. It will:
- Help you practice answering behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Provide tips for industry-specific or technical questions
- Offer feedback on clarity and impact of responses
It’s like having a patient, tireless job coach available 24/7. A huge confidence booster for nervous candidates.
4. Networking & Outreach Guidance
Networking can be daunting, especially for candidates entering new industries. ChatGPT will:
- Draft professional LinkedIn messages or emails
- Suggest conversation starters based on shared interests or connections
- Create polite follow-up templates after informational interviews
The key is personalization. AI can draft ideas, but the person’s genuine voice creates meaningful connections.
5. Researching Companies & Roles
Before any interview, candidates must deeply understand the organization and the role. ChatGPT can:
- Summarize company culture, values, and recent news
- Highlight key skills and qualifications needed for the role
- Suggest insightful questions for interviews
Be careful to verify details with official sources. AI is fast, but not always 100% accurate.
6. Organizing the Job Search
Keeping track of applications, deadlines, and follow-ups is critical. ChatGPT will:
- Build tracking spreadsheets
- Create daily or weekly action plans
- Draft thank-you emails and follow-up templates
Final Thoughts
I’ve learned that adapting to new tools isn’t just possible, it’s essential. ChatGPT doesn’t replace experience, judgment, or personal coaching; it amplifies them.
For any job seeker, embracing tools like ChatGPT can make your job search more efficient and less daunting. If this old recruiter can learn new tricks, so can you.
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