From virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri to recommendations for chatbots and personalized AD, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrates into almost every aspect of modern life, whether you like it or not.
That’s especially true for job seekers, says Jonathan Javier, career consultant and CEO of Wonsulting. He says that in many cases it can be a good thing, as AI has the tools to refine his resume and make sure it matches the right role on the employment site. However, there are drawbacks. Currently, several companies are conducting first round of AI interviews, says Javier. This can be felt impersonal.
Integrating AI into the job market can occur at difficult times. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in August 2025 reached 4.3%, the highest in four years. These figures reflect many factors that present economic uncertainty is one of them, but it is clear that job seekers face a major, challenging battle in today’s job market.
It depends on whether AI can interfere or support employers in this financial environment, Javier says. “In my opinion, AI has made job hunting easier for people who know how to use it effectively, but it’s even more difficult for people who continue to use outdated methods,” he explains.
Here’s how AI is woven into the job market and what smart job seekers can do to stay ahead.
How is AI changing the job market?
1. Career coaching arenas are leveled
According to Javier, job seekers now have AI-powered tools to create sophisticated resumes and cover letters. “For example, job seekers can now use AI tools such as Resumai and Jobboardai to adjust their resumes to a specific role or job description,” he points out. “This gives them the ability to more strategically emphasize their most relevant skills and experience.
Importantly, Javier says this leveled out the arena for people who may not have access to this type of career resource. However, these services come with warnings, Javier said: “It only works when you edit the output and fact check for accuracy.”
2. Companies use AI to screen candidates
As a career coach, Javier says many of his clients report that initial interviews with future employers were conducted only through AI. “Companies are increasingly using AI to conduct first-round interviews,” he says. “It’s efficient, but this often feels awkward because there’s no human touch and you don’t know how the candidates performed.”
This is becoming increasingly common, some studies have shown. A survey from resume builders in October 2024 found that about eight out of ten companies were using AI to screen candidates.
3. AI allows you to place a qualified job directly before you
Even a basic LinkedIn membership as a job seeker, you are still presented with many roles tailored to your experience. It’s a victory for job seekers, he says.
“The platform helps candidates to more directly match their qualified jobs and compare their skills and experience with job descriptions,” he notes. “This allows candidates to focus on quality opportunities rather than broadly apply time, and allow employers to find better candidates without reordering hundreds of resumes.”
What can a smart job seeker do to get the right role?
A recent Pew Research Center survey found that over half (52%) of US workers are concerned about the future of AI in the workplace, with about a third thinking that overall this will lead to a decline in employment opportunities.
These fears are understandable, but don’t worry yet, Javier states: However, approaches need to be shifted to ensure the right role. “Job seekers need to raise AI into workflows and adapt it,” he recommends. “Those who learn to use AI as a tool will stay ahead of them, but those who resist it can be left behind.”
There are absolutely no ways to use AI for your profits in today’s job market.
1. Use AI, but make sure to humanize your experiences
“AI can be a powerful tool for creating more sophisticated resumes and cover letters,” says Javier. While using the above-mentioned resume creation tool is absolutely fine, don’t blindly shoot down documents built by AI in the direction of your employer. “I use AI for drafting, but I always edit for accuracy and personalization,” he recommends.
The risk of these services is when candidates copy copy pasty output without personalization or editing. “AI can get 80% of the ways there, but the last 20% need your unique voice, story, and context,” he explains. “If you don’t review carefully, you may see errors and content that you cannot explain in the interview.”
2. If you have an AI interview scheduled, practice first
There is no way to predict whether the question asked in the interview, whether the conversation is AI-driven. However, Javier says some of his clients who received the AI screenings pointed out that they were asked to outline their background. So it’s not harmful for you to practice a little to convey your experience in a concise and persuasive way. Also, there is no reason why you can’t do this using AI. For example, you can use ChatGpt to evaluate elevator speeches.
3. Build a robust online presence
As Javier points out, introducing your authentic self on LinkedIn or other platforms can help you stand out in the employment process. But be careful about what you post. Resume Builder Survey notes that 47% of the companies surveyed use AI to scan candidates’ personal websites and social media profiles.
4. Don’t send applications spikes
With so many unemployed people, the job market is flooded with applications. Javier estimates it is probably several times as many times as normal. “Use AI to identify the right jobs and coordinate applications. Fewer, more target roles will give you more results,” Javier points out. “Quality is more than quantity.”
Also, remember that this is not the first time that new technologies have shaken the job market. While AI integration into the employment search process may be unsettling, Javier is once again highlighting that robots are not going to replace you. You need to learn to work with AI.
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