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Technology has transformed the job market during the past few years. Tools focused on empowering remote work have brought new opportunities to both companies and workers. As artificial intelligence (AI) has empowered a wide range of automations, it has eliminated the need for some positions while creating new ones.
For job seekers, a new line of AI-powered tools has emerged to help with the resume writing process. Experts say these tools, which promise to take your resume to the next level in a matter of minutes, bring both advantages and disadvantages to the job market.
“As more people use AI to polish their resumes and cover letters, it’s leveling the playing field,” says Sally Derian, an accomplished technical writer specializing in simplifying intricate ideas into content that helps businesses grow. “Suddenly, almost anyone can create a professional-looking application. That’s great for candidates who maybe couldn’t afford professional help before.”
Derian is a careful observer of tech developments in the business world. She is often called upon to help businesses clearly communicate their innovations, products, and services during operational transitions, including the merger and acquisition (M&A) process. Her writing focuses on users and data-driven tactics that uniquely showcase value offerings across business platforms and segments.
While Derian highlights the extra help that AI is bringing to resume writers, she also warns that it is raising the bar for job seekers. “What used to stand out as a great application might now just be the new normal,” she says. “So, while it’s making the initial application process more accessible, it’s also potentially making the job search more competitive.”
AI is making the resume process more dynamic
In the past, applying for a job typically required clicking a link, uploading a resume and cover letter, and waiting for email confirmation. Today, the process involves more twists and turns.
“I’m seeing a trend toward making the application process more dynamic,” Derian reports. “Companies are throwing in real-time, randomized questions that require a human touch to answer effectively. It’s all about getting beyond the polished surface.”
Pre-employment tests are another component that has become more common in the dynamic process Derian is seeing. These tests include those that measure a candidate’s knowledge of the particular job and aptitude for particular tasks. Candidates may also be asked to complete other tests, such as personality tests, integrity tests, and emotional intelligence tests. A recent study by the Society for Human Resources Management found that 56 percent of employers are now using pre-employment tests.
“There’s been a big shift towards ‘show, don’t tell,’” Derian says. “More companies are emphasizing skills-based assessments and practical tests. It’s a great way to see what candidates can actually do, not just what they say they can do.”
Derian highlights the prevalence of video interviews earlier in the application process as another expression of the “show, don’t tell” shift. Employers are investing time in video interviews earlier to gauge authenticity and see the candidate’s communication skills in action as a way to evaluate a candidate without AI smoothing out the edges.
The widespread use of AI by applicants has also inspired many companies to alter the training they provide to hiring managers. Today’s resumes must be reviewed with an eye for new details, meaning hiring managers must learn what to look for to see beyond AI-generated embellishments.
“The focus is on looking past the fancy language and really digging into concrete examples and unique experiences,” Derian explains. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating a hiring process that values real skills and authentic experiences over a perfectly crafted resume.”
Applicants should seek to go beyond the basics
To stand out in today’s hiring landscape, applicants must present more than just a solid resume. What AI can provide for one, it can provide for everyone, so applicants will need to offer something AI cannot provide to make the cut.
“I think we’re going to see a much bigger emphasis on soft skills and emotional intelligence,” Derian says. “These are things that AI just can’t easily replicate — at least not yet — and they’re going to become major differentiators in the job market.”
Adaptability is one skill that can make a candidate more valuable. Because AI is speeding up the rate of change across the entire business landscape, candidates who show they are continuous learners capable of thriving in rapidly evolving work environments will offer the value employers seek.
“As AI gets better at articulating baseline qualifications, candidates will need to show how they can adapt and grow beyond those basics,” Derian explains. “For example, in today’s marketing landscape, simply claiming proficiency in social media or email marketing isn’t enough. AI can do that for anyone. What truly impresses hiring managers is witnessing the evolution of a professional. In this AI-driven market, it’s all about showing you can learn and adapt as the field changes. That’s what makes a candidate shine.”
AI may be changing the game when it comes to the job application process, but the ultimate goal remains standing out from the competition. For job seekers, that now requires finding ways to show you offer more than a strong understanding of how to use AI-powered resume tools.
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