#JobSearch : How To Strategically Use AI To Launch Your Career In 2025. Here’s How to Leverage AI Effectively in your Job Search. Got Kids? Must Read!

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Landing your first full-time job is an impressive feat at any time, but today it’s becoming even more of an accomplishment. Between the current economic uncertainty and the AI-ification of the workforce, the class of 2025 is struggling to find their place in a fast-changing world.

A study released today by iCIMS found that although entry-level hiring is up 6% over last year, there are still far too many candidates waiting in the wings. For every entry-level job opening, 36 people applied—compared to 29 applicants per entry-level job opening last year.

Gen Z applicants are also dealing with the disconnect between companies’ professed skills-first hiring strategies and how they actually hire. iCIMS found that although 95% of recruiters say they use skills-based practices, when assessing entry-level candidates they rank experience (37%) and education (34%) above skills (28%) as the most important factors.

Yet for all this, there are still great opportunities out there for persistent job seekers. “While the job market is highly competitive, graduates who remain adaptable and resilient in their job search efforts can find meaningful opportunities,” says Jake Gomez, Head of NA Vertical Strategy, ManpowerGroup. “The job market is evolving, not closing, and job seekers must adapt accordingly.”

I recently connected with Gomez to discuss the current state of entry-level hiring and how new grads can optimize their chances in a shifting employment landscape. Here’s what we covered.

“And most importantly, control what you can control—your effort and attitude. Don’t give up, ask for help, and be kind to yourself and others. “You will succeed.”

3 major challenges in today’s job market

Gomez sees three major hurdles that this year’s college graduates must overcome to launch their careers.

  1. Cautious hiring. “Many employers are navigating the current economic climate, which includes tariffs, leading to increased economic uncertainty,” says Gomez. “This is causing employers to pause a little longer before hiring new employees.”
  2. AI and ‘starter’ roles. “With the trend of automation in the workforce, many previous ‘starter’ jobs that a new graduate would handle are being handled by AI,” says Gomez. “This is especially true in areas like customer service, marketing, and tech.”
  3. Mismatch and saturation. “With the advent of new roles within the industry due to AI and its transformation, many roles have adapted, but degrees have not kept pace with the changing landscape,” he says. “This creates a mismatch, compounded by the increase in former college graduates still in the job search.”

All of this adds up to a growing pessimism as the Class of 2025 surveys its hiring prospects. And it’s not all in their heads. “The job market challenges are evident, coupled with a 1.6% higher unemployment rate for new graduates compared to the current unemployment rate,” says Gomez. “Even in our just released ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS), U.S. hiring intentions declined slightly to 30%, a 4% drop from the previous quarter.”

 

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What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

 

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Article continued …

Standing out

In today’s job market, Gomez estimates that it will take most graduates 4–6 months to find work—and upwards of 8 months for certain degrees. And they’ll need to go beyond the basics.

“They need to make themselves relevant and stand out from the crowd,” he says. To help differentiate yourself, Gomez believes you should:

  • Showcase your skills and talent, not just a GPA. “Employers want to see how you will make their company better by hiring you,” he says. “Show them your work ethic. Show them your character. Share what you are doing to continuously make yourself better and those around you.”
  • Tailor your responses. “While AI tools can help formulate ideas and help build a framework, they can also generalize way too much,” Gomez warns. “And if you are not tailoring your message to each job you are applying for, it will be apparent.”
  • Build your brand. “LinkedIn is non-negotiable—you must become a part of a community that you see yourself working in,” stresses Gomez. “This will not only aid in networking efforts but also help in understanding what appears to be the most important and relevant topics within the industry.

“And network like it’s your job because until you find one, it is.”

How AI is affecting the job search

AI is a two-edged sword: while it can help young job seekers, it can also hurt if overused or not used properly.

Gomez points to ManpowerGroup’s latest research on AI in the workplace, which shows that 85% of employers now use AI in hiring processes. Most, however, recognize its limitations. One-third (33%) say AI can’t replicate ethical judgment, while 31% cite customer service as uniquely human.

“Yet the research reveals a nuance that while AI won’t replace people, people who can leverage AI will have more value than people who don’t,” says Gomez. “These findings underscore a growing consensus toward AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement.”

So where can AI be a help, not a hindrance?

  1. Resume and cover letters. “AI can quickly tailor to specific postings, which can help get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) companies use,” says Gomez.
  2. Interview preparation. “Practice interview questions of both what to answer and what to ask,” advises Gomez. However, this advice comes with a caveat: “Don’t just rely on AI. Practice these questions and answers with a peer, mentor, or family member to get your delivery down.”
  3. Job discovery. “AI-powered platforms can assist in finding more relevant roles that you may have missed,” Gomez adds.

Where should you be cautious of AI? Gomez says it can often be too generic. “Overreliance on AI-generated content without personalization can make applications feel unauthentic,” he says. AI may also add skills that don’t reflect your actual capabilities. “This can backfire in an interview if the job seeker can’t speak to the skills,” he warns. Finally, it’s all too easy to become overly dependent on AI. “AI can become a crutch and hamper growth in critical skills,” says Gomez.

To make the best use of AI in your job search, says Gomez, you should co-create with AI to generate a starting point or framework. “But you must edit and ensure it reflects your voice,” he says. “Make sure your answers stay ‘you.’ Ensure you stay true to who you are, embracing your strengths, values, and interests.”

Job searching beyond AI

While AI is now a big piece of the employment puzzle, it’s not the only tool you can use to get hired. Gomez identifies three key actions you can take to improve your employability:

  1. Skill up. “Build in-demand skills by taking online courses or getting certifications in areas of interest, including AI tools and platforms, as even basic knowledge in this area is attractive to employers,” says Gomez.
  2. Do freelance, part-time, or project work. “Reach out to local small businesses or nonprofits to help them and give you a chance to build the desired experience and demonstrate initiative,” Gomez advises.
  3. Network with purpose. “Set up informal interviews with professionals in your field of interest. Ask about their career paths, what skills matter, and what advice they have,” says Gomez. “Attend industry meetups, alumni events, or virtual industry panels. And be active on LinkedIn—share thoughtful insights and posts, comment on industry topics, and connect with hiring managers and recruiters.”

It’s true, the current job market isn’t an easy one to break into—but the class of 2025 has already achieved so much. “By focusing on skill development, networking, and flexibility, new graduates can navigate this landscape and find rewarding career paths,” says Gomez.

 

Forbes.com | June 24, 2024 |  Mark C. Perna,