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Artificial intelligence isn’t just about self-driving cars and Silicon Valley. AI has found its way into almost every job – and even into getting that job in the first place. AI programs now routinely screen job applications, often before a human hiring manager even sees a resume. Companies are also increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for job interviews, a kind of recorded interview that can test job knowledge and even analyze body language.
At the end of the day, the same skills that work in the traditional hiring process can be applied in this brave new world. Here are some simple tips on how to navigate AI systems so you can land your dream job.
Write for the computer—and for the human
Employers are increasingly using artificial intelligence systems to help screen and screen job applications, relying most heavily on tools known as applicant tracking systems, or ATSs. ATS can automatically compare resumes to the job description and rank applicants based on how well it thinks they match the qualifications.
This filtering process mostly comes down to how well the software thinks your resume matches the keywords it notices in the job description or that the hiring manager has asked it to search for.
So how do you spot these key phrases to make an ATS-friendly resume?
“The most important thing is to use the job description as a guide,” said Sarah Gould, senior assistant director of career engagement at the University of Florida’s Center for Career Connections. “Go old school with a highlighter, find the language they’re using in their document, and then apply it to yours.”
Note the required certifications or skills before worrying about “preferred” qualifications. Look for words or phrases that are repeated or have meaning in the industry. See how your experience and skills can be shared using this language.
Formatting is also key. If the application specifies what type of document to submit, follow these instructions strictly. Usually a simple Word or PDF document is safe. Fancy graphics or complex columns can confuse a machine reader, so stick to a clear layout. Most hiring managers are interested in the content rather than the style of the resume.
And don’t make the mistake of trying to outsmart the machine. Tricks like posting the entire job description on your resume in invisible white text will get you noticed, but not in a good way. “These things can be flagged as an anomaly,” Gould said. “It’s a machine learning system, so they learn those tricks as well.”
Employers who see these warnings on your application will know you’ve tried to cheat the system.
But never forget that your goal is to impress the person behind the AI. Avoid robotic keyword lists. Try to seamlessly weave the most important qualifications, skills and key phrases into normal language so that your own humanity shines through.
Keyword resume scanners also make a personal approach as important as ever.
“Don’t let them stop you from networking, from tracking, from reaching out,” Gould said. “There’s still a person there.”
AI Interviewing: Dos and Don’ts
Also known as recorded interviews, artificial intelligence interviews are an increasingly common screening tool. They usually ask candidates to record themselves while answering interview questions. AI interviews may also include skills tests where candidates must demonstrate domain-specific knowledge or answer questions designed to test critical thinking. While basic programs may simply send records to hiring managers, more sophisticated ones can analyze responses, tone, even facial expressions and eye contact.
“Some companies consider the virtual interview to be the new resume,” said Ja’Net Glover, director of career services at UF.
As part of the transition to skills-based hiring, these virtual interviews and skills tests can help employers find a fit early in the process.
This may sound intimidating, but preparing for an AI interview is similar to preparing for an in-person or video interview with a human.
“Ask the employer you’re interviewing with what to expect during the process,” Glover said. If you learn what software they use, look up the program’s website and research how it works. You can even use similar tools for practice. Both Google and LinkedIn offer machine learning-based interview preparation.
In addition to your research, take the AI interview as seriously as you would any other. Dress appropriately for work. Find a quiet, well-lit room to write down your answers. Imagine you’re talking to a live interviewer and act the same way: warm and professional, without a lot of nerves.
One advantage for job seekers? They will be on their turf.
“Candidates can control a lot of factors that they wouldn’t have control over in a standard interview,” Glover said. This gives job seekers a chance to practice in the environment in which they will have to work. And practice is always the key to a good interview.
“The more they practice, the more it will help them feel confident and prepared,” Glover said.
Resources available
The UF Career Connections Center helps students prepare to navigate the AI-enabled hiring process through instruction, practice and feedback from career counselors.
Beginning in the fall semester of 2022, the career center will also provide access to Quinncia, a new machine learning-driven interview preparation tool that provides personalized resume and interview feedback for AI-driven job searches. Just like resume reviews and hands-on interviews with human coaches—which will always be a good idea—practicing with the kinds of AI software UF students will encounter can give them an edge over the competition.
Career coaches also continually educate other staff and faculty on campus about the evolving use of technology in the hiring process. And they’re working with employers to identify trends in AI tools to prepare students for what’s on the horizon.
“This technology will continue to evolve,” Glover said. “It’s not going anywhere.”
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