Recruitment is evolving. In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an ever-larger role in how recruiters fill positions, but it can also help applicants gain an edge in a highly competitive market. Let’s dig into the facts.
How Recruiters are Leveraging AI to Find Candidates
- Sourcing candidates: It starts with a search. AI algorithms are custom-made to analyze vast amounts of data. In recruitment, this means trawling through the information housed on various hiring platforms to pinpoint individuals whose experience and expertise fit the job description. Want to appear at the top of the pile? Job seekers should keep their online profiles up to date and primed with relevant keywords from the job specs they are targeting.
- Screening candidates: The recruiter has found several potential candidates—now it’s time to narrow the scope. In seconds, AI systems can evaluate resumes and applications, filtering out the ones that fail to meet specific criteria. Candidates should tailor their resumes to mirror the job description closely to stay in the running.
- Candidate scoring: The application process often features a phase where candidates are asked targeted questions relating to the prospective job. Based on their responses, AI systems provide a score indicating how well a candidate fits the role. Taking time to prepare effective answers to common interview questions can drive up a candidate’s scoring potential.
How Job Seekers Can Use AI to Get Hired
Artificial intelligence creates a whole new set of complex imperatives for professionals trying to get hired in tech. But it works both ways. Clever use of AI can also help job seekers land their dream role.
- Optimize your writing with AI tools: First things first—get that CV in shape. Tools like Grammarly can provide guidance on eliminating typos and refining formatting. They can also help make your writing more compelling and concise, which is especially impactful for cover letters. Please note that recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more proficient in identifying AI-generated language. Many will even use AI detectors to identify job applications that lean too heavily on these tools. You should vigorously edit and personalize any AI-generated text before pressing send.
- Keyword recommendations: In the age of web crawlers, keywords are becoming ever more critical. AI systems can suggest keywords to include in resumes, cover letters, and follow-up emails. This optimizes the document for applicant tracking systems (ATS), helping you get through initial screenings.
- Other kinds of automation: Platforms like LinkedIn use AI to help users automatically tailor their work experience for the jobs they're applying to. This feature can highlight the most relevant skills and experiences, streamlining the application process. In today's job market, where candidates often apply to numerous positions to secure interviews, any tools that speed things up can be a game-changer.
Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the Future of Recruitment
For job seekers in the tech industry, understanding how recruiters use AI is crucial to devising a successful job search strategy. By leveraging AI tools to refine their application materials and streamline their job search, candidates can gain an advantage in a crowded market. However, recruiters and candidates alike should note that with every efficiency gained, there is the risk of something being lost. For better or worse, the necessity to meet certain criteria on paper may lessen the chances of job seekers getting opportunities based on less quantifiable talents like interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence, at least in the early stages of the hiring process. It also means that candidates without prior experience or official qualifications could struggle to get their foot in the door.
Stay tuned to the blog for my upcoming discussion of the over-emphasis on degree qualifications in tech. For now, check out this article on human sustainability.
