How to use AI in your job hunt (without losing the human touch)

The job search can feel overwhelming — endless applications, awkward cover letters, trying to stand out when it seems like everyone’s applying for the same thing. AI can genuinely help. From writing your CV to preparing for interviews, it can make the process feel less heavy and more manageable.

But here's the thing: while AI can speed things up, it can't replace the effort, research and personal touches that show you're genuinely interested in a role. Used well, it's a powerful tool. Used as a shortcut? It can end up making you sound like you didn’t try. And that’s never the vibe you’re going for.

So here's how to use AI to support your job search — without sounding like a robot, or feeling like one either.

1. Use AI to get clarity first

Before sending off any applications, it helps to know what you're actually looking for. If you’re feeling a bit stuck, AI can help you reflect on your experience and explore different job paths.

💡 Try this prompt:"I’m good at organising people, love being creative, and have some experience with social media. What kind of roles might suit me?"

Even if you don’t get the perfect answer, it’s a helpful way to get the ideas flowing — and narrow your focus so you’re not applying everywhere just for the sake of it.

2. Let AI help with your CV – then make it yours

AI tools can take your existing CV and help you highlight different strengths based on the role you’re applying for. This is especially useful when you’re applying for different types of jobs and want to emphasise different things.

💡 Try this:"Can you rewrite this CV to highlight my experience in customer service and team leadership for a Community Manager role?"

🔑 Important: Once you've got a first draft, read it back and add in your own language. Think about where you can be specific: numbers, outcomes, tools you used or moments you're proud of. AI might help with structure, but you know your experience best.

3. Use AI to break the ice with cover letters

The blank page struggle is real. AI can give you a starting point so you're not staring at the screen for an hour.

💡 Try this prompt:"Write a warm and professional cover letter for a job as a Marketing Assistant at a sustainability-focused company. Mention my uni dissertation on ethical fashion and my part-time retail job at a charity shop."

Once it’s written, go through it and tweak the tone so it actually sounds like you. This is your chance to show a bit of personality — why you care, what excites you and what you’d bring to the role.

4. Do your own research (AI can’t do it all)

AI can help you summarise a job description or explain what a company does — but it won’t go digging through their TikTok account or reading their founder’s interview in Courier.

🧠 Before applying, try looking for:

• Recent campaigns or news stories about the company

• Who’s on their team (LinkedIn is your friend)

• What the company says about their values or work culture

You can then use AI to help you work that info into your application. For example:

💡 "Based on this job description and company values, what strengths should I highlight in my CV?"

5. Prep for interviews with a bit of AI coaching

Once you’ve landed an interview (nice one), AI can help you prep. Use it to generate potential questions and structure your answers.

💡 Try this prompt:"I’m interviewing for a Junior Content Creator role. What are some questions I might be asked, and how can I answer them based on this experience: [insert your story]?"

Even better, use AI to practise saying your answers aloud. You’ll feel more confident and you’ll spot anything that sounds too formal or rehearsed. Aim for natural, not perfect.

Bonus point. Keep things organised with AI tools

If you're applying for multiple roles, it's easy to lose track. Use tools like Notion AI or ChatGPT to help you:

• Create a job search tracker template

• Summarise job descriptions

• Track applications and deadlines

• Draft follow-up emails

A little bit of structure can help everything feel more manageable — and keep you from forgetting which version of your CV went where.

AI is here to help, not to replace you

It’s easy to spot when someone’s let AI do all the heavy lifting. Applications start to sound the same and it can feel like the person behind them isn’t that interested. But when you use AI alongside your own effort, research and voice — that’s when the magic happens.

So yes, get AI to help you start. But always:

• Add your voice

• Check for accuracy

• Show that you’ve done your homework

• And be honest about your experience and values

Bottom line? AI is a brilliant tool for job searching — but effort and authenticity still matter most.

Want more tips on getting work you actually enjoy? Follow @favouritepositions for bite-sized advice to help you land your dream job.