Your Job Search in the Age of AI
The job search is evolving. Artificial intelligence is influencing how employers recruit and how candidates search, apply, and prepare for jobs and internships. So, what does this mean for you?
A successful job search today is less about how many applications you can submit and more about how you intentionally approach your search. You can use AI to help you research and prepare, but you should not create your entire resume or cover letter using AI.
A recent CNBC article highlights a growing challenge in today’s job search: when candidates rely too heavily on AI to create their resumes, the results can start to sound very similar.
That’s where you come in. Your experiences, skills, and voice are what make your resume and your candidacy distinct. In addition to tailoring your application materials, you’ll want to build relationships with people who can help you learn about careers and opportunities, and focus your time on positions that connect with your skills and interests.
Use AI to Strengthen Your Job Search
AI can be a valuable career tool when you use it to support your thinking rather than replace it. You can use AI to:
Research an industry, organization or career path.
Review a job description and identify the skills an employer is seeking.
Compare your experiences and skills with the requirements of a position.
Identify skills you may want to develop.
Brainstorm questions for a networking conversation.
Practice answering interview questions and receive feedback.
Prepare for an interview by researching an organization or role.
Get feedback on your resume while keeping your own experiences and voice at the center.
AI can help you work more efficiently, but it should not tell your story for you. Your experiences, perspective and understanding of what you bring to a position are what make your application and conversations personal.
Use AI to prepare. Use your own experiences to communicate who you are.
Build Relationships, Not Just Connections
A job posting can tell you what an employer is looking for. A conversation with someone doing the work can tell you much more.
Talking with professionals can help you understand what a career is really like, learn which skills matter, hear how someone entered the field, and identify experiences that could help you prepare.
Networking does not have to begin with asking someone for a job. Start with curiosity and ask for advice. Consider questions such as:
What does your day-to-day work look like?
What skills are most important in your role?
How did you get started in this field?
What experiences helped prepare you for your career?
What advice would you give a student interested in this type of work?
Are there skills or experiences you think are valuable to develop?
Are there other people you recommend I speak with?
The goal is not to collect as many connections as possible. It is to build relationships and learn from people whose experiences can help you make informed career decisions.
Start With Your Lehigh Network
You already have access to a valuable network through Lehigh.
Lehigh Connects: Connect with alumni who have volunteered to support students with career exploration and preparation. Search by major, company, job title, location, and other areas of interest to find alumni you may want to contact.
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to find Lehigh alumni and other professionals working in industries, organizations, and roles that interest you. When reaching out, personalize your message and explain why you are interested in connecting.
You can also look beyond alumni. Consider professors, former supervisors, internship contacts, family members, and other professionals you've met through your experiences.
Be Intentional About Where You Apply
Applications still matter—but applying to more positions isn't necessarily the answer.
Instead, focus on opportunities where your skills, experiences, and interests connect with what the employer is seeking. Look beyond the job title and review the skills and responsibilities described in the position.
Before applying, ask yourself:
Which of my skills and qualifications overlap with the position requirements?
Can I clearly explain how my experiences connect to the role?
Am I genuinely interested in the work?
What do I know about this organization and the position?
Is there someone in my network who could help me learn more?
You can also use AI to help you evaluate the match between your experiences and a position—but don't rely on AI to decide whether a job is right for you.
Put the Pieces Together
A thoughtful job search is about more than how many applications you submit. Build time into your week to research roles and organizations, connect with people, prepare for conversations, and apply to positions that align with your interests, skills, and experience.
Research: Learn about industries, organizations, roles and the skills employers are seeking.
Connect: Talk with professionals and alumni who can help you learn about the field.
Prepare: Strengthen your skills, practice interviewing and develop examples that demonstrate what you can do.
Apply: Focus your efforts on positions that are a meaningful match for your skills and interests.
Use AI: Let AI support your research, preparation, and reflection while keeping your own judgment, experiences and voice at the center.
Your job search is still about you.
Technology can help you search more efficiently and prepare more effectively, but it doesn't replace the human side of a career search. Take the time to understand the work you are pursuing, talk with people who are doing it, recognize the skills and experiences you bring, and use AI thoughtfully along the way.
Need help with your search? Visit the Career Lab or schedule a 1:1 appointment with CCPD for support with your job search strategy, networking, AI tools, resume, or interview preparation.
