AI Is Changing How People Look for Jobs

As competition mounts in the U.S. labor market, more job seekers are turning to artificial intelligence to craft resume and cover letter drafts. A few key data points paint a clear picture: Texas added over 46,000 jobs in March, yet its unemployment rate stayed solid at 4.3 percent. With this backdrop, applicants often request a polished resume in seconds, and AI tools can supply that rapid turnaround.

However, experts warn that the convenience of AI can backfire. In interviews, Dr. Amir Seddeh, an assistant professor at St. Edward's University, explained that AI‑generated resumes sometimes sound professional but lack real substance. “AI tends to inflate skills and overstate technical expertise,” he noted. This misalignment can cause recruiters to question a candidate’s authenticity in subsequent interviews.

Recruiters are not immune to AI either. Many use applicant‑tracking systems (ATS) that screen resumes for keywords and qualifications before a human ever looks. A polished, but overly complex resume can confuse the ATS, leading to valuable applications being discarded. “Employers use AI to make their jobs easier, but they also rely on it to flag genuine applications,” Seddeh warned.

High school seniors across the country are already feeling the pressure. At Harding High School in Saint Paul, a graduating senior shifted from a planned career in data analytics to public health after learning that analytical roles might be more vulnerable to AI. Another student swapped computer science for civil engineering, seeking a “hands‑on” occupation less replaceable by technology. One senior even used AI to map career prospects, and opted for mechanical engineering after the tool identified the field as one less impacted by AI.

These conversations mirror advice from counselors who emphasize adaptability. “Students are both scared and excited about AI,” one counselor said. “Pursue a variety of skills because we don’t know where AI will be in a few years.”

Practical steps from experts include: keeping resume formatting simple, inserting keywords directly from job listings, and thoroughly reviewing any AI‑generated text. Avoid relying solely on AI, and ensure every listed skill can be substantiated during an interview. If an applicant includes a line like “data-driven individual with leadership skills,” it says little. In contrast, detailing a specific project—“led a team of four to conduct market analysis”—provides tangible context.

While AI offers speed and convenience, it should complement, not replace, lived experience and networking. “If there is something on your resume you can’t explain in an interview, it shouldn’t be on your resume,” Dr. Seddeh advised.

As the labor market evolves, both job seekers and recruiters must find a balance: leveraging AI for efficiency while preserving the authenticity and depth that help humans stand out.