Artificial Intelligence can facilitate job seeking. It nevertheless has pitfalls. Those who use AI for their job search should therefore do it as smartly as possible. Read more to understand what is at stake.

Whatever danger modern augurs may predict for the future, I am personally a big fan of AI: I like resorting to a little something which sees more and can assess faster – thanks to matching tools.

You should use the opportunity as well – and use it as smartly as possible! To that end, you should learn to think like a recruiter! Let me tell you how I proceed to identify the adequate candidates:

This is how I optimize my search – use this knowledge to your own benefit:

• I comb through all available channels in my network. (This means for you: Make yourself visible!)
• I apply several filters based on specific keywords. I thereby screen according to skills and background, until I have the right fishes in my net. (Note: selecting the correct key words is essential!)
• I put myself in the candidates’ place, I use their jargon, the abbreviations and terminology specific to their work environment. (Remember: recruiters cannot know each and every business vocabulary – think about «translating»!)
• I draw attention through a job ad, send a teaser to potential candidates, publish a blog article in the community or make targeted phone calls to interesting people. (Keep your eyes and ears open! Make sure unread messages will not be caught by the ‘ban on spam’!)
• I test with the client if I am on the right track. In case of doubt, I start all over again from point 1 (and so should you – see following section!).
• Now from your perspective: as a candidate, you sift through job portals, social media channels & Co. You scrutinize job offers, look for specific key words, and filter by region, branch, and company size. Make it easier in creating search subs!

The 5 following tips will help you optimize your search:

Make yourself visible: Visibility is everything! Use the appropriate vocabulary in a targeted way to draft your social media profiles, and this in every entry which may serve as a potential filter: notably job titles, skills, and competencies. Provide a detailed description of the tasks you wish to focus on. Weight and highlight skills and tasks in your profile according to your dream job.

Open your eyes: Explore the Internet, dare a random approach – the principle of chance can work wonders. Look every now and then through the ads. Take the opportunity to determine your preferences and define framework conditions for your ideal job.

Set your goals: Collect interesting profiles. Read and assess published vacancies. Rely on analysis and selection. Carefully review profiles with good ranking: What makes these positions so attractive to you? Which skills would you like to use more widely, which ones would you like to acquire? Where would this job lead to? What do you aim to achieve with it?

Speak their language: Speak the language of the other party: What are the relevant keywords and skills for your dream job? Each branch, each company has its own jargon, behind which job profiles, tasks, and roles hide. Learn the right vocabulary and make it yours.

Make a test run: Now put it to the test and check your fit: Which matching jobs are displayed to you? Do they fit your wishes? Or is the automated matching tool beside the point? In this case, you need to start over from point 1. Repeat the process from the beginning: the recruiter will do likewise. If both sides handle smartly – and AI plays along, we shall meet!