20 Aug 2025

How AI Can Help with Your Online Job Search

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In a previous blog we discussed fundamental steps to successfully search for a job online.  To take your online job search to the next level, artificial intelligence (AI) may be the key. In this blog, we will explore AI tools to help with your job search, interview preparation, career planning, and more.

AI can help match you with the jobs that fit your skills, experiences, and preferences for location, salary, and other factors. There are several AI tools that can be helpful in matching you to positions. Two such tools are Jobright and Sonara.  Jobright scans resumes and job descriptions to calculate matches and suggest insider connections for referrals. Sonara automates the application process, submitting applications on your behalf, while continuously searching for new openings.

AI tools can also help get noticed by crafting the perfect resume and cover letter that are application tracking system friendly. Tools like Enhancv, KickResume, and Resume.io offer real-time feedback and improvement suggestions to help tailor resume and cover letters so your materials stand out.

AI tools can also help with interview preparation. FinalRound and Boterview simulate interviews by asking industry or profession-specific questions and providing feedback on your responses. Interview preparation AI tools can help you refine your communication and help build confidence for your interview.

Some of these tools go beyond helping you find your next job by helping you develop a personalized career path, identify long-term goals, and pin down steps needed to achieve them. Tools like Wobo and JobCopilot help identify skill gaps and suggest learning recommendations, and provide ongoing support through AI-powered coaching.

It is important to recognize that most of these services have a fee associated with them based on the level of service you wish to receive. To get a full breakdown of AI tools to help with job searching, resume and cover letter creation, interview preparation, and career coaching, check out JobCopilot’s blog post covering 12 AI tools.

Remember, these AI tools are to assist you in crafting your application and landing the perfect job for you. You still need to make sure you use these tools wisely in your search.

Here are a few things from ChiefJobs blog on the 7 Best Practices for Using AI When Applying for Jobs Online to keep in mind while using AI tools in your quest for your first or your next step in your career journey:

  1. Tailor your resume with AI but keep it real. It’s always important to review and edit anything created by AI. Make sure the tool doesn’t embellish your resume or overstate your career goals and accomplishments. Ensure the resume sounds like you.
  2. Craft personalized cover letters. Let AI help you structure your letter, but make sure you inject your own motivations and stories into it. Be sure to mention specific achievements. Use the tools to give you the first draft, but don’t rely on them for the final letter.
  3. Use the AI tools for job matching and make sure to set up alerts to notify you when jobs are found. Use filters and searches for job classifications, locations, and other preferences within the tools.
  4. Make use of the AI tools for interview preparation and practice. Use feedback on tone, filler words and delivery to improve your clarity and confidence. Make sure the AI tool is using industry specific questions to help refine your responses.
  5. Stay authentic and ethical. AI is a tool, not a substitute for your personality and experience. Use AI to augment your voice, not replace it. Recruiters value authenticity.

For more information about using AI in your job search:

8 Jan 2025

Preparing for a Successful Online Interview

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Preparing for a Successful Online Interview

In our last blog, “Successfully Searching for a Job Online,” we discussed how to get noticed and land a job that fits in your career path. In this article we will discuss how to clinch the deal with an online interview.

With the rise of remote work and global teams, online job interviews have become a staple in the hiring process. Preparing for an online interview requires attention to detail not only in your responses but also in the technical and environmental aspects of your setup. Let’s take a look at how to prepare before, the day of, and after the online interview.

Before the interview

Technical Setup and Environment

  1. Test Your Technology
  2. Before the day of the interview, ensure that your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working properly. Conduct a trial run with a friend or family member to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Make sure you are using the same video conferencing software you will use during the interview to become familiar with the system.
  3. Use earbuds or a good speaker and microphone setup. Avoid using a bulky headset. A headset with microphone will distract the interviewer and they will not easily see your facial expressions. Earbuds help you to look more professional.
  4. Make sure your laptop camera or external camera is at a height that allows you to look straight into the camera and not down at the camera. Consider purchasing a laptop stand if using the built-in camera.
  5. Consider a LED light used for video and social media if lighting is an issue. This will allow you to adjust lighting to give you the best appearance during the interview.
  6. Run operating system updates and application updates the day before the interview to avoid the system asking for a restart or automatically restarting during your interview.
  7. Choose the Right Location
  8. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. The background should be neutral and professional; avoid clutter and distracting elements.
  9. If you have pets, plan to put them in a carrier or kennel for the duration of the interview or ask a friend to watch them.
  10. Consider using a virtual background. If you can’t find a space that looks professional, but is quiet and well lit, an appropriate virtual background can be useful.


Preparation and Practice

  1. Research the Company
  2. Understanding the company’s culture, mission, and recent news can provide valuable context for your interview responses and questions. You did this research during the job search and reviewing it before the interview will help you develop questions to ask as part of your interview.
  3. Review the Job Description
  4. As you did during your job search, match your skills and experiences with the requirements and responsibilities listed in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you’re a good fit for the role. You may also have questions you’ll want to ask about the position.
  5. Practice Common Interview Questions
  6. As you practice with your friend or colleague to test the video conference software, have them ask some of the typical questions you might be asked during an interview. Prepare answers for these questions and practice delivering them. This will help you speak confidently and concisely during the interview.
  7. Dress for Success
  8. Even though you’re not meeting in person, it’s important to dress professionally from head to toe. This not only affects how you’re perceived but also how you feel and perform during the interview. You will be surprised at the difference it will make.

Day of the Interview

  1. Be Early
  2. Log in to the interview platform a few minutes early to address any last-minute technical issues and to show punctuality. Rember the adage (paraphrased), “If you’re early, you’re on-time, if you’re on time, you’re late, and if you’re late, you won’t get the job.”
  3. Communicate Effectively
  4. Maintain eye contact by looking at the webcam, listen actively, and ensure your body language is open and professional.
  5. Paraphrase and repeat information back to the interviewers when asking questions, so they know you are listening.
  6. Take Notes
  7. Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down notes or questions that come to mind during the conversation.
  8. Keep a copy of your resume and cover letter available.
  9. You can refer to it as necessary during your interview.  This can be particularly helpful when asked about specific details that you highlighted when applying for the position.
  •  Ask Relevant Questions
  • Asking questions about the company and the position beyond salary and benefits to let the interviewers know your interest is not only about the position, but how you can be a member of their team.  Ask questions about on the job training, advancement opportunities, support for continuing education outside of work, or questions related to the work culture.  Ask if there are ways to share leave with coworkers or if there are certain charities or events the company sponsors that employees can volunteer to work with.

Post-Interview

  1. Follow Up
  2. Send a thank you email to the interviewer, reiterating your interest in the position and reflecting on any key points discussed during the interview.
  3. Send the thank you on the same day but take time to reflect on the interview to make sure that you emphasize how you fit in the position and with the company.

By following these steps to prepare the technology and yourself ahead of your interview, you will help to guarantee yourself a successful interview. Remember, preparation is key to success, and in the virtual world, the details can make all the difference. Good luck!

For more information:

16 Tips for Successful Online Video Interviews | Indeed.com

5 Video Interview Mistakes to Avoid (aarp.org)

How To Conquer Interview Anxiety (Plus 12 Techniques) | Indeed.com

18 Dec 2024

Successfully Searching for a Job Online

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Successfully Searching for a Job Online

As students look to their graduation day, they will also be looking for that job fits in with their career path. Others will be looking for a new job to move forward in their current careers or to start a new career journey. In all these cases, most jobs are listed online. The entire application process for most jobs is handled online including interviews. This is not only for jobs in large corporations. Companies of all sizes are using personnel recruiting sites such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, LinkedIn, and others to find new employees. To help you navigate the online process, let’s discuss several steps in a successful in your job search.

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Before diving into the job search, take a moment to reflect on your career goals, skills, and preferences. Consider what types of roles you’re interested in, the industries that appeal to you, and your desired salary range. This self-assessment will serve as a foundation for your job search strategy. Your self-assessment will help you look for and apply for the jobs that fit your goals while avoiding jobs that may look great, but in the long run don’t meet your career goals.

Step 2: Research Potential Employers

With your self-assessment complete, identify companies you’re interested in working for and research their culture, values, and recent news. Understand their products/services and how you can contribute. This information will be essential in the next steps of your successful job search.

Step 3: Resume and Cover Letter

Update your resume to reflect your most current experiences and skills. Tailor it to highlight the qualifications most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Many companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems, and now AI, to search through resumes, and highlight candidates before people within the company evaluate the applications. Make sure your relevant educations, skills, and experiences are easily identified.

Similarly, craft personalized cover letters that convey your interest and fit for each position. Do not use a blanket cover letter and just change the names of recruiters or companies. Highlight how your skills, background, and goals fit specifically into the position listed and how your values align with that of the company. Keep the letter to one page.

Step 4: Your Online Presence

Ensure your online presence is professional and up to date. This includes your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or portfolio. Consider setting your online profiles to private or at least limit what is shown to the public. Your online profiles should align with your resume and highlight your professional brand. Make sure that your personal social media helps to highlight your values, hobbies, and any service work within your community. Just remember that what gets shared on the Internet stays on there forever, even if you delete it from your sites.

Step 5: Job Search Engines and Company Websites

Utilize job search engines to find open positions. Diversify your search by visiting company career pages, industry-specific job boards, and professional association websites. Bookmark these sites and set a schedule for regular check-ins. Where possible, configure alerts on job boards and company websites based on your work preferences and criteria. This ensures you’ll receive notifications for relevant openings.

Step 6: Networking

Leverage your professional network by reaching out to contacts who might provide insights or referrals. Attend virtual networking events and webinars to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field of interest. Engage in discussions, join groups, and follow influencers.

Step 7: Application Process

When applying for jobs online, follow the application instructions carefully. Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Keep track of your applications and follow up as appropriate.

Step 8: Interview Preparation

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practicing your responses to common interview questions. Consider setting up mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery and get feedback. Most of your interviews will be online and we will discuss how to prepare for those in our next blog posting.

Step 9: Stay Organized

Keep your job search organized by maintaining a spreadsheet or document where you track the positions you’ve applied for, the dates of application, and any follow-up actions. This will help you manage your applications and stay on top of opportunities. Make sure you follow up with potential employers as appropriate to indicate continued interest in the position and other potential opportunities with the company in the future.

Step 10: Continuous Learning

As you search for jobs, take the opportunity to enhance your skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications. This not only makes you a more attractive candidate but also keeps you engaged and motivated during your job search. Look to improve your digital skills as well as your skills in your chosen field. Improving your skills by learning new applications and improving your skills with application you are already familiar with can improve your application.

Finally, maintain a positive mindset throughout your job search. It can be a lengthy process, so resilience and persistence are key. Celebrate small victories and stay focused on your end goal. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the online job market and increase your chances of finding a job that aligns with your career aspirations and personal values. Remember, preparation and persistence are the keys to a successful job search. Good luck!

For more information:

11 Tips for an Effective Job Searching Process | Indeed.com  – https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-searching-process

10 Keys To A Successful Job Search (forbes.com)  – https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2021/07/25/10-keys-to-a-successful-job-search/

Your Step-By-Step Guide to the Job Search (aarp.org) – https://tinyurl.com/AARPJobSearchToolkit