Challenges of AI in Recruiting

 Challenges of AI in Recruiting

Both job seekers and HR professionals note that relying too heavily on AI can strip away human nuance.

“When teams lean too heavily on AI, decisions can become overly data-driven, missing important context such as potential, growth, or how someone might contribute to a team beyond what's listed on paper.” - Source: Gallagher and Kennedy

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After reading the snippet above, NETWORKING becomes even more important during these incredibly challenging and changing times as this is the best way for hiring managers to understand that the candidate, who has been " prequalified" by the NETWORK, has the skills, experience and traits necessary to do the job.  The candidate, because they are a known entity within the hiring manager's network, can focus on behavioral skills and explaining successes as opposed to just mentioning the attributes and results on a resume.  

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

Cover Letters - Perspective on Why More Companies are not Requiring Cover Letters

Cover Letters - Perspective on Why More Companies are not Requiring Cover Letters

In the last year, many companies have opted not to require candidates to submit cover letters.  For those who think that it is because nobody reads cover letters any longer - THINK AGAIN.  

The rationale stems from the following:

1. Given the stagnant job market (low hire - low fire  - job hugging), the number of submissions for jobs from people still engaged in job search is very high (many people are frustrated and have left the job market - hence the declared rate of unemployment is down to 4.2% for June).  Given the quantity of resumes and cover letters received, the hiring manager does not have time to read all of them, whether or not the documents are filtered by ATS.

2. Since so many candidates are using AI to write cover letters (and resumes as well), hiring managers, who are seeking a sense of who the candidate is, find it difficult to get a feel about the applicant and their qualifications because the document is generated by a computer technology.  Therefore, the letter is viewed as a waste of time.  Finding the right candidate is hard and if the new hire is a mistake, everybody loses.  Using AI-generated documents, esp. resumes and cover letters, MASK the true qualifications and skills of the candidate

Keep in mind, if the hiring manager asks for a resume and cover letter, you damn well better write one and not use AI to write it for you. Between the eyeball test, combined with software tools that scan documents to determine whether or not AI was used to "authoring" content, you will get eliminated from consideration if you try to scam the system.

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

How Geopolitical Factors Affect the Job Market

How Geopolitical Factors Affect the Job Market

Geopolitical events disrupt the job market by driving economic uncertainty resulting in hiring freezes and lack of worker movement between jobs (job hugging). Conflicts and trade disputes increase inflation and energy prices, prompting a shift toward domestic talent, supply chain reshoring, and greater investment in defense and strategic industries.

Ongoing real-world events (i.e. conflict in the Middle East) have highlighted how rapidly global tensions alter employment dynamics. The escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing tariff adjustments have directly impacted everyday economic conditions (inflation) which slow economic growth and adversely affect the job market.

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

More Networking -

 More Networking -

Networking during tough times is about building resilience and community rather than hunting for an immediate job. To make it feel less transactional, shift your focus from pitching to genuine curiosity. Prioritize empathy, ask colleagues how they are managing, and lean on your support system to share the emotional load.

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

Instagram: Networking

Instagram: Networking

https://www.instagram.com/p/C80NrcoSWm1/

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

Hidden Job Market (accessed via Networking) v Public Job Market

Hidden Job Market (accessed via Networking) v Public Job Market

The PUBLIC JOB MARKET, by definition, is public. That means that anyone with an internet connection can access it. The HIDDEN JOB MARKET is comprised of jobs that are much harder to find, but often significantly higher quality and quantity.

That doesn’t mean they’re impossible to find; it simply means you need connections (NETWORK) and to start conversations to uncover these unique opportunities.

The Hidden Job Market is where most of the golden job opportunities are. 80% of jobs that are filled are NEVER listed publicly (source LinkedIn). Those are bad odds, and winners don’t waste their time with bad odds.

Networking - Adding Value to Your Business Relationships

 Networking - Adding Value to Your Business Relationships

Look for new ways to find a reason to deepen the connection with your network, whether it be new contacts or longstanding. Email articles / case studies of interest that you believe provide value to others. This showcases your proactive, forward-thinking perspective as well as your willingness to positively influence the careers of others. 

More Networking - Informational Interviewing Questions

More Networking - Informational Interviewing Questions

Here are six questions you might consider when seeking advice through an informational interview (not an interview for an actual position but an interview that is only informational in scope and can be viewed as a networking opportunity):

• What was the path you took to your current role?
• Did you seek out the role, or did it find you (i.e. were you approached to fill it)?
• What do you like most about this job?
• If you could change one thing about this role, what would it be?
• What is the most challenging aspect of this role?
• If I were interested in a job like this one, what qualifications and experience would I need?

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

Networking Tip - Never ask for the Interview

Networking Tip - Never ask for the Interview

Hope everyone is well. For the next several days, I will be posting networking tips 1x- 2x daily. Let’s face it – networking can be hard and if I can provide some perspective as well as solid advice, then all so much the better.

Tip 1.

When you meet a new contact (or reacquaint wiht an old colleague), never directly ask for an interview. Best practice to direct the conversation to speak about the company, its products, culture, market sector, etc.

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Does this post add value to your business day? I post about job search best practices and issues related to the job market 2x per day M-F. Click "Follow" on my profile - Allan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrownresumewriter/ (posting job search advice 1 – 2x daily)

Reassess Your Network

 Reassess Your Network:

As your career grows, your existing network needs to expand / be tweaked, esp. if you are relocating, considering a career transition or have switched industries (not position type). You need to periodically assess your network, your goals and alliances in order to leverage your network better, whether it be for jobs, partnerships, vendor relations, etc. 

Professional Diary = Brag Book - Same thing

Professional Diary = Brag Book - Same thing 

A professional diary (aka brag book) is a place (I prefer a composition book as opposed to an online diary - you will better retain the information) where you record all of your work accomplishments, awards, wins, and even affirmations or quotes from your colleagues. 

Your diary / brag book acts as an easy place to keep key milestones across your professional life. You should take 5-10 minutes every Friday before you log off to update the document.  The content will help structure your career strategy, aid in resume / LI profile writing and will be a great reference tool when negotiating promotions / merit increases / new job compensation.