A few things job seekers should know about the use of AI in hiring
Like it or not, the use of AI in the hiring process is pretty much commonplace in 2026. In fact, it’s rapidly changing the way employers assess and hire talent. Of course, humans will always make the ultimate hiring decision, but AI is genuinely helping to streamline the recruitment process for talent teams and hiring managers.
AI-powered applicant tracking systems are becoming increasingly commonplace. If you’ve recently applied for a role advertised on LinkedIn, there’s a strong possibility that AI will have reviewed your CV before a human even looked at it.
These tracking systems are on the lookout for relevant skills, qualifications and keywords that match the job description. That’s why it’s so important to tailor your CV to the role, as it improves your chances of making it through the initial screening stage.
These AI tracking systems can do a lot more than simple keyword searches. They can analyse your experience and identify how well it aligns with a position. So, it's important that you clearly and succinctly describe your achievements, responsibilities and transferable skills in your CV.
As you can imagine, there’s often very little to distinguish the CVs of one highly rated candidate from another, so some employers are starting to use AI-assisted assessments to evaluate skills, aptitude or work preferences. These sorts of tools can provide the hiring manager with additional insights that are used alongside interviews and other evaluation methods.
On a positive note for job seekers, AI can help eliminate bias in the hiring process by focusing on candidate skills and achievements over personal characteristics and non-job-related criteria.
Last, but by no means least, you should probably be aware that many recruiters today are using AI tools to search talent databases and professional networks for candidates who fit job-specific criteria. So, it’s in your best interest to regularly review and update your LinkedIn profile to ensure your skills and experience are showcased, to increase your visibility.
