Applying to jobs is its own job, and there are lots of steps applicants have to take before getting an offer. One tool that companies are now using in the hiring process is artificial intelligence.  

“AI is definitely out there in both applicant tracking, in the job platforms, in interviewing and even in generative content," said Nan Pasquarello, director of career services at SUNY Cortland.

Students and staff members at SUNY Cortland said one mistake applicants make with their resume is using a template — sometimes AI screening can disregard a resume because it was made with a template. Also, they suggest using keywords in a resume that match the job description and job qualifications if those are skills the applicant has, and to adjust their resume to every application. They also suggest only using ChatGPT or another AI generator to be a guideline and starting point for making a resume.  

“It is definitely scary to know that your resumes get sent through a system for a lot of jobs, especially if jobs have hundreds or thousands of applicants. So that’s a little nerve wracking," said Faith Spataro Cavanagh, a lead career peer mentor at SUNY Cortland.  

Some companies have used AI in the interview process, Pasquarello noted, by asking applicants to record video answers to questions, and AI then analyzes words chosen and body language. That should be used with caution, though, but some people have found instances of bias, she said.