If you’re a tech-friendly job seeker, you might be wondering how to use artificial intelligence more effectively in your job search. If you are not a tech-friendly type, or if you’ve been reading any number of the “Don’t Use AI”-focused articles online, you might be wondering how to avoid it altogether.

Leveraging AI as a tool in your job search can be very effective. It can also be a hindrance. The key is using the technology the right way: as an aide, a key task organizer, or a researcher. Letting AI do all the legwork may seem like a good idea, but the results may not be what you’re expecting.

Not sure what I mean? Follow these do’s and don’ts for starters.

1. Using AI as Your Editor

Don’t use an AI prompt to write your résumé. A hiring manager or human resources professional can tell whether your materials were composed by AI. With the number of résumés they are reviewing, they can TELL. And once your material is flagged as AI-prepared, seemingly generic or inauthentic, you’ll likely miss out on the next review stage.

Do start by writing your résumé yourself. Use a tried-and-true template and framework, and just let things flow. Then use AI to iterate, refine, and synthesize your skills, experience, and knowledge. Unsure where to start? Check out MOAA’s resources. (Premium and Life members can access even more expert guidance.)

[RELATED: Making a ‘Master Resume’]

2. Using AI to Build Your Case

Don’t expect AI to write your bullet points for you. AI-driven summary tools may be useful for digesting some briefings or long documents, but they aren’t up to translating your work experience into standout prose.

Do use AI to help with specific phrasing. This can be accomplished by employing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method. Make sure your knowledge, skills, and expertise communicate the “so what” within each bullet. I suggest using quantifiable metrics along with qualifiers – it helps the reader understand what you are trying to communicate, even if it is a technical skill and the reader is an HR professional who may not be familiar with the specific work.

For example, starting with this bullet point:

• Implemented an automated documentation system that decreased processing time and rates for transportation manifests and bills of lading by 25%; routinely received strong, positive customer feedback.

An AI system prompted with the STAR method created the below:

• Identified inefficiencies in transportation documentation workflows and led implementation of an automated manifest and bill of lading system, reducing processing time and error rates by 50% while improving customer satisfaction through consistently positive feedback.

Look close enough and you can see the STAR shining through:

• Situation: “Identified inefficiencies”
• Task: “Led implementation of automated program”
• Action: “Reduced Processing time and error rates by 50%”
• Result: “Improved customer satisfaction”

3. Using AI to Match the Moment

Do consider AI help aligning your résumé with a specific job. Upload your draft résumé and the job description, then provide your preferred AI tool with a specific prompt. For example, “Take this résumé draft and this job description and help me highlight my skills and experience that best align with the job duties, responsibilities, and expectations.” If the result isn’t perfect, consider uploading one section at a time – start with the summary, for example, or have AI better match your core skills to the job’s requirements. 

Don’t leave other humans (or yourself) out of the loop. As with anything involving AI assistance, read every word before sending out your résumé. Hand it to a few real humans for review; remember, MOAA experts are here to help.

AI can be a valuable tool, but ensure you’re doing the work upfront … and getting real-world guidance AI simply can’t provide.