6 Ways to use AI in your job search

• The Queenager Guide to understanding AI
• Find the latest jobs with age-friendly employers

This guide is designed for midlife professionals who are already tech-savvy—and ready to make AI work for them. Whether you’re actively job hunting or planning your next move, here’s how to use AI to sharpen your search, amplify your strengths and stay competitive in a changing world.

1. Don’t think of AI as replacing you – it’s a tool to work with

You’ve seen tech evolve—from spreadsheets to cloud systems, from fax to Slack. AI is simply the latest tool in the box.

You can use it to speed up your job search, help tailor your applications and provide context—if you know how to use it.

The key isn’t to fear AI. It’s to understand how it fits into your process and how you can use it to stay one step ahead.
 

2. Understanding AI in recruitment

AI is now part of every stage in the recruitment process—from reviewing CVs to scheduling interviews. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications long before a hiring manager ever reads them.

To stand out, it’s not enough to apply—you need to apply strategically. That means employing some standard techniques:

• Use the right language, including the language in the job posting
• Tailor your documents to each role
• Understand that AI is making the first decisions so “personality” in your applications, especially when it comes to formatting and industry terminology

While it’s tempting to let AI apply for you at scale, volume rarely wins. Quality does.
 

3. The bias in AI—and what you can do about it

The bad news is that AI can reflect age bias. Algorithms are often trained on flawed data, which means they can repeat human mistakes—screening out experienced applicants or favouring “cultural fit” over capability.

But AI can also be reprogrammed. When built with the right data, it can be fairer than traditional hiring. Your role? Stay informed. Work with platforms that advocate for inclusion. And never forget: experience is still a competitive edge.
 

4. Why your experience can still make an impact

AI doesn’t know how to lead a project, build trust or navigate nuance. It can’t mentor a team or spot a risk before it happens. It doesn’t bring empathy, resilience, or strategic insight.

Those are human skills. And they’re often built over decades, not downloaded in seconds.

As AI evolves, your experience becomes even more critical—to guide, contextualise and balance what technology can do.

5. Use AI to support your job search

Here are practical ways to bring AI into your process—without losing the human touch.

Keyword Optimisation

Copy a job description into ChatGPT, Gemini, or a similar tool. Ask it to identify key terms. Use those keywords (authentically) in your CV and cover letter. This helps you pass through ATS filters and signals alignment with the role.

Application Review

Use tools like Jobscan to compare your application with the job description. These platforms provide feedback on how well your documents match the role. Many offer a free version to start with.

Mock Interviews

You can AI tools to generate interview questions based on the job title and description. This will help you practice your responses out loud or with a friend or colleague.

The more you describe your experience and how well suited you are for the job, the more confident you’ll be in the interview. Plus, practice helps refine your story.

CV Builders

AI can help structure your CV. Ask to see examples and take advantage of free or moderately priced AI builders, keeing in mind that real examples and clear language still matter most to employers.

6. Use AI to Sharpen and Expand Your Skills

AI isn’t just for applications—it can help you stay current and close skills gaps.

Skill Gap Analysis

LinkedIn and other platforms can scan your profile and recommend courses to boost your skillset. Many are short, focused, and flexible.

Online Learning

Platforms like Grow with Google, Open University, HubSpot and EdX offer free courses across industries. Use tools like AAT Skillcheck to understand your current strengths and find targeted areas to develop.

Career Direction

If you’re unsure what’s next, self-guided reflection and career tools can help clarify your values, strengths, and long-term goals. This isn’t just about finding another job—it’s about creating a meaningful next chapter.

Remember: You’ve seen change before. This is just another chapter.

You’ve adapted to new tools, teams, and systems your entire career. AI is no different.

Used well, it’s a resource. A shortcut to insight. A way to navigate a complex market with greater clarity and efficiency.

Technology evolves. But your experience, your judgement, your perspective—that’s what grounds it. That’s what makes it useful.