Let’s talk about AI and humans in the job search.

Both matter. They just serve different purposes.

AI is a powerful tool for:
💻 Researching target companies and roles
💻 Brainstorming interview questions and practice prompts
💻 Drafting resumes, cover letters, and outreach messages
💻 Spotting gaps and suggesting improvements to your LinkedIn profile

Where AI falls short is in the human side of job search:
❤️ Helping you process rejection and uncertainty
❤️ Building confidence after a setback
❤️ Listening without judgment
❤️ Asking thoughtful follow-up questions that help you reflect and reset

A smart job search uses both.

Here’s how to make that practical:

Tell them what kind of support you need: listening, feedback, encouragement, or accountability.

Technology can guide your actions.
Humans help you sustain the energy to take them.

Use both.

15 Ways You Can Easily Stop Job Scams Today - Mark Anthony Dyson, Job Scam Report

Scammers are out there in large numbers using a variety of tactics to get information or lure you into a money-grabbing scheme. Read these 15 and be on the lookout. If you see a scammer on LinkedIn, report the profile or post and block the person! Definitely do not engage with them!

The 5 Résumé Trends You Need to Know for 2026 - Donna Svei

If your resume isn’t generating phone calls or inquiries, then it’s time to evaluate these 5 things. It’s not an easy task to write a resume that checks all these boxes. Here’s what Donna writes: 

“The most effective résumés:

See her slides for more details and her article on FastCompany. 

Stronger Resumes Translate Effort Into Specific Outcomes - Adrienne Tom

Your resume  bullets need to show impact or results! Here’s how Adrienne recommends you do it (and see her post with before and after examples).  

“Ask yourself one key question: ‘What improved, changed, or became possible because of my work?’ “

How To Network Smarter with Dorie Clark - LinkedIn course

If you have LinkedIn Premium, then accessing courses on LinkedIn is a huge benefit! Here are some helpful classes offered by Dorie Clark. 

Your LinkedIn headline has two judges. One is human. One isn't - Richard van der Blom

Is your headline checking all the boxes? Remember, you have 120 characters. Use them. 

Here’s the most common formula: [Role] + [Who you help] + [Outcome/Impact]

Take a look at the good vs bad examples in his post. 

How To Use LinkedIn To Job Search - Sarah Johnston

This 10 minute video shows you exactly how to use LinkedIn to strategically network! (Nope, it’s not the job board feature and it isn’t the “easy apply” button!)

Your answer to why you left your last job generally boils down to one of 5 reasons - Hannah Morgan

Here they are: Management change, Career progression, Personal/family change, Career or purpose clarity, or Reduction in force

Your job is to choose the category that fits and deliver a brief, grounded response so you can move the conversation forward to more important things.

Career Compounding. Stack Small Wins - Dr. Heather Maietta

“People who see the most career momentum are the ones willing to invest in the long haul.” Here are 8 small things you can do to build a better future for yourself.

Laid off again: How to break the cycle - Nick Corcodilis, Ask the Headhunter

Layoffs are going to continue to happen. Nick answer’s questions from a reader who was recently laid off. Here is some tough love advice about what you need to do to keep your career going now and in the future. 

TLDR: “If you need to change employers, whether because you’ve been laid off or because you’ve “fired” your employer, the best way to do it is to always be hanging out with people who do the work you want to do. And don’t ask for job leads. Talk shop. That’s how you become part of the circle of friends that leads to new jobs — and that protects you from the inevitable lay-off cycle.”

A Two-Minute Burnout Checkup - Chris Bailey, Harvard Business Review

If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or discouraged, these may be early signs of burnout. Or perhaps you are already there. Use this quick checklist to pinpoint the cause(s) of these emotions and you can then begin to work on them. 

How Many Applications Job Seekers Need Before Getting an Offer

11–20 applications is the sweet spot.

This isn't per week, this is for the entire job search! 

📌 Target jobs you are qualified for (not overqualified or underqualified)
📌 Tailor your resume (and cover letter) for every job
📌 Use the company career portals
📌 Diversify the job boards you use to uncover jobs (consider Google's job search function)
📌 Don't just apply and wait. Follow up and/or find an insider

Huntr "mined the anonymized activity logs from Huntr’s Job Tracker, every application, stage change, and offer recorded by users between January 2025 and December 2025. Covering 1.78 million job entries created by over 57k job seekers, giving us precise timestamps to measure time-to-interview, offer velocity, and weekly application cadence."

Link to 2025 Huntr Job Search Trends Report

Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? (Best Answers To Use)

How To Write A Letter Of Interest + Effective Samples

Your Personal Marketing Plan – How To Create and Use It

How Are You Tracking Your Applications? 

Here are two free tools you can use instead of a spreadsheet! Check them out and pick one that works for you. 

Teal Job Tracker

Huntr Job Tracker (affiliate link)