I work in recruiting tech. Here's how the smartest candidates use AI differently in their job search.
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
AI tools are often used by job seekers to enhance their resumes, but they can sometimes make everyone’s resume look the same, blending candidates into the crowd instead of standing out. Trent Cotton, an HR expert at iCIMS, suggests a smarter approach: treating AI as an expert career coach rather than just a tool for generic improvements. By prompting AI to analyze your resume and ask probing questions about your experience, you can uncover roles you might not have considered and gain new insights into your skills.
Cotton emphasizes the importance of exploring industries beyond your immediate focus. For example, while tech professionals might overlook manufacturing, this sector often requires technical expertise for roles like warehouse tracking systems. AI can help identify these opportunities by providing data-driven insights if you ask the right questions about top companies and positions in specific sectors.
Mock interviews with bold AI personas, such as business-savvy figures or blunt personalities like Gordon Ramsay, are another way to leverage AI effectively. These exercises provide honest feedback on your interview performance, helping you refine your answers and improve under pressure. This approach not only prepares you better for real interviews but also ensures you stand out in a competitive job market.
For professionals in business and finance, Cotton’s advice highlights the importance of strategic thinking in career development. By using AI to explore new opportunities and seek challenging feedback, candidates can avoid generic applications and position themselves as unique, valuable assets to employers. This proactive approach not only enhances your chances of landing
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026