Students Weigh In on AI-Assisted Job Searches

"Employers say they want students to have experience using artificial intelligence tools, but most students in the Class of 2025 are not using such tools for the job hunt, according to a new survey. The study, conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, included data from 1,400 recent graduates. Students who do use AI tools for their job search most commonly apply them to writing cover letters (65 percent), preparing for interviews (64 percent) and tailoring their résumés to specific positions (62 percent)."

"Students say: Brandon Poplar, a senior at Delaware State University studying finance and prelaw, said during the webinar that he uses AI for internship searches. "It has been pretty successful for me; I've been able to use it to tailor my résumé, which I think is almost the cliché thing to do now," Poplar said. "Even to respond to emails from employers, it's allowed me to go through as many applications as I can and find things that fit my niche.""

A National Association of Colleges and Employers survey of 1,400 recent graduates found most Class of 2025 students are not using artificial intelligence tools for job searches. Among students who use AI, 65 percent apply it to writing cover letters, 64 percent to interview preparation, and 62 percent to tailoring résumés to specific positions. Nearly 30 percent of nonusers reported ethical concerns, 25 percent lacked expertise, 16 percent worried about employer reactions, and 15 percent feared personal data collection. About one in five employers use AI in recruiting. Some students report AI increases application throughput and helps tailor materials and emails to fit niche roles.

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