Automating Job Search Strategy

When it comes to job search strategy, two primary approaches exist: Résumé First, Person Second or Person First, Résumé Second. They aren’t mutually exclusive—success is often a byproduct of mastering both.

Résumé First, Person Second

This strategy prioritizes crafting a strong résumé and applying before networking. Here are its pros and cons:

✅ Pros:

• Ensures your résumé is polished, ATS-friendly, and tailored for job applications.
• Effective for traditional job searches that rely on online applications.
• Works well for positions where networking has less influence (e.g., large corporations with formal hiring processes).
• Efficient for applying to multiple jobs simultaneously.

❌ Cons:

• High competition—your résumé may get lost among hundreds of applicants.
• Limited opportunity to build relationships that influence hiring decisions.
• May result in fewer responses if relying solely on applications instead of networking.

Person First, Résumé Second

This approach prioritizes networking, informational interviews, and personal connections before résumé submission.

✅ Pros:

• Increases the likelihood of referrals, improving your chances of landing an interview.
• Minimizes the pitfalls of the ATS intake process.
• Allows for tailoring your résumé based on insider insights from connections.
• Builds relationships that can support long-term career growth.
• Provides a clearer understanding of company culture before applying.

❌ Cons:

• Slower process compared to mass online applications.
• Requires confidence in networking and direct engagement with professionals.
• Less effective in industries where personal connections have minimal impact.

Putting AI to the Test

Can AI help your clients create and optimize an effective job search strategy? Résumé writing strategy is still largely a human-driven skill, but let’s put AI to the test. I attached my résumé and asked ChatGPT to generate a tailored job search strategy incorporating both approaches. Below is the response, with only minor edits for clarity.

Person First, Résumé Second (Primary Strategy)

This approach is ideal for leadership roles in career services, higher education, and talent development, where networking plays a crucial role.

Steps to Implement:

• Leverage Your Existing Network: Reach out to colleagues, alumni, and industry professionals from Southwestern Illinois College (my current employer), DeVry University (a former employer), and Career Ready LLC (my current writing/coaching business). Engage with professionals in career services associations, hiring committees, and employer relations teams.

• Optimize LinkedIn for Visibility & Networking: Share insights on career coaching, résumé trends, and job search strategies to establish thought leadership. Engage with career services groups (PARW/CC, NACE, NCDA).

• Conduct Informational Interviews: Connect with career services directors at universities and professional associations. Target institutions looking to expand career services, improve KPIs, or implement strategic planning.

• Attend Career Services & Higher Ed Conferences: Position yourself for speaking opportunities or panel discussions at NACE, NCDA, and PARW/CC events. Use these platforms to connect with hiring decision-makers.

• Leverage Industry Referrals: Ask former colleagues and connections for referrals to leadership roles. Aim for internal referrals to bypass ATS systems.

Résumé First, Person Second (Supplementary Strategy)

While networking should take priority, a targeted application strategy ensures visibility for direct job postings.

Steps to Implement:

• Customize Résumés & Cover Letters for Each Role: Highlight strategic leadership, KPI-driven career services management, and program development. Use data-driven achievements to showcase impact.

• Apply to Director-Level Positions in Career Services & Higher Ed: Target roles at colleges, universities, and professional development organizations. Consider leadership roles in résumé writing associations and career coaching firms.

• Use Job Boards Strategically: HigherEdJobs, ChronicleVitae, Inside Higher Ed (for higher ed jobs); NACE Job Board, NCDA Career Services Openings (for career services-specific roles).

• Follow Up After Applying: After submitting an application, reach out to someone in the hiring department to establish a connection. Reference a shared connection or mutual interest (e.g., “I noticed your school is expanding career services…”).

Final Recommendations

Primary Focus: Leverage personal connections, networking, and referrals.

Secondary Focus: Apply directly, but always follow up with a contact at the institution.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Identify the top 10 target schools/organizations and start networking.

• Reach out to five industry professionals per week for informational interviews.

• Optimize LinkedIn content to highlight leadership in career services.

Chat GPT would go on to ask: Would you like help refining your LinkedIn strategy or crafting a targeted outreach message? That’s another article for another day.

AI as a Job Search Partner

This simplified and non-scientific example highlights how AI can be used to outline job search strategies with efficiency and personalization. A Microsoft Research leader recently told Fast Company, “AI works best when it complements human expertise—driving better decisions and stronger outcomes.” 

Based on this interaction, do you agree? Can AI become a valuable tool in career and job search coaching?