Applying for a job used to involve walking into a business, handing over a resume, and having an interview—easy as pie. However, those days are long gone, as applying for jobs now entails scouring the internet and platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed for any openings and employers.
Next, you have the mammoth task of filling in application after application and, worst of all, tailoring your resume to each specific job you apply for. This all usually occurs during your lunch break or after work, eating up any free time you had and likely adding to the dreaded feeling of burnout. And don’t forget the heated competition; the average job posted on hiring platform Greenhouse saw a 45% increase in applicants between February 2023 and 2024.
So, with the job market becoming more competitive and complicated than ever, applicants need to work smarter, not harder, to get noticed. Here are three top tips (including a smart and time-saving AI platform) to beat the job-searching blues and market yourself for success in 2025.
Double-down on LinkedIn
According to LinkedIn data, over 11,000 members apply for jobs every minute. So, although having an updated and perfectly written resume is key, it’s also no longer enough. With LinkedIn profiles attached to applications, applicants must maintain a complete and professional LinkedIn profile to stand out in a tough job market.
So what does that look like? You need an engaging yet professional ‘About’ section that shows off your expertise without appearing braggadocious. It’s the perfect spot to showcase your personality. Next, ensure your experience section is complete, and for each job role, provide a few bullet points (the Goldilocks amount sits at around three to five) highlighting your role and achievements.
Acquiring endorsements on your profile can further validate your expertise. Although you should never lie on your resume, it’s very common for people to embellish their skills and experience. So, having a skill or written endorsement from a colleague or manager can substantiate any claims you’ve made.
Nowadays, job candidates also need to regularly engage with LinkedIn like they would with their other social media platforms. By keeping up to date with and sharing relevant industry content and connecting with people in your field, you show potential employers that you’re an industry expert. This helps build your personal brand, exhibits your passion for your work, and shows you can stay on top of emerging industry trends.
Also, recruiters often use LinkedIn’s InMail to reach out to potential candidates when headhunting. A complete profile with an open-to-work status—turned on in your settings—accurate contact details, and a smattering of keywords throughout the profile increases the likelihood of being approached by recruiters.
However, knowing how to optimize your profile, and what keywords to include in your resume can be difficult, but that’s where AI tools can come in handy.
Leverage AI tools
Utilizing the analytical prowess of AI is a smart way to enhance your job applications—and employers are doing the same. A 2024 survey from Resume Builder found that 50% of business leaders use AI in the hiring process, and 68% will be by the end of 2025. Companies are using AI software with their applicant tracking system (ATS), which helps them screen the growing number of applicants and streamline their hiring process.
Therefore, job seekers must optimize their resumes with AI screening tools to help them succeed. That’s where companies like Goldbridge.AI come in.
Often, applicants have a strong background in their respective fields, but they don’t frame it in a way that resonates with a specific job description. However, with Goldbridge.AI—an AI-powered resume optimizing platform—users can upload their resumes and specific job descriptions to the platform. The software then analyzes the information provided using advanced algorithms to assess how well the candidate’s resume aligns with their desired position, giving users a score out of 100.
Even better, the platform then offers custom edits and recommendations, such as what keywords to include and how to highlight relevant skills, enhancing the resume’s compatibility with ATS and increasing the likelihood of passing initial screening processes. If the candidate’s resume is already a top match for the job they’re applying for, Goldbridge.AI can generate a cover letter highlighting exactly why they’re the ideal candidate, saving the user precious time.
Put simply, Goldbridge.AI can align users’ resumes and cover letters to tell a cohesive story and ultimately help them land interviews faster.
Extra tip: Platforms like Goldbridge.AI are specifically designed for job seekers, meaning their neural network was explicitly trained on data to help people optimize their application documents. Therefore, people should be wary of generic AI tools like ChatGPT; these often provide one-size-fits-all templates or vague keyword suggestions and haven’t been designed specifically for the job seeker’s market.
Network strategically
One in three Americans say they owe the job they have now to their personal network. With hundreds of people applying for the same job, getting a strong referral could be your golden ticket.
It’s time to get your metaphoric phone book out and reach out to your contacts. Leverage your existing network by contacting former colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals for introductions or job leads. They can help point you in the right direction, recommend you for jobs not yet advertised, and give tips for interviews with particular professionals. Getting insider knowledge and knowing what to mention during an interview could be what helps you seal the deal.
If you don’t have an established network or are changing industry, widening your connections is always smart. Use websites like Eventbrite or Meetup.com to help you find relevant networking events for your industry. Watch keynote speakers and build relationships with other industry professionals attending, this allows you to learn about new companies and can provide key information about potential job opportunities. While attending physical conferences or events might be difficult for some people, this advice also carries through to virtual conferences and webinars.
Applying for jobs can feel like a full-time job on top of the one you’re actually paid for. However, with a strategic approach, you can streamline the process. New doors can open by swapping out endless scrolling on TikTok for meaningful engagement on LinkedIn, and by reaching out to old colleagues and friends. Plus, with some AI assistance from Goldbridge.AI, applicants can market themselves as top candidates, helping them regain confidence in the competitive job market, increasing their chances of finding the job of their dreams in no time.
