How to Use AI Responsibly in Your Job Search (With Specific Examples)

In this blog article, we’re going into actual detail on how job seekers should be using tools like ChatGPT — and what you should not be doing when it comes to AI in your job search. 

AI is everywhere and it’s being marketed like crazy. But things are confusing right now in terms of how people should be using it for their job searches.

Oftentimes, I warn people about the dangers of AI and also the power. But I’ve never really gone into specific examples. The point of this isn’t to steer you in one extreme direction or the other. I’ve already made my stance clear. This is about tactics and strategies that help you strike the proper balance. Feel free to skip around and reference this newsletter several times. (It’s unabridged!)

If you haven’t done so already, head on over to letseatgrandma.com and check out our packages. (No AI bots here. All human experts).

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the default toolkit for job seekers.

Tools like ChatGPT and other large language models (Claude, Copilot, Gemini, etc., the list goes on) are now commonly used for resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn sections, among other application materials.

At Let’s Eat, Grandma, we do not view this shift as a threat. We see AI’s use in the job search as a reality that needs to be understood clearly.

AI can be helpful in the job search, but it also has limits that are often ignored. The most effective resumes still rely on human judgment, lived experience, and strategic thinking that software cannot replace.

This distinction matters more than ever as job markets tighten and hiring managers become more discerning.

Let’s start with job search strategy.

One of the biggest questions I get is: “How can I get my resume noticed?” A tool like ChatGPT can be useful for getting your resume in front of the right eyeballs.

The first tactic is a heavy hitter. I’m calling it the LinkedIn scraping technique. I originally saw this from a YouTuber named Helena Liu and adapted it for job seekers.

Here’s how it works:

You go to Google and type in a specific search query that scrapes LinkedIn profiles.

The structure starts with:

site:linkedin.com/in

Then you add phrases in quotation marks for what you’re targeting. For example, if you want to connect with a VP of Operations in Austin, you’d type the following phrases next to each other:

“VP of Operations” (You can swap in “recruiter” or hiring related position title depending on your goal).
“Austin”
“@gmail.com”

That last part is where the magic happens. By adding email domains like “@gmail.com,” you can surface profiles that publicly display email addresses.

Once Google returns results, you copy them and paste them into ChatGPT.

Once everything is combined, it can look like this:

site:Linkedin.com/in “VP of Operations” “Austin” “@gmail.com” OR “@yahoo.com” OR “@hotmail.com” OR “@outlook.com” OR “@aol.com” OR “@icloud.com”

Then you prompt ChatGPT:

“Format the data below into a table with these columns: Full name, Company name, Website URL, Email, Phone Number.”

ChatGPT will organize the data into a usable table. When I first tested this, I thought it was too good to be true. But it’s essentially a lightweight lead generation tool for your job search.

Now here’s where I differ from Helena’s approach.

She suggested automating outreach into a blast campaign. I disagree with that for job seekers.

If you have this gold — real contact information — why not personalize the message? Send a short, thoughtful email. Be human. Be specific. Mention their role. Ask for five minutes. Vulnerability and personalization will dramatically increase your response rate.

AI helped you organize the data. But the outreach should still feel human.

What Jobs Should You Apply For?

Now let’s move to the second question: Where should I even apply? Maybe you’re not clear on your next move. Career coaches are going to be your best resource for thinking through direction. Heck, even your mom can challenge you better than AI sometimes.

But if you’re stuck, ChatGPT can be a starting point.

Copy and paste your resume into ChatGPT and ask:

“Given the experiences in my resume, what position titles should I consider applying to?”

It will generate a list of roles you may qualify for — some you might not have thought about. Is it perfect? No. ChatGPT tends to validate rather than challenge. But it’s a great brainstorming tool.

How to Use AI on Your Resume (Without Letting It Write It for You)

As of now, AI can generate a decent-looking resume. But decent isn’t the goal. It won’t go above and beyond what a human can do with insight and nuance. That’s my bias as a resume service owner, sure. But I’ve seen enough examples to stand by that.

That said, AI can absolutely help refine your resume.

First: use it for spelling, grammar, and tightening phrasing. Write your bullet points yourself. Let them be messy. Give yourself permission to get drafty. Let your fingers flow. Focus on accomplishments and truth.

Then prompt ChatGPT:

“Refine this bullet point for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Do not change my phrasing or voice.”

You can also tell it to keep bullets under one or two lines. Short. Punchy. Sweet.

Second: expose keyword gaps.

Have ChatGPT analyze your resume and the job posting side by side. Ask it to identify missing keywords, especially position titles and core nouns. I’ve preached this for years. Position titles matter. Nouns matter.

If you’re applying for Software Engineer roles, make sure “Software Engineer” appears in the resume. Make sure tools like JavaScript, Python, or relevant technologies are present.

You can prompt:

“Expose the gaps in keywords between the job posting and my resume. I want to ensure the key position title appears 3–5 times and that the relevant tools and technologies are included.”

This helps you optimize without letting AI rewrite the entire document.

Third: tailor your resume summary.

Your summary is prime real estate. Ask ChatGPT:

“Help tailor this resume summary for this job posting. Do not change the style or length much.”

This allows you to integrate relevant language and keywords without rewriting everything. You can do the same for your headline.

You’re not rewriting your resume for every job. You’re refining and targeting strategically.

The Right Way to Use AI in Your Cover Letter

My stance hasn’t changed in 11 years. Cover letters are useful if they’re personalized. They’re especially helpful if you need to explain a gap or a major career change.

Write it yourself first.

Then prompt:

“Do not change my voice or tone. Refine this to better reflect the language of a [target industry]. Do not make it overly technical or jargon heavy.”

AI has a massive dataset of industry language. It can help you align your phrasing without turning you into a robot.

A WARNING: The Balance That Will Separate You From Everyone Else

Don’t let AI write your entire job search. Don’t ignore it either. Use it as a tool. A scientific instrument. A comb that smooths and optimizes.

Let your humanity lead. We’re in 2026. These tools aren’t going anywhere. But how you use them matters. Use them responsibly. Use them strategically.

Again, I’m Chris Villanueva, co-founder and CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma Resume Service. Thanks so much for reading. I’ll see you next time.