As you gear up for the 2026 job market, you’re entering an era where artificial intelligence plays a critical part of the hiring process. With application volumes per role doubling in recent years, about 93% of recruiters report that they plan to use AI to help manage the influx and find the right talent. Understanding how these tools work, and how to use them without losing your unique voice, will help you stand out as you pursue your next internship or entry-level role.
For many companies, AI is now the first “set of eyes” on your application. Recruiters use generative AI to automated screening tools to sort through large volumes of resumes and identify candidates whose skills align with the job description. Interestingly, about 60% of recruiters say these tools help them identify “hidden gem” candidates who might otherwise be overlooked but whose skills closely match a role. At the same time, recruiters are increasingly shifting toward skills-based hiring, focusing more on what you can do than simply where you went to school.
You can also use AI responsibly to make your preparation and search more effective. For example:
- Use AI to brainstorm career paths, identify industries that align with your interests, or discover titles you hadn’t considered before.
- Use AI to identify relevant keywords from a job description so you can ensure your resume reflects the skills employers are seeking and is easier to identify through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Generate common behavioral interview questions for specific roles and practice structuring your answers using the STARR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results, Relate).
- Draft initial outreach messages or elevator pitches when connecting with alumni or professionals, then revise them so they are authentic, sound natural and reflect your voice.
You’ll also notice that some of the tools available through Bucknell’s Center for Career Advancement (CCA) already incorporate AI features to support your preparation. For example, Hiration which helps you build/update your resume in a structure employers want, also includes an option to use ChatGPT to help brainstorm or refine bullet points. Handshake’s AI-enhanced search can help you find internships, jobs, and employers that align with your interests and skills. These features are designed to support your process, not replace your thinking. They can help you get started, organize ideas, and improve how you search, while skill keeping you in control of the final product.
While AI can be a powerful tool, it should enhance your work, not replace it. Over-reliance can lead to generic applications that fail to stand out to both automated filters and human hiring managers.
To keep your materials authentic and unique:
- Start with your own ideas. Draft your resume and cover letter yourself so they accurately represent your experience so you are prepared to discuss them in interviews.
- Personalize and review any AI-generated content. Check that it includes specific examples and accurately reflects your experiences rather than sounding generic.
- Watch for telltale signs of AI writing. Review grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for patterns like overuse of em dashes, hyphens, and semicolons, repetitive or overly simple sentences. Revise to ensure your writing sounds natural and consistent with your voice.
- Do not overlook the importance of relationships. Incorporate specific insights about the role, industry, and organizations gained through conversations with Bucknell alumni, parents, faculty, staff, or employers. These perspectives help make your application more authentic and demonstrate genuine interest in the opportunity.
- Fact-check everything. AI models rely on existing data, which can sometimes be outdated or incomplete.
- Never input sensitive personal information into public AI tools
When used thoughtfully, AI can be a strategic advisor rather than a ghostwriter. The goal is to use it to strengthen your preparation while ensuring your voice, experiences, and perspective remain at the center of every application.
