Artificial intelligence has rapidly transformed the hiring landscape, and some employers are questioning the need to recruit human candidates at all—especially those just entering the workforce. A growing preference among managers for exploring ways to leverage AI in lieu of hiring means Gen-Z job seekers face steeper competition and may struggle to get a foot in the door.
Below, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share key strategies to help Gen-Z job seekers make a splash in a job market increasingly influenced by AI. From demonstrating uniquely human skills such as creativity and emotional intelligence to conducting thorough research on organizations, these approaches can help today’s entry-level candidates create positive and lasting impressions.
1. Do What AI Can’t Do In Your Job Search
If you follow the process and submit résumés through systems that are driven by AI, don’t be surprised if you struggle. Do the things that AI can‘t do well: Reach out to individuals, call people and network. Your next best job opportunity is not in a database; it is embedded in the pain a hiring manager is having daily. - Jim Vaselopulos, Rafti Advisors, LLC
2. Lead With Curiosity And Critical Thinking
AI still needs humans to frame the problems and connect the dots. Gen-Z job seekers should lean in—learn the value of AI, but lead with curiosity, clarity and critical thinking. Show you can communicate with heart and solve real problems. Hiring you isn’t a compromise—it’s a competitive edge. In an AI-saturated world, human leadership still matters. - Jodie Charlop, Exceleration Partners
3. Go Above And Beyond With Research
Go above and beyond! Research the company’s recent work and be prepared to share how you would add value. Demonstrate your creativity by including how you’d leverage AI to help them achieve their goals more efficiently, and you are sure to stand out. Connect with current employees for informational interviews and to share your interest in working at the organization. - Meredith Leigh Moore, Leverette Weekes
4. Become Proficient With AI Tools
AI is in its infancy and has a lot of limitations. Some of what is called AI is really automation. AI today is a tool, not a replacement. Learning to be proficient with AI tools to enhance your skill set and make you more proficient and efficient gives an employer an advantage in hiring you. They get the best of both worlds—the human factor, emotional intelligence and technological skills. - LindaAnn Rogers, SPHR, sHRBP, CBC, Aspire to Align
5. Show Initiative In Figuring Things Out
Today’s job seeker has to show initiative and an ability to figure things out. They have grown up with easy access to many things—highlighting their ability to dig into something and figure it out for themselves while identifying and using their resources demonstrates key skills that can set them apart from the stereotypes. Also, it’s important not to ask for minor clarifications and instead operate independently. - Brianna Jackson
6. Overcome Biases With A Hardworking Attitude
Unfortunately, Gen-Z job seekers need to overcome harmful generational biases that hiring managers may have toward them. They must highlight the facts that they are hardworking, they don’t expect to come into the organization in a high-level role, and they want to grow their careers in that company versus job hopping. Other areas to highlight would be their social and emotional intelligence skills. - Lindsey Zajac, Ascendant
Full article @ https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2025/04/09/how-to-stand-out-in-the-age-of-ai-18-tips-for-gen-z-job-seekers/