5 tips when using AI in your job search

As Director of Investment, Development, and Construction at deverellsmith, I speak to candidates every day who are navigating an increasingly competitive job market. One thing that's become clear is that AI is a genuine tool that can give you an edge when searching for your next role. 

AI works best when it enhances your efforts, not when it replaces them. I've seen candidates use it brilliantly to sharpen their applications, and I've also seen others rely on it too heavily, producing generic content that falls flat with hiring managers. At deverellsmith, we receive over 1,000 CVs per month in the UK alone, and you only get one first impression, so it’s really important you take the time to stand out in the market. 

So how do you get the balance right? 

Here are five ways I'd recommend using AI to support your job search. 

1. Optimise your CV and cover letters 

Your CV is your first impression, and in a competitive market, it needs to work hard. Tools like ChatGPT can help you tailor your CV to specific job descriptions, ensuring your experience speaks directly to what the employer is looking for. 

AI is particularly useful for identifying keywords from job adverts and weaving them naturally into your application. In property, where technical knowledge and sector-specific experience matter, this can help ensure your CV passes initial screening stages, whether that's a recruiter's eye or an applicant tracking system. 

That said, authenticity matters. I can always tell when a CV has been entirely AI-generated, it tends to lack personality and can feel overly polished. Use AI to refine your content and tighten your phrasing but make sure your voice and your genuine experience come through – this is your opportunity to show the real you, how can you stand-out?  

I asked my colleagues for what signals obvious use of AI, and the collective response was the use of emojis. The goal is to present the best version of yourself, not a robotic approximation.  

2. Prepare for interviews 

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, particularly for senior roles where the stakes feel higher. One of the most underrated uses of AI is interview preparation. 

You can use AI chatbots to simulate interview scenarios, practising your responses to common questions like "Talk me through your experience on X project" or "How do you approach stakeholder management?" For development and construction roles, you might prepare for technical questions about project delivery, planning processes, or contract negotiations. 

What I find particularly valuable is asking the AI for feedback on your answers. It can help you identify where you're being too vague, where you could add more detail, or where you're missing an opportunity to demonstrate commercial awareness. 

Of course, nothing replaces practising with a real person, whether that's a recruiter, a mentor, or a friend in the industry. But AI gives you a low-pressure environment to build confidence before the real thing. 

3. Research companies and roles more effectively 

I always advise candidates to arrive at interviews armed with knowledge about the company, their recent projects, and the broader market context. It's one of the simplest ways to stand out, yet so many people skip this step. 

AI can make this research far more efficient. You can use it to summarise company websites, analyse recent news coverage, or identify trends in the investment, development, or construction sectors. For example, if you're interviewing with a developer focused on BTR or mixed-use schemes, AI can help you quickly understand their portfolio and the market dynamics shaping their strategy. 

This is about equipping yourself to ask intelligent questions and have informed conversations. Hiring managers notice when a candidate has done their homework, and it signals genuine interest in the role. 

4. Network smarter 

In my experience, many of the best opportunities in property come through relationships. Whether it's a former colleague, a contact from an industry event, or someone you've connected with on LinkedIn, your network is one of your most valuable assets. 

But reaching out to new contacts can feel awkward, and crafting the right message takes time. AI can help you draft personalised LinkedIn messages that strike the right balance, professional without being stiff, friendly without being overly familiar. 

You can also use AI to identify relevant contacts based on your career goals. If you're looking to move into a specific sector, say, infrastructure or development,  AI can help you map out who's active in that space and who might be worth connecting with. 

A word of advice: don't let AI make your outreach feel transactional. The best networking is built on genuine curiosity and mutual value, so use AI to get started, but make sure the final message sounds like you. 

Make sure you research the person you are connecting with, review their experience and recent posts, how can you link these findings to an opening message, so it feels more personable. 

5. Stay updated on industry trends 

The property market is constantly evolving, and employers value candidates who stay informed. Whether it's shifts in investment appetite, changes to planning policy, or emerging trends in construction technology, demonstrating market awareness can set you apart. 

I'd recommend setting up Google or AI-powered news alerts to keep you current on the topics that matter to your target sector. This doesn't need to take hours, even a quick daily digest can ensure you're up to speed on the conversations shaping the industry. 

When you can reference recent market developments in an interview or a networking conversation, it shows initiative and positions you as someone who's genuinely engaged with the sector, not just looking for any job, but invested in building a career in property. 

Final Thoughts 

AI is a powerful tool, but it's exactly that, a tool. It can save you time, help you prepare more thoroughly, and sharpen your applications. But it can't replace the human qualities that ultimately win roles: your experience, your personality, your ability to build relationships, and your genuine passion for the industry. 

Use AI to enhance your job search, not to automate it. And if you're looking for your next opportunity in investment, development, or construction, I'd be happy to have a conversation.