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On Today’s Launch
I'm talking about using AI effectively to improve your career in 2025. Not by becoming a tech expert, but by mastering AI fluency - the skill that will separate successful professionals from those falling behind.
Plus, I’m debunking an ATS “hack” that’s been making the rounds.
Previous launches you may have missed…
Let me tell you something that might surprise you: 90% of professionals are using AI wrong. I'm talking about that colleague who brags about using ChatGPT but still spends hours on tasks that should take minutes.
Here's the truth: 2025 isn't just another year to "try out" AI. It's the year that will separate the professionals who thrive from those who get left behind. Harsh? Maybe. Real? Absolutely.
I've spent the last year watching people struggle with AI adoption.
They either overthink it or underestimate it. There's rarely a middle ground.
But here's what nobody is telling you: mastering AI isn't about knowing everything – it's about knowing the right things.
You don't need to become a programmer or data scientist. You need to become AI-fluent.
There's a difference, and it's massive.
Let me break down what that actually means.
First, forget everything you've heard about needing to learn coding to work with AI. That's like saying you need to understand how an engine works to drive a car. It's just not true.
What you actually need is to understand how to prompt AI effectively. Think of it as learning a new language – one that will become as crucial as English in the workplace.
I've seen marketers triple their content output, salespeople automate their outreach, and designers speed up their workflow by 5x. Not because they're tech geniuses, but because they learned how to speak to AI.
Here's the real kicker: most people are still using AI like it's a fancy spell-checker. They ask basic questions and get basic answers. That's like using a Ferrari to drive to your mailbox.
Want to know what actually works? Start with one task you do repeatedly at work. Just one.
Then learn how to automate it with AI. Master that before moving on to anything else.
For example, a friend of mine used to spend 2 hours writing client reports. Now she spends 20 minutes, and they're better than before. She focused on mastering one AI tool for one specific task.
The best part? Her boss noticed. Not because she announced she was using AI, but because her output quality jumped while her turnaround time dropped. That's how you demonstrate value.
Here's your practical game plan for 2025:
Pick one AI tool. Just one. Whether it's ChatGPT, Claude, or any other. Stick with it for at least a month.
Choose three routine tasks from your work. The boring ones that eat up your time. Those are your AI automation targets.
Spend 20 minutes each morning learning one new way to use your chosen AI tool. Small steps, consistent progress.
Don't fall into the trap of trying to learn everything at once. That's why most people fail with AI. They get overwhelmed and give up.
Let me be direct: the people who will win in 2025 and beyond aren't the ones who know the most about AI. They're the ones who can use AI to solve real problems consistently.
I've seen junior people leapfrog seniors in salary and efficiency because they mastered AI for their specific role. It's not about years of experience anymore. It's about adaptation speed.
The magic happens when you stop seeing AI as a tool and start seeing it as a colleague. One that never sleeps, never complains, and is always ready to help – if you know how to ask.
Here's what I want you to do right now: Open your AI tool of choice. Take the most repetitive task on your to-do list. Ask the AI to help you with it. That's your starting point.
Remember: The goal isn't to replace your job with AI. It's to replace the parts of your job that keep you from doing your best work.
2025 is your year to level up. Not by working harder, but by working smarter with AI. The opportunity is there. The question is: Will you take it?
Do you use AI to make yourself more efficient? |
About the Author
I’m James, Cofounder of Final Draft Resumes. I’ve been in the career consulting space for 13 years, and before that, I was a recruiter for AECOM.
I’ve helped thousands of job seekers, from industries like software engineering, IT, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and more generate job opportunities through well-written resumes that translate unique backgrounds into coherent narratives.
If you’re struggling with your resume for whatever reason, reach out - I just might be able to help!
If you’re more of a DIY person, then check out Resumatic, my free-to-try resume builder.
Did you enjoy this week's issue? |
The Employee Referral Hack: Why It's Actually Hurting Your Career
The Employee Referral Hack: Why It's Actually Hurting Your Career
Let me tell you something that might surprise you: there's a "hack" going around about job applications that could actually be sabotaging your career prospects.
I've spent years in tech recruitment and talent acquisition, and I keep seeing this advice pop up everywhere: "Just put yourself down as your own referral – it'll help you beat the ATS!"
Here's the truth: This "hack" isn't just ineffective – it's potentially damaging your professional reputation without you even realizing it.
Let me break this down for you, because understanding why this doesn't work is crucial for your job search strategy.
First, let's bust a major myth about ATS systems
That referral field in your application? It's not just a random text box that magically boosts your application when filled. Modern ATS systems are sophisticated platforms that cross-reference employee databases and verification systems.
Think about it: If beating the ATS was as simple as typing your own name in the referral box, why would companies invest millions in recruitment processes?
I recently spoke with a technical recruiter at a major tech company who shared something fascinating: Their ATS actually flags applications with suspicious referral entries. Instead of helping, these applications often get marked for additional scrutiny.
The Real Cost of Fake Referrals
Here's what actually happens when you list yourself as your own referral:
1. The ATS system flags the inconsistency (because yes, they can detect this)
2. Recruiters notice the discrepancy during review
3. Your application immediately raises red flags about integrity
4. Your chances of moving forward plummet
But here's the real kicker: You're not just hurting your chances with this one application. In our interconnected professional world, recruiters often move between companies and remember candidates who've tried to game the system.
Why Real Referrals Actually Work
Let me share a quick story that illustrates the power of authentic referrals:
Last month, a software engineer I know got three interviews at top tech companies. Not because she used any "hacks," but because she had spent six months building genuine relationships with employees at these companies through tech meetups and open source contributions.
When she applied, she had real advocates vouching for her skills and cultural fit. That's the kind of advantage no hack can replicate.
The Strategy That Actually Works
Instead of looking for shortcuts, here's what you should be doing:
1. Build Your Professional Network Intentionally
- Engage genuinely in industry discussions on LinkedIn
- Attend virtual and in-person industry events
- Contribute to relevant online communities
2. Nurture Authentic Connections
- Share your expertise through content creation
- Offer help and insights without expecting immediate returns
- Maintain regular, meaningful interactions with your network
3. Leverage Your Network Properly
- When you find a role you're interested in, reach out to your connections naturally
- Be transparent about your interest and qualifications
- Make it easy for them to vouch for you by highlighting relevant experiences
The Math Behind Real Referrals
Here's something most people don't realize: At many top companies, a genuine employee referral can increase your chances of getting an interview by up to 50%. But notice I said "genuine" – because that's what makes all the difference.
Your Action Plan Starting Today
1. Audit your current application strategy. If you've been using the "self-referral hack," stop immediately.
2. Spend 30 minutes each day building real connections in your industry. LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry forums are great places to start.
3. Focus on creating value in your professional community before asking for referrals.
4. When applying to jobs, prioritize quality over quantity. It's better to submit 5 applications with genuine referrals than 50 with fake ones.
Remember: Your professional reputation is your most valuable asset. Don't risk it for a short-term hack that doesn't even work.
The job market in 2024 is competitive enough without shooting yourself in the foot. Focus on building real relationships, developing your skills, and approaching your job search with integrity.
That's how you actually stand out in a crowded market.
Want to level up your job search the right way? Start by connecting with three new professionals in your industry this week. No agenda, no immediate ask for referrals – just genuine relationship building.
Because here's the truth: The best career opportunities don't come from hacks or shortcuts. They come from authentic connections and real value creation.
Your move.