Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Insights from It’s Your Outcome Career Coaching

Imagine if your career coach were available 24/7, never forgot a single accomplishment, and could instantly analyze industry trends to give you an edge. Welcome to the world where AI could become a transformative tool in your career journey. But can it truly replace the insight and empathy that drive real growth? Or does it need a human touch to make a real impact?

Over my 15+ years as a career coach, I’ve seen just about every new career tool come and go. I’ve read AI-generated resumes that lack substance and reviewed AI interview prep that misses the mark. When used alone, AI often falls short, delivering surface-level fixes that don’t fully capture a candidate’s unique strengths or tell their full story.

At first, I considered breaking this article into several shorter pieces because there’s so much to cover. But instead, I decided to share all my insights in one guide—a complete roadmap on how to use AI effectively, where it truly shines, and when you’ll need the human touch for best results. In this guide, I’m pulling back the curtain on how you can blend AI’s power with traditional coaching to create a job search strategy that truly stands out.

Ready to unlock the full potential of AI for your career? Let’s dive in.

Why AI in Career Coaching?

With AI transforming industries at a rapid pace, now is the perfect time to leverage it for your own career growth. Whether you’re trying to break into a new field, move up to a higher role, or refine your skillset, AI’s unique capabilities can give you a serious edge in navigating today’s competitive job market.

And here’s what makes AI even more powerful: while AI is fast, accessible, and affordable, it’s most effective when paired with the insights, empathy, and strategic guidance that only a human coach can provide. AI can manage the data and trends, while coaching provides the context, understanding, and encouragement that bring it all to life. Here’s what AI career coaching can look like when used strategically.

What AI Career Coaching Looks Like Today

AI tools like ChatGPT, LinkedIn’s AI Resume Builder, Grammarly, and Jobscan are already reshaping how people approach career development. Here’s how each tool can support you on your career journey:

1. Resume and Cover Letter Feedback

Think of AI as your personal resume editor. It can analyze your resume, highlight key skills, and suggest improvements to help you stand out to recruiters. The feedback on phrasing, structure, and keyword use is immediate, making it more likely that your resume will pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reach hiring managers.

2. Interview Preparation

Need a practice partner for interviews? AI-powered chatbots are a surprisingly effective stand-in. They can simulate real interview questions, help you refine your answers, and coach you on how to present your strengths in the best possible light. And the best part? AI doesn’t get tired—so you can practice until you’re confident and ready.

3. Goal-Setting and Career Planning

When given the right context, AI can offer tailored career advice, suggesting growth strategies, certifications, or skills to focus on. This type of guidance helps you stay relevant in your field and keep moving forward, armed with the latest information.

4. Industry Research and Trend Analysis

AI is a pro at processing large datasets to uncover industry trends, in-demand skills, and emerging roles. With AI’s help, you can make informed decisions about where your industry is heading—and how you can position yourself to take advantage of these shifts.

For even more targeted support, tools like LinkedIn’s Resume Builder, Grammarly, and Jobscan can be incredibly helpful:

1. LinkedIn’s Resume Builder helps ensure your resume aligns with specific job descriptions.

2. Grammarly polishes your written communication in resumes, cover letters, and emails.

3. Jobscan matches your resume to job descriptions, increasing ATS compatibility.

While these tools offer speed and convenience, they often lack the deeper insights that come from strategic coaching. That’s where the magic happens.

The Key Benefits of AI in Career Coaching

Here’s why AI has the potential to become one of your most powerful career tools, especially when paired with traditional coaching:

1. 24/7 Availability

Need feedback at midnight? AI is available whenever you need it, so whether you’re preparing for a last-minute interview or refining your resume, AI is there for you around the clock.

2. Data-Driven Insights

AI can process massive datasets in seconds, helping you uncover trends, skill gaps, and emerging roles. This information can give you an edge in positioning yourself for future opportunities.

3. Personalized Learning at Scale

AI tailors its responses based on the input you give it. If you’re pursuing project management, for example, AI can guide you to certifications, best practices, and news specifically suited to your field.

4. Cost-Effective Support

While traditional coaching is an invaluable investment, it’s not always affordable for everyone. AI tools offer flexible, accessible support at any career stage, making advice available to a wide audience.

Pro Tip: Many ATS struggle with non-standard terminology, so even qualified candidates can be filtered out. Specific, targeted prompts when using AI for resume optimization can help ensure your resume makes it through ATS screenings.

Why Specific Prompts Are the Secret to Getting the Best AI Results

Here’s a little-known fact: the quality of your prompts can make or break the results you get from AI. Many people try generic prompts like “Make my resume better” and wonder why the advice falls flat. Specific, clear prompts create targeted, actionable feedback that reflects your unique strengths. Here’s why this matters:

Poorly Tailored Content: Broad prompts lead to basic advice that doesn’t reflect your distinct skills.

Lack of Precision and Impact: Vague prompts often result in bland responses that don’t showcase your achievements.

Negative Perceptions: A generic-looking resume can leave a poor impression on recruiters.

Expert Prompting Tips for Stronger Results

Here’s how to make your prompts work for you:

Instead of “Make my resume better,” try “Highlight my experience leading cross-functional teams for a senior project management role.”

Replace “Enhance for marketing” with “Show measurable impact in client growth and sales in a B2B marketing role.”

Taking time to craft specific prompts ensures AI delivers responses that showcase your strengths and make your resume stand out.

Insider Tips for Job Seekers with Disabilities

In my 15+ years as a career coach, I’ve worked with thousands of job seekers from diverse backgrounds, including many talented professionals with disabilities. Over this time, I’ve seen the impact of combining AI tools with coaching from someone who understands disability inclusion. Here’s why I highly recommend this combination:

Optimizing Resumes for ATS

Disability-inclusive coaches know how to balance disability-related language with role-specific keywords, helping your resume stand out while ensuring ATS compatibility. AI can help by suggesting keywords, but a coach adds that expert touch to make sure your resume feels polished and personalized.

Strategic Disclosure Advice

Disclosure is a personal decision, and it can influence your job search. A coach with disability inclusion expertise provides tailored advice to help you decide when and how to disclose, helping you present your strengths and manage your story.

Preparing for Interviews with Accessibility in Mind

Confident interviewing includes knowing how to discuss your skills and any necessary accommodations professionally. Inclusive career coaches can help you prepare for these conversations, so you’re able to communicate your value and needs effectively.

Building Self-Advocacy Skills

Self-advocacy is essential for success, especially in today’s workplaces. A coach experienced in disability inclusion can guide you on how to advocate for yourself and thrive in supportive environments.

By blending AI tools and specialized coaching, job seekers with disabilities benefit from both data-driven insights and personal strategies for success.

What to Avoid When Using AI in Career Coaching

While AI can be transformative, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Relying on Generic Prompts: As mentioned, specific prompts lead to more relevant advice. Be clear and focused in your input.

Skipping Human Review: AI can polish your resume, but a human review ensures your unique strengths shine through.

Ignoring ATS Compatibility Checks: Even with AI, use tools like Jobscan to verify your resume’s alignment with job descriptions. This extra step can improve ATS compatibility significantly.

The Future of AI in Career Coaching

As AI advances, its role in career development will keep growing. Future models may incorporate sentiment analysis, allowing AI to understand not only what you say but also how you feel. Imagine AI that tracks your career progress, suggests resources, and supports your coach in customizing advice based on real-time insights.

In this future, AI and human coaches will work together to combine data-driven insights with empathy and strategic guidance. The result? A powerful, holistic support system for your career.

Ready to Try AI in Your Career Journey?

AI is quickly becoming an essential tool in career coaching, providing valuable insights, accessibility, and support. But as a coach, I know it won’t replace the depth, adaptability, and human connection that make coaching truly impactful. Together, AI and human coaching offer a balanced approach that supports your goals with both data and heart.

Share this blog with a friend exploring AI in their job search! Let’s see how AI and human expertise together can shape tomorrow’s career success.