At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming the job search, ChatGPT appears to be a powerful ally for optimizing CVs, LinkedIn profiles, pitches and networking. Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal nevertheless recall the essentials: AI does not decide for you. They explain how to use ChatGPT strategically to enhance your uniqueness, gain productivity and regain control of your professional trajectory.
For years, you have been supporting executives and managers in transition. When did you realize that ChatGPT was going to profoundly transform the way you look for a job?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: The day a specialist came to present ChatGPT to the associates of Enjeux Dirigeants. It was a revelation. I instantly understood how AI would change my work as an outplacement consultant and the job search of the people I support.
You emphasize a central point: ChatGPT is an assistant, not a decision-maker. Why is this essential to remember during a period of professional transition?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: Because in career transition, the only decision-maker is the person conducting their job search. She’s the one driving the wheel. If she leaves the latter to her attendant or to the AI, she moves to the passenger seat which is commonly called ” the dead man’s place “.
You explain that the job search must today be thought of as a real strategy. How does AI help professionalize this approach?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: Used correctly, it allows you to optimize all the different dimensions of a job search: project, positioning, targeting, CV, LinkedIn profile, pitch, approach to headhunters, networking, response to advertisements, direct approach, communication, follow-up, negotiation of the employment contract and taking up a position. ChatGPT does not replace the individual, it boosts their productivity.
Many candidates use ChatGPT for their CV or LinkedIn profile. What distinguishes a superficial use from a truly strategic use?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: AI is a strategic tool for improving an existing CV and LinkedIn profile. But for its use to be useful and relevant, it must be given the right information and guidelines. It’s a question of fuel and piloting. Some use it as an ox cart, others as a Formula 1.
Does AI standardize pathways or does it reveal their uniqueness?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: AI can standardize routes if used lazily. On the other hand, when it is managed with lucidity and discernment, it is capable of helping to identify and highlight the differences and competitive advantages of a candidate.
Women continue to face bias in recruitment processes. Can AI become a lever to regain power over your professional trajectory?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: Yes, because it allows us to deconstruct internalized biases: undervaluation, self-censorship or excessive caution. AI can help objectify value and build assertiveness in women.
Which human skills will become absolutely critical as AI automates an increasing part of recruitment processes?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: Clarity, discernment, lucidity and the ability to decide are essential to use AI well. Relational quality also remains key to activating the network and creating and maintaining trust. Because credibility and reputation cannot be automated.
If you had to give just one piece of advice to a person in professional transition today, faced with these profound changes in the job market, what would it be?
Hervé Bommelaer and Laurent Mareschal: You have to get on the AI TGV and train yourself on the tool instead of staying on the platform longing for the good old days of steam locomotives.
