AI tools become essential for UK job seekers, survey reveals
A new survey indicates that the majority of job seekers now incorporate artificial intelligence tools into their job search process.
Huntr's Q3 2025 Job Search Trends Survey, which gathered responses from 527 participants, found that 85.6% of job seekers use AI tools regularly when searching for employment. The data shows that the integration of AI has become an established norm in career preparation and job acquisition strategies.
The survey highlights that 55.8% of respondents use AI tools daily as part of their job search efforts. A further 29.8% reported turning to AI several times per week. These tools are reportedly leveraged for a range of activities such as drafting CVs, creating customised cover letters, conducting employer research, and preparing for interviews.
"AI is no longer a novelty or a shortcut, it's a standard part of how people compete for jobs," said Nicole Martins Ferreira, author of Huntr's Job Search Trends Report. "Job seekers are discovering that AI tools like Huntr make them faster, more tailored, and more strategic in their applications."
According to the data, a significant generational divide exists in the adoption of AI within the job search sphere. Generation Z is leading, with 63% utilising AI tools daily. This is followed by 56% of Millennials and 54% of Generation X respondents. Among Baby Boomers, daily use drops to 35%. Despite these differences, the survey noted that fewer than 3% of professionals from any generation reported avoiding AI entirely, illustrating widespread uptake of these technologies across age groups.
The increasing reliance on AI has implications for the skills and competencies required to be considered career-ready. Regular users are not only using AI to improve their job applications but are also acquiring insights into algorithmic hiring systems. These new competencies may be crucial in a labour market that is progressively influenced by automation and digital processes.
"We're seeing job seekers build real AI fluency through daily use," Martins Ferreira added. "Those who learn to collaborate with AI effectively are developing an edge that extends beyond job applications-it's shaping how they'll work, communicate, and compete in the future of employment."
The findings suggest a broad shift in expectations regarding job search practices. Where automation, AI, and digital aides were once confined to experimental use by early adopters, they are now viewed as essential tools for navigating job markets and hiring processes that are increasingly digital.
Proficiency in digital tools and artificial intelligence is now seen as fundamental for success in professional environments, as AI continues to affect how CVs are composed, applications are screened, and interviews are conducted.
The report from Huntr offers more than 100 insights, including 10 other findings specific to AI and the job search. It is designed to help job seekers understand the current market environment, improve their applications, and expedite their search for the next job opportunity.
