Episode 45
Did AI Reject Me? How Recruiters are Currently Using AI and Automations
AI is changing the hiring process, but not in the way most candidates fear. In this podcast episode, Carina breaks down how applicant tracking systems are actually using AI today, why automated resume “fit” scores are often inaccurate for scientific roles, and where simple automations still drive real decisions. You’ll learn what recruiters really do when hundreds of resumes flood in, how Boolean keyword searches work, and why tailoring your resume to the job description still matters more than any gimmick. We also cover the rise of AI-driven follow‑ups and asynchronous video interviews, how to handle bot‑like application forms, and practical ways to showcase transferable skills as a career changer. This is a candid, recruiter‑level view of the ATS, specific actions to improve your visibility, and a clear picture of what’s coming next in biotech hiring so you can apply with confidence.
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00:00 Is AI reviewing your resume? What’s real vs hype
01:00 ATS “AI” today: ranking and scoring… and why it’s often wrong for science
02:15 Legal constraints: AI can’t make hiring decisions in many states
03:00 Automations vs AI: knockout questions and policy filters
05:30 How recruiters actually screen: Boolean keyword searches at scale
06:45 Spotting bot‑driven applications and how to avoid looking like one
08:00 AI chatbots for follow‑ups: adding context, not auto‑rejecting
09:15 Asynchronous video interviews: why they’re growing and how to prep
10:30 Career changers: use async formats to surface transferable skills
11:05 Community invite and staying current on AI in recruiting
