Last week, LinkedIn launched its first AI agent, the Hiring Assistant, designed to help recruiters quickly identify candidates and spend more time on high-value parts of the hiring process. AI is now stepping in where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and manual searches left off. Unlike traditional tools that match specific keywords or phrases, an AI agent actively learns from recruiter feedback and adjusts to deliver more refined candidate suggestions. This shift means job seekers may need a new approach to make the most of LinkedIn’s AI-powered features.

Until now, LinkedIn’s main tools for recruiters were manual searches and ATS filters. Recruiters would conduct keyword-based searches to find candidates with specific skills or experience, often going through hundreds of profiles to find matches. For job seekers, optimizing a LinkedIn profile to get noticed meant including job-specific keywords and using phrases from company job descriptions.

For instance, if a company’s job description emphasized “strategic communication” or “project management,” including these phrases on your LinkedIn profile improved your chances of being seen. Many job seekers list specific skills or certifications that match the role, such as “Google Analytics” or “budget forecasting” for a marketing role. And in most cases, it meant finetuning your resume for each job application, a task that could take a serious amount of time.

LinkedIn’s new Hiring Assistant introduces more sophisticated matching by looking beyond exact keywords and traditional qualifications. The AI agent identifies candidates through both obvious markers (like skills listed on a profile) and more subtle indicators that suggest someone could succeed in a role, even if they don’t have the exact background the job description specifies.

For example, the Hiring Assistant might surface candidates for a financial analyst role who lack direct finance experience but have strong analytical skills from data science work. Similarly, someone with a background in customer service might be recommended for a communications coordinator role, as both jobs require strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. This ability to recognize transferable experience means the AI agent can surface more diverse candidates, potentially broadening the talent pool and making job seekers with less traditional backgrounds more visible – a good thing if you’re looking to move into a new industry.

The Hiring Assistant’s adaptability is also significant for how it learns from recruiter feedback. As recruiters provide feedback on which candidates are well-suited or not, the AI agent refines its understanding of what “good fit” means. Over time, this learning process will lead to more tailored candidate recommendations that reflect a recruiter’s preferences.

So, what does this mean for you, the job seeker? For now, we don’t know the details but we can make some informed recommendations. Continue to optimize your resume for ATS systems. Because hiring agents are so new, most companies will continue to use ATS. In its announcement, LinkedIn said its Hiring Assistant has been made available only to select customers, including AMD, Canva, Siemens and Zurich Insurance. While the list will grow, it will take time. 

An AI agent gives you a better shot at finding a job in a different field, so highlight those skills. Describe your achievements in terms of skills and impact, rather than just specific job tasks to help AI see the potential fit. This is the time to explore your options and a program like ChatGPT can help: ask it what types of jobs your experience makes you a good candidate for, ones that aren’t the typical next-step roles.

Don’t hesitate to list experience or certifications that seem only indirectly related to your main field but that could broaden your appeal. For instance, coding knowledge might set you apart in a digital marketing role, even if it’s not a requirement.

LinkedIn’s AI integration is just beginning. In April 2025, LinkedIn plans to launch Wave 1 of its Talent Solutions expansion. With minimal details revealed, we do know recruiters will be able to reach out to candidates with AI-assisted messaging, speeding up communication between candidates and recruiters. As a job seeker, it will become increasingly important to keep your profile updated and show you are active in the job market.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness, and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.