These 2 job seekers built AI chatbots to talk to recruiters for them: It's 'doing work for me while I'm sleeping'
In today’s competitive job market, job seekers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to stand out from the crowd. Two individuals, Joshua Curry and Vishal Patil, have taken this approach to the next level by developing personalized AI chatbots designed to interact with recruiters on their behalf. Their story highlights the challenges of job hunting and the creative strategies being employed to navigate a low-hire job market.
The Challenge of Job Hunting
Job seekers today face a daunting landscape. With U.S. employers adding only 116,000 jobs last year compared to 1.46 million in 2024, the competition is fierce. Every minute, approximately 8,200 applications are submitted on LinkedIn, and many applicants report applying to more jobs than ever yet receiving fewer responses. This environment has led Curry and Patil to seek out unique methods to increase their visibility to recruiters.
Meet the Innovators
Joshua Curry, a web developer based in San Francisco, and Vishal Patil, a student on an F-1 visa pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, have both experienced the frustrations of job searching firsthand. Curry has applied to around 140 positions since November, securing interviews for only two. Patil, on the other hand, has submitted over 700 applications and received screening calls for about 30 of them.
The Birth of AI Chatbots
Both Curry and Patil recognized the need for a faster and more effective way to engage with recruiters. Patil created his chatbot, named VAi, to address a persistent challenge he faced in responding to recruiters promptly. Balancing coursework and an on-campus job, he felt that any delay in communication could cost him opportunities. Meanwhile, Curry developed his chatbot, ChatJC, partly as a demonstration of his coding skills, as he noticed job postings seeking candidates with similar capabilities.
How the Chatbots Work
Both chatbots utilize information from their creators’ application materials, including resumes and LinkedIn profiles, to interact with recruiters. For instance, VAi can answer questions like “Give me a quick summary of Vishal” or “What are Vishal’s strongest skills?” Similarly, ChatJC draws from Curry’s resume, cover letters, and endorsements to provide relevant information to recruiters.
Development Process
It took approximately two weeks for both Curry and Patil to design and deploy their chatbots on their respective portfolio websites. Initially, they encountered challenges such as inappropriate questions from users and the risk of the chatbots providing inaccurate information. To mitigate these issues, they implemented guardrails to prevent the chatbots from disclosing sensitive information and to ensure that they did not stray from the facts.
Engagement and Impact
Since launching their chatbots, both Curry and Patil have seen increased engagement from recruiters and peers. Curry’s ChatJC has attracted around 80 unique visitors since its launch, while Patil’s VAi has received over 3,300 views. Patil noted that VAi has led to numerous discussions with recruiters and peers, something he had not experienced before its creation.
Feedback and Opportunities
Patil has received positive feedback from recruiters regarding VAi, with some offering interviews or technical assessments based on their interactions with the chatbot. He expressed that the visibility gained through VAi has opened up numerous opportunities that he previously would not have had. Curry echoed this sentiment, stating that the traditional job application process often feels like “sending stuff out into a void.” By using AI, he aims to level the playing field against employers who are increasingly utilizing technology in their hiring processes.
The Future of Job Searching
As AI continues to evolve, the potential for chatbots in the job search process is significant. Both Curry and Patil view their innovations as not just tools for job hunting but as a way to adapt to the changing landscape of recruitment. They believe that by leveraging technology, they can enhance their chances of being noticed in a crowded job market.
Conclusion
The experiences of Joshua Curry and Vishal Patil illustrate the innovative approaches job seekers are taking to navigate a challenging employment landscape. By creating personalized AI chatbots, they are not only showcasing their skills but also finding new ways to engage with recruiters effectively. As technology continues to shape the job market, it will be interesting to see how other job seekers adopt similar strategies to enhance their visibility and opportunities.
Note: The job market is constantly evolving, and while innovative solutions like AI chatbots can enhance job seekers’ chances, it is essential to remain adaptable and open to new strategies in the pursuit of employment.
