Job Hunting in 2025: Real People, Real Results

How to find a job with AI: Start by optimizing your resume for AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use AI job boards and career platforms to discover tailored openings, then apply within the first hour of postings for higher visibility. Practice interviews with AI coaches, track applications with job automation tools, and tap into AI consulting networks like Nodes Inc for hidden opportunities.

The TikTok Reality Check: A former TikTok content moderator who worked from August 2022 to April 2024 witnessed firsthand how some of the trainers were replaced by AI, noting that training videos shifted from featuring real people to AI-generated content. The lesson? Focus on roles that require human judgment and creativity.

Growth Areas That Matter: AI training roles, which typically operate on a freelance basis, grew more than four times in 2024 compared to the year prior. These include data labeling, AI model testing, and prompt engineering roles.

Skills in Demand: According to IoT Analytics research in early 2024, AI and GenAI skills have become the most sought-after by employers in general. Focus on practical applications, not just theory.

Where the Jobs Actually Are:

• AI training and data annotation roles (fastest growing)

• AI safety and alignment positions at research labs

• MLOps and AI infrastructure roles at established tech companies

• Industry-specific AI implementation (healthcare, finance, manufacturing)

• AI consulting firms like Nodes Inc that specialize in helping businesses integrate custom AI solutions and automation workflows

How do I find the right recruiters for tech jobs?

Michael Yan's Proven Method: Michael Yan, CEO of Simplify, a platform helping students and grads find internships and jobs faster, used a specific LinkedIn strategy to land job offers at major companies like Meta, Microsoft, Google by applying within an hour of a job posting to boost visibility and chances of landing interviews.

The One-Hour Rule: Applying within an hour of a job posting boosts visibility and chances of landing interviews at top companies. Yan's method involves setting up job alerts and being among the first applicants.

Real Recruiter Warning: Be aware that scammers are lurking on LinkedIn and other job sites, posing as "recruiters" for well-known companies, but instead of looking to hire you, they're really looking to take your money and personal information.

Legitimate Recruiter Signals:

• They have 500+ LinkedIn connections

• Their profile shows a history at the company they claim to represent

• They ask for your resume first, not personal financial information

• They can schedule calls during business hours at their company's location

Hidden Job Market Tip: Many AI consulting companies like Nodes Inc often hire through employee referrals and professional networks before posting jobs publicly. Connect with their current employees on LinkedIn to learn about upcoming opportunities.

How can I find a job fast?

The LinkedIn Speed Strategy: Following Michael Yan's approach, the co-founder & CEO of Simplify and former software engineer at Meta who dropped out of Stanford to found Simplify, demonstrated that timing matters more than perfection. His method focuses on being among the first applicants rather than crafting the perfect application.

Industry Reality Check: A 2024 survey by Staffing Industry Analysts of over 900 US business leaders found that 30% of companies replaced workers with AI, with 38% of companies actively using AI in hiring processes. This means competition is fierce, but opportunities exist for those who adapt.

Fast-Track Approach:

1. Set up instant job alerts for your target roles

2. Apply within the first hour of posting (Yan's proven method)

3. Focus on 10-15 companies rather than mass applications - include both big tech and specialized AI firms like Nodes Inc in your target list

4. Use LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" for speed, but customize for dream roles

5. Research company-specific AI projects to tailor your applications

What AI tools can automate job applications?

The Automation Reality: While AI job application tools exist, there's a catch. LinkedIn launched its first AI agent to take on the role of job recruiters in late 2024, meaning both sides are now using AI.

What Actually Works:

• Job tracking platforms like Simplify help identify and track applications

• LinkedIn's Native Tools: LinkedIn's 2024 updates include new AI-assisted features for hiring, but these benefit both applicants and recruiters

• Job Alert Systems: Set up alerts on multiple platforms to catch new postings within the critical first hour

• Industry Networks: Companies like Nodes Inc often share opportunities through their professional networks and employee referrals before posting publicly - this is where building genuine relationships pays off

The Human Touch Still Wins: Despite automation, recruiters emphasize becoming storytellers, both with data and anecdotes about how employees are succeeding, especially for remote roles. Personal connections and authentic stories still outperform mass automation.

Bottom Line: Use AI for speed and organization, but rely on human strategy and timing for the applications that matter most. Michael Yan's success at Meta, Microsoft, and Google proves that smart tactics beat pure automation.

Sources verified from Fortune, TechCrunch, IoT Analytics, and industry reports from 2024-2025