The job search process continues to evolve, and today’s candidates are facing a hiring market shaped by technology, online visibility, and increased competition. On April 29, Nancy Rivers, Senior Director at Veritas Recruiting Group, appeared on FOX35’s Good Day Orlando to discuss how artificial intelligence and social media are changing the way employers evaluate job seekers.

During the segment, Nancy joined FOX35 to share practical advice for candidates who want to stand out while also protecting and strengthening their professional brand.

AI Is Now Part of the Hiring Process

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a major part of recruiting and hiring. Employers are using AI tools to help review resumes, identify keyword matches, screen candidates, and organize large applicant pools. In the FOX35 segment, Nancy explained that many companies are using AI to evaluate resumes and help determine which candidates may be the strongest fit for an open position.

For job seekers, this means resumes need to be clear, relevant, and tailored to the role. A generic resume may not perform as well when employers are using systems that scan for specific skills, experience, and keywords.

At the same time, Nancy pointed out that AI can also be a helpful tool for candidates. Job seekers can use AI to prepare for interviews, refine their resumes, improve cover letters, and get guidance on how to approach the job search. The key is knowing how to use AI effectively without losing your own voice.

Use AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute for Your Voice

One of Nancy’s biggest pieces of advice was that candidates should avoid letting AI-generated content sound too generic or overly polished. She noted that employers may notice when a resume, cover letter, or interview response feels too wordy, too formatted, or disconnected from how the candidate actually communicates.

AI can help organize thoughts and improve preparation, but candidates should still personalize the final product. Your resume and cover letter should reflect your actual experience, your communication style, and the specific opportunity you are pursuing.

A strong job search document should sound professional, but it should still sound like you.

Your Online Presence Matters

The FOX35 conversation also focused heavily on social media and how a candidate’s online activity can affect the hiring process. Nancy emphasized that job seekers should assume potential employers may review public posts, profiles, and even comments.

That does not mean candidates need to remove all personality from their online presence. It does mean they should be intentional. Social media can either support your professional brand or create concerns for a potential employer.

Nancy encouraged candidates to think about what their online presence communicates. Posts about community involvement, professional growth, volunteer work, industry interests, and positive life experiences can help show maturity, professionalism, and character.

Authenticity and Judgment Can Coexist

A major takeaway from the segment was the balance between being authentic and oversharing. Employers are not necessarily looking for candidates who are perfect or overly polished. They are looking for people who show good judgment, professionalism, and self-awareness.

Nancy explained that overly negative, divisive, or highly polarizing content can raise concerns during the hiring process. The broader point is not that candidates should be fake. It is that they should make sure their public presence reflects the version of themselves they would want a future employer, client, or colleague to see.

Practical Steps for Job Seekers

• Review your resume and make sure it includes relevant keywords for the types of roles you are pursuing.
• Use AI to prepare, but rewrite and personalize anything it creates so it sounds like you.
• Google yourself and review what a potential employer might see.
• Look at your recent posts, comments, and public profiles through the lens of a hiring manager.
• Adjust privacy settings where appropriate.
• Build a professional online brand by sharing positive, thoughtful, and career-relevant content.

Final Thoughts

As Nancy shared on FOX35, today’s job seekers need to think beyond the resume. AI tools, online profiles, and social media activity are now part of the broader hiring picture. Candidates who are prepared, authentic, and intentional about their professional brand will be better positioned to stand out for the right reasons.

At Veritas Recruiting Group, we work with candidates every day to help them navigate the job market with confidence. Whether you are actively searching or simply thinking about your next career move, taking the time to strengthen your resume, prepare for interviews, and evaluate your online presence can make a meaningful difference.