Skip the crowded job boards and search smarter

In the past, job seekers had limited choices when it came to looking for work online and popular platforms like Seek, Indeed, and Jora dominated the digital job search space with their massive listings. While these platforms still serve a purpose, the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is revolutionising how proactive job seekers navigate the hiring landscape, on their own terms.

Here’s how, and why, you can ditch the job boards and use LLMs for smarter, faster, and more personalised job searches.

Why skip the job boards?

Before diving into the "how”, it is worth exploring the "why”. Traditional job boards have some major drawbacks:

• Overcrowded applications: Listings on large platforms can receive hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applicants, reducing your chances of standing out.

• Generic recommendations: Algorithms often push sponsored jobs rather than truly relevant opportunities.

• No custom search strategy: You’re limited by keyword filters and rigid categories.

In contrast, using an LLM gives you flexibility, context, and personalisation… qualities essential in today’s competitive job market.

How ChatGPT can help you find jobs directly

ChatGPT makes job hunting easier and more focused. It can help you find roles listed directly on company websites, suggest employers to target, and create custom search tips. You can also use it to discover opportunities, research companies quickly, write messages to hiring managers, and set up alerts so you don’t miss out and even prepare for interviews. It’s a smarter way to find the right job, faster.

Craft tailored job search queries

• You can ask ChatGPT to generate Google search strings to uncover listings on company website careers pages and niche job boards that aren’t easily found via traditional platforms.

• Example: “Help me find remote UX designer roles at fintech startups in Australia that aren’t listed on Seek or Indeed or LinkedIn.”

Discover hidden opportunities

• Many companies list roles only on their company careers page, avoiding the noise of big boards. ChatGPT can help identify these companies and even generate a list of target employers based on your preferences.

• You might say: “List 10 Australian companies currently hiring for entry-level admin or customer service roles where I can apply directly through their websites.”

Automate company research

• ChatGPT can summarise company missions, cultures, recent news, and role descriptions. This helps tailor your resume and cover letter for each opportunity.

• Bonus: Ask it to role-play an interview scenario or prep you for technical assessments specific to a company.

Generate custom alerts

• Use ChatGPT in tandem with automation tools (like Google Alerts or Zapier) to create a job alert system based on criteria you define, not what a platform thinks you want.

Write outreach messages

• Found a company you love but no job posted? Ask ChatGPT to help draft a cold email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager or department head.

Job boards are more crowded than ever. According to Seek’s latest data (23rd July 2025), applications per job have hit a record high, surpassing even the peak levels during the COVID-19 downturn in 2020. In June alone, applications jumped 16.4% compared to the same time last year, despite job ads falling by 5.3%.

With fewer jobs and more competition, now is the time to stop being just another applicant in a flooded job board pool.

Instead, use tools like ChatGPT to take a smarter approach, find direct-apply roles on company websites, personalise your search, and stand out with tailored applications.

Benefits of this approach

This approach gives you more control and better results. You’re not stuck with broad categories or ads, you can personalise your search and find roles with less competition. It also helps you build useful skills like research and outreach. Best of all, you can discover jobs that aren’t advertised on big sites, especially from smaller companies that hire directly.

• More personalisation: You are not boxed into broad categories or keywords.

• Less competition: Targeted searches often uncover roles with fewer applicants.

• Greater control: You control the search parameters, not an ad-driven algorithm.

• Skill-building: Learning to research, write outreach, and understand job descriptions in depth improves your career agility.

• Uncover unadvertised roles: Many SMEs and startups don't post to big boards due to costs - instead they rely on their own websites or networks.

Getting started

Getting started with AI for your job search is easier than you think, and it’s in your best interest. Begin by getting clear on what you want: the type of job, location, industry, and whether you prefer remote or onsite work. Then ask ChatGPT smart questions that include your skills and goals.

Here’s a basic prompt to start off your job search journey and find website links:

“List 10 Australian companies currently hiring for entry-level admin or customer service roles where I can apply directly through their websites.”

Make it part of your daily or weekly routine, just like checking your email. And don’t forget to track your progress.  Using a simple spreadsheet can help you stay organised and on top of your applications. With a little structure, AI can quickly become your most helpful job-hunting tool.

Final thoughts

Large Language Models are empowering job seekers to take ownership of their job hunt like never before.

By going beyond the limitations of traditional job boards, you can uncover higher-quality opportunities, stand out through personal customisation, and build stronger connections with potential employers. In a world where automation and AI are changing hiring itself, it makes sense that your job search strategy evolves too.

Skip the crowded boards. Start your smart search today.