From resume screening to AI-powered interview simulations, technology is now at the heart of the MBA recruitment process. In response, business schools across the globe are helping students adapt to this shift by integrating digital literacy and AI tools into their career services.
But as AI changes the job market, both students and business schools are also grappling with its potential limitations.
A More Focused Job Search
Many schools are nonetheless introducing AI tools to help students optimize their job search strategies. Sudipta Dasmohapatra, the senior associate dean of MBA programs at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in Washington, D.C., notes that tools like VMock and Big Interview are becoming staples in the MBA job search toolkit.
“AI helps students analyze job descriptions, identify keywords and match their stories to job requirements,” she explains. This approach allows students to fine-tune their applications and better align their skills with employer expectations.
At Imperial College Business School in London, director of careers consulting and professional development Ceri Willmott underlines the importance of mastering these tools.
“Students need to learn AI-driven platforms like HireVue and LinkedIn’s AI-powered tools,” Willmott says, “to tailor resumes and practice AI-based interviews that evaluate verbal and non-verbal cues.”
At Imperial College, MBA students are encouraged to build strong digital presences, leveraging AI to refine both technical and soft skills, which are becoming increasingly vital in the AI-driven recruitment process.
Despite the rise of AI, business schools stress that soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence and leadership remain critical. Many AI tools now assess these traits through advanced simulations and video interviews, where they analyze tone, confidence and even body language.
“MBA students should focus on refining their communication and leadership abilities,” says Willmott, as AI-driven systems are designed to evaluate how candidates present themselves beyond just technical knowledge.
Personalizing Applications Is Key
Lyla Korhani, director of career services at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management in Canada, points out that while AI can assist in drafting resumes or cover letters, it’s essential to keep a human touch.
“Students can apply to more jobs than ever before with AI tools, but personalizing applications and maintaining accuracy is crucial,” she says.
Korhani also stresses that career coaching remains an essential part of navigating AI’s limitations, reminding students to avoid generic applications that fail to showcase individuality.
This highlights an important point: while AI can democratize access to job opportunities, it’s a double-edged sword. As the technology becomes more sophisticated, it will screen a growing number of applications, creating more competition.
Georgetown’s Dasmohapatra warns that “as more candidates use AI to optimize their applications, the competition could intensify, making it harder to stand out”.
There’s also concern about equity, as the best AI tools often live behind paywalls, giving wealthier candidates an advantage.
A Fairer Recruitment Process
However, there’s optimism too. AI can help reduce bias in recruitment, ensuring that more diverse candidates are considered. Imperial’s Willmott points out that this could level the playing field, allowing candidates to focus on their strengths and achievements rather than battling bias in traditional recruitment methods.
Business schools like his are moving quickly to integrate AI training into their programs. At Rotman, students have access to AI tools like VMock but are also encouraged to meet one-on-one with career coaches to refine their applications.
Georgetown also offers AI-enhanced tools, but Dasmohapatra reminds students to focus on “self-assessment and goal-setting” to ensure AI doesn’t overshadow personal storytelling.
At Imperial, digital literacy is another top priority. “Building a foundation in programming languages like Python and mastering data analysis tools like Tableau are crucial,” says Willmott. Imperial’s approach is a blend of technical and human skills, stressing that AI should complement — not replace — traditional leadership and communication abilities.
Schools like Imperial, Rotman and Georgetown are preparing students for this hybrid future, where the ability to leverage AI and hone personal skills will be key to standing out.
AI can be a powerful ally, but those who understand how to navigate its nuances and pair it with genuine networking, communication and leadership will remain the most competitive.
As Willmott puts it: “Students who can blend AI expertise with strong people skills will be at the forefront of the future job market.”
