Artificial intelligence is now a routine part of hiring. Applicant tracking systems screen resumes. Recruiters use AI-assisted tools to shortlist candidates. Employers are experimenting with automated screening questions, skills assessments and interview scheduling. For job seekers, it has become imperative to understand how to leverage AI responsibly and effectively in their job search.
Understand where AI fits in the hiring process
Before using AI in your job search, it helps to understand how employers are using it. Many organizations rely on applicant tracking systems to scan resumes for relevant experience, qualifications and keywords. Some use AI to rank applications or flag those that appear to be a strong match. Others use AI-supported tools to analyze written responses or structure early-stage interviews.
This means your application materials must be clear, accurate and aligned with the role. AI tends to reward relevance and clarity, but it does not compensate for vague language or inflated claims.
Use AI to strengthen, not replace, your resume
One of the most practical uses of AI in 2026 is resume refinement. AI tools can help you identify gaps between a job posting and your resume, reword experience for clarity and reduce unnecessary repetition or overly complex phrasing.
This may be particularly useful for candidates transitioning into regulation from professional practice, policy, investigations or enforcement roles. AI can help translate your experience into language that reflects regulatory competencies, but the responsibility for accuracy remains with you. In a sector built on trust and accountability, misrepresenting scope, authorityor outcomes can be a red flag.
A strong approach is to draft your resume yourself, then use AI as a review tool. Treat AI as a second set of eyes.
Draft smarter cover letters without losing authenticity
AI can help structure your letter, organize key points and adjust tone. What AI should not do is produce a generic letter that could be sent to any organization. Regulatory employers often look for evidence that candidates understand mandate, legislation and public-interest responsibilities, and those insights must come from you.
Using AI to outline or refine your thinking can save time, but the final message should reflect your own understanding of the role and the sector.
Prepare for interviews
Use AI to generate sample questions based on a job description, practise structured responses and think through scenario-based questions.
In regulatory interviews, candidates are often assessed on judgment, ethical reasoning, communication and decision-making. AI can help you practise articulating your reasoning clearly, but it cannot replace thoughtful reflection or real-world experience. Use it to sharpen how you explain decisions, not to script answers you do not genuinely understand.
Research organizations more efficiently
For those in regulation or planning to pivot into regulatory and public-interest roles, AI can also help summarize public information about regulatory bodies, legislation and mandates, which can be useful when preparing applications or interviews. That said, accuracy matters. Candidates should always verify AI-generated summaries against official sources.
Demonstrating a sound understanding of statutory authority, governance structures and public-protection responsibilities is often critical in regulatory hiring, and AI can support this research. However, AI should not be used as a final authority.
For those pursuing careers in regulation, it is important to understand that AI is increasingly relevant not just to hiring, but to the work itself. Regulators are increasingly using AI in key areas of their work as they also grapple with questions of fairness, transparency, accessibility and risk.
These issues are shaping sector-wide conversations. At MDR Strategy Group’s AI in Regulation Conference, taking place in Toronto on February 2 and 3, regulators, policymakers and innovators from around the world will explore AI’s real-world tools, case studies and challenges. The conference will consider how AI can be used responsibly while protecting the public interest.
Learn more and be a part of the conversation shaping AI in regulation.