Rotman School (Toronto)

Emily Durham: Clock In

Emily Durham tackles the outdated job‑search playbook in an AI‑driven market, arguing that many long‑standing tactics no longer work. She points out that recruiters spend less than six seconds reviewing an application and that AI screening, while controversial, still shapes which resumes get seen. Durham debunks several myths: tailoring a resume for every posting, stuffing it with keywords, rehearsing perfect interview scripts, and blasting out thousands of applications. Instead, she urges candidates to ensure their resume and LinkedIn are solid, then invest time in networking and building connections. She emphasizes two core employer desires—AI fluency and genuine empathy—and warns that over‑reliance on scripted answers can make candidates sound identical. Key moments include her claim, “Recruiters look at your application for less than six seconds,” and the advice that “silence is the most powerful negotiation tool.” She also addresses ageism, urging seasoned professionals to frame experience as forward‑thinking strategy rather than static institutional knowledge. The takeaway for job seekers is clear: abandon mass‑customization, focus on AI competence, showcase empathy, and negotiate using a minimum viable salary while letting silence do the heavy lifting. This approach promises higher response rates, better offers, and a more resilient career trajectory in a rapidly automating workplace.