Job Index 2025: How AI is changing the game for job seekers
At Vend, we’ve run our annual Job Index for several years — a project rooted in our commitment to future thinking and industry insight. This year, we’re zooming in on a fast-moving shift in the job market: how AI is transforming the job-seeking process.
AI is here, and job seekers are already using it
A recent FINN survey of over 400 job seekers shows just how quickly AI tools are being adopted. Four in ten respondents said they’ve used AI to write cover letters or improve their CVs. Almost half say they use AI regularly because it sharpens their applications and saves time.
One thing is clear: the traditional cover letter is fading fast, and the CV is stepping into the spotlight.
You can explore the full survey here and find all the articles in the 2025 Job Index here (in Norwegian).
Helping people feel more confident applying
We know that applying for a job can feel overwhelming. Job descriptions can be unclear, expectations vague, and the fear of “not being qualified enough” stops many from even starting. In fact, our 2024 survey showed that nearly half of job seekers drop out mid-process, mainly because of confusion or uncertainty about their own fit for the role.
That’s why we’ve launched two AI-powered tools to lower the threshold for applying.
SmartSearch lets job seekers describe what they want in their own words. No complex filters, no keywords, just honest language. Our AI then interprets their intent and suggests better-matched jobs.
The AI assistant helps with application writing. But it’s not about replacing your voice, it’s about guiding and encouraging job seekers to shape stronger, more personal applications.
“We also want to support people with dyslexia or others who face challenges working with text,” says Christopher Ringvold, Chief Product Officer in Vend’s Jobs vertical.
This is just the beginning
These AI initiatives aren’t here to replace the human side of job seeking — they’re here to support it. By making the application process easier, clearer, and more personal, we’re aiming to connect the right people with the right opportunities.
And we’re just getting started.