Google's Super Bowl Fumble

Google’s Super Bowl Fumble

TLDR: Google's Super Bowl ad showcases an AI interview coach, telling a touching personal story. While emotionally engaging, it misses the mark on real job-seeking challenges. The ad focuses on improving interview skills, but overlooks more pressing issues like skill development and securing interviews in the first place.

Google's latest Super Bowl ad has made its debut, but the timing feels somewhat anticlimactic. The once-anticipated reveal of Super Bowl commercials has lost some of its magic, with many ads now premiering online before the big game. Nevertheless, Google's ads stands out as a compelling piece of storytelling.

The ad excels in narrative craftsmanship, drawing viewers into what feels like a short film. If you were to strip away the product placement, you'd be left with a touching and relatable human story. However, the message Google aims to convey – that their AI can help job seekers ace interviews – may miss the mark for many in today's job market.

From conversations with students and job seekers, it's clear that poor interview skills are rarely the primary obstacle. The real challenges are twofold: First, many struggle to develop the skills necessary for success in an era where AI and creative problem-solving are increasingly vital. Second, breaking through to secure interviews in the first place is often the biggest hurdle.

This reality has led to a cat-and-mouse game between applicants and employers. Job seekers flood the market with resumes, while companies implement measures to detect AI-generated applications. Even Anthropic, the creators of AI assistant Claude, have expressed disapproval of candidates using AI in their application process.

Google could have told a more impactful story by focusing on these real-world challenges. Imagine the ad showcasing how their technology helps the dad polish his resume or utilizes AI to match job seekers with suitable opportunities.

Such an approach would resonate more deeply with viewers, addressing tangible problems rather than simply narrating a life story during an interview.

While Google's ad is undoubtedly well-crafted, it may have missed an opportunity to connect with its audience on a more practical level. In today's competitive job market, job seekers need more than interview coaching – they need tools to navigate the complex landscape of modern hiring practices.