It’s quickly becoming clear that while AI won’t replace all humans, humans who can use AI will replace those who can’t. One area where there are many ways to give ourselves an advantage is job seeking. Let’s face it, finding the perfect job could be a pain, as always.

However, there are always ways to make things a little easier. 

From researching the options available to preparing cover letters and CVs, generative AI – including many free tools like ChatGPT – can help hone our competitive edge and stand out from the crowd.

How could ChatGPT help?

For instance, it can help you draft a cover letter highlighting your skills in a way that’s easy to understand but also sounds professional. It’s like having a personal job coach but without the high cost.

But that’s not all.

Even when you get a job offer, and you’re not sure what to do next, ChatGPT can assist. It can help you understand job contracts and even give tips on negotiating your salary.  Of course, ChatGPT is not a replacement for accurate human advice, but it’s a super tool that can make your job search way more accessible.

Starting Point – Asking For Career Advice

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about what career path suits you, ChatGPT can act as your brainstorming buddy. It takes your skills, passions, and experience and helps narrow down potential options. Here are some prompts you can try out:

[Please help me find job vacancies that match my career goals. My current job is (job title) and I have (number) years of experience. Act as a career advisor and help determine my next step and where I should look for roles. Ask me any questions you need to know the answer to advise me, one at a time. When you have enough information, suggest roles within my current industry or outside of it, that I might be suitable for, according to my skills, experience, and aspirations. Then advise me on job boards, websites, and other channels such as recruiters or networking opportunities, where I will find suitable vacancies, and keywords to use while searching.]

ChatGPT can serve as a mentor, helping you better understand your skills and potential.

Research Desired Positions

Once you have a role in mind, understanding the job requirements and expectations is key. ChatGPT can simplify the research process, ensuring you know what it takes to succeed.

Here’s a prompt to help you research this:

[I want to apply for positions as a (insert job title). Please provide me with up-to-date information on the skills and qualifications usually required for this role, examples of prior experience or work experience that would make me an exceptional candidate during a recruitment process for this role, information on the soft skills, aptitudes and personality traits that employers are likely to recognize as valuable in this role, and suggestions for recognized certifications or training that would improve my chances of success.]

Craft The Perfect Resume Based On Desired JD

Tailoring your resume for a specific job is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step on how to create a strong resume using ChatGPT:

•  Analyze the Job Post for Keywords

Start by identifying the essential skills and terms from the job listing with this prompt:

[Pretend you are an applicant tracking system. Review this job listing and extract the important keywords.]

• Compare Your Resume to the Job Requirements

Check how well your current resume aligns with the job description. You can try this prompt:

[This is my resume. Based on the keywords and information from the job listing, how can I improve it to better match the role?]

• Rewrite and Optimize Your Resume

This prompt helps incorporate the identified keywords and highlight relevant accomplishments.

[Based on your recommendations, can you create a polished resume for me? It should be concise, use active voice, and emphasize my achievements while incorporating the keywords from the job listing.]

By following this process, you’ll have a keyword-rich, tailored resume that’s optimized to impress both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers.

Or if you’d like a prompt that does all those steps, this is one you can try:

[Please help write a professional and convincing cover letter to go with my application for [job title] at [insert company]. First, ask for the job ad or job description; if I have one, then ask me questions, one at a time, to understand why I’m applying for the position, what makes me a good candidate for the role, and why I’m interested in working at the company. Then craft a cover letter of around 200 words that is attention-grabbing, customized to the specific role and company, highlights what makes me an ideal candidate for the position, and details what I can bring to the company. Ensure that the tone of the letter is enthusiastic, positive, and professional.]

ChatGPT Prompts for Job Seekers in Specific Interview Situations

From nailing common questions to practicing tough scenarios, ChatGPT is like a rehearsal buddy for your interviews. Here are 5 prompts to help you ace all your interviews:

• [I’m in the (interview round) for the position of (job title) at (company/type of company). Given that the role involves (key responsibilities from the job description), what types of questions should I anticipate and how should I prepare my answers?]
• [I’m going to be interviewed by (role of interviewer) during the (interview round) for (job title) at (company/type of company). Based on my experience in (your expertise), what talking points should I focus on to present myself effectively?]
• [I have a group interview coming up with (roles of your interviewers) for (job title) at (company/type of company). Given that the role entails (responsibilities from job description), what group dynamics should I be prepared for and what types of questions should I anticipate?]
• [I’m scheduled to do a (case study/technical interview/edit test/presentation) in front of (role of interviewer) for the (job title) position at (company/type of company). The task involves (describe the case study/technical interview/edit test/presentation). Could you help me outline the key areas I should focus on to ace this part of the interview?]
• [I have prepared (describe what your answer will be) for a (case study/technical interview/edit test/presentation) as part of my interview for (job title) at (company/type of company). What adjustments should I make to improve the impact of my presentation?]

The Golden Rules of Using AI in Your Job Search: Dos and Don’ts

ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but it’s not perfect. Knowing how to use it effectively—and avoiding common pitfalls—can make all the difference. Here’s a quick dos and don’ts list to help you get a good idea of what to do.

DOs:

Get Inspired: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for your resume or interview answers. Think of it as your go-to advisor for fresh perspectives!

Polish Your Writing: ChatGPT can help you sound polished and professional if you’re struggling to phrase something.

Expand Your Knowledge: Ask ChatGPT about skills that could boost your career. It’s like having a mini tutor at your fingertips.

Double-Check Everything: Before submitting your resume or heading into an interview, use ChatGPT to ensure your dates, details, and facts are accurate.

DON’Ts:

Don’t Rely on It Completely: ChatGPT is here to help, but it shouldn’t replace your voice. Avoid copy-pasting directly into your resume.

Don’t Let It Write Your Story: Your experiences are unique. Make sure your resume and cover letter reflect your authentic journey.

Don’t Skip the Learning Process: If ChatGPT gives you a great solution, take time to understand it. That way, you’ll build your skills too.

Don’t Limit Your Search Tools: While ChatGPT is a fantastic resource, don’t forget to network, attend career events, or seek advice from professionals.

Bonus Tip: Stay Honest and Accurate
Use ChatGPT ethically—embellishing or falsifying information can backfire. Honesty is always the best policy!

While ChatGPT is cool, it’s still just a computer program. Always double-check the tips and information it gives you. And of course, always be honest in what you say on your resume or in a job interview.