AI technology’s popularity is soaring. For years, companies have been using it for candidates applying for positions (applicant tracking system – or ATS) to narrow down applicants. Now, it is being used in writing résumés/cover letters (like Chat GPT or a similar chatbot tool). When used carefully, strategically, and ethically, chatbots can be one more helpful resource for you. Below are a few tips for navigating ATS and using AI tools in the application process.
Reminders when using a chatbot for writing a résumé/cover letter:
- They should ONLY be your starting point
- They should not replace your voice in your materials – the human touch is essential
- You must check what these tools give you to ensure information accuracy
- Chatbots may store your information, so do not put confidential/personal information (your name, phone number, email…) into them
- This technology works best when given specific directions, prompts, and follow-up questions
- They are not a substitute for the expertise of a person
- Meet with a CDO staff member for advising and more information on how to effectively use AI in your search.
From CDO Resume and Letter Guide
Additional Resources for Using AI in Your Career Exploration and Job Search
General AI Chatbots
These are just some of the most popular generative artificial intelligence tools on the web. These tools are changing quickly so watch for updates and new resources. Most of these tools are free to use, many require that you create an account, and some offer a premium service for a subscription fee. Typically, the paid version offers access to a more advanced model and additional tools such as ones that give you the ability to parse data from a file.
Microsoft’s search engine Bing has an AI-chatbot enabled functionality built into it. Its answers to questions include references that you can follow. Most of the sources cited are from the open web but there are sometimes academic sources included. The AI chatbot includes an image generator.
ChatGPT is a large language model-based chatbot developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversational dialogue. It can respond to questions and compose content in various written forms. It’s training data is limited in scope: it does not include recent information or much of the scholarly information universe. The $20/mo “plus” version of the service gives you access to a more advanced LLM and the ChatGPT Store, which has custom GPTs including a number with educational and academic applications.
Gemini is an AI-powered chatbot by Google designed to simulate human conversations using natural language processing. Gemini uses a large language model and sometimes offers links to sources that one can follow for more information/confirmation.
Perplexity is a search engine that uses generative IA to provide a natural language interface to queries and results. It attributes the information it delivers to its sources.
Compiled from The Best AI Chatbots and Generative AI Chatbots Everyone Should Know About
Sample Prompts to Use: (from NACE Journal Article, Summer 2024)
Although engaging in informational interviews with professionals in the career you are interested in is ideal, using the following prompts can help bridge a gap in the networking process:
Learning about a career or job:
- Provide the tasks and responsibilities to be completed as a [career title].
- I’m interested in becoming a [career title]. What are the top five skills I need to develop to succeed in this career?
- Follow-up question: As an undergraduate college student, how can I gain experience developing [one of the top five skills]?
- I want to become a [career title]. What are the educational requirements for this job role?
- Using this webpage [insert university organization website link], which organizations would help prepare me for a career as a [career title]?
Conducting industry research:
- I’m beginning to search for entry-level positions as a [career title]. Can you share three companies in [location/region/city/country] that hire for this role?
- I am interested in working as a [career title] for [company name]. What are five other companies that hire for similar positions?
- I want to work for [company name]. What are the top three attributes they look for in candidates? Pull information directly from their website.
- I have applied for a company in [industry]. What are the biggest opportunities and threats in [industry]?
- What is the average entry-level salary for a [career title] in [area/location]?
Job-search support:
- Searching this website [insert link], provide key skills, tasks, and qualifications for [career title].
- Based on my [insert degree name] degree, suggest relevant jobs I can apply for in the [insert city] area.
- Pretend you are an applicant tracking system. Review this job listing [insert link to webpage]. Extract important keywords from this job description.
Interview preparation:
- I am interviewing for a position as a [career title]. Generate a list of the most common questions asked in an interview for this position.
- What are five questions I can ask in an interview in [field/industry] that will give me insight into the company’s culture and commitment to equity and inclusion?
- I have copied and pasted my resume below. How should I describe my past work experience in an interview for a job as a [career title]? [Copy and paste relevant resume experience.]
- Give me examples of how I can demonstrate leadership experience in an interview for a [career title].
- Informational interviews: Write a one paragraph email asking a [name of your university/college] alumnus working in [field] for an informational interview.
Additional Resources for Using AI in Your Career Planning:
How First Gen Students can use AI to Level the Job Search Playing Field, NACE Journal, 2024
How AI is Inspiring Career Choices, WeAreTechWomen, Oct 2024
Chat GPT Prompts for Job Seekers, LinkedIn Learning Video
Using Generative AI in Your Career Search Video
Job Search 2.0: LinkedIn + ChatGPT Secrets Revealed Video
Final Thoughts
Artificial Intelligence tools are becoming everyday tools that can assist us explore and learn more about many opportunities. Used effectively, AI tools can assist in career exploration, job search, researching industries and companies, expanding your network, interview preparation and more. But it is important to learn to use ChatGPT (and others) as a tool rather than a substitute for your own judgement, experiences and decision making skills. AI can give information and suggestions but cannot replace your voice and expertise. CDO advisors are happy to assist as you explore how AI tools might be helpful in your career development and planning.
