Using Generative AI Tools as You Navigate Your Career
The job search, resume writing, and career development process are changing rapidly with AI tools at our fingertips. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have a wide array of applications to support your career development! Generative AI tools provide on-demand, personalized information that can be helpful in your career development journey.
We encourage students and alumni to utilize Generative AI tools responsibly and purposefully in the career development process. Here are some ways you might incorporate Generative AI tools into your career development journey.
Making the Most of AI in Your Career Development Journey
We provide students and recent alumni access to VMock, an AI-powered career development platform that can help you write your resume, improve your cover letter, update your LinkedIn profile, and master your interviewing skills. With its SMART Editor feature, you can seamlessly update your career documents and skillsets by uploading job descriptions, messages, and more.
When using resources like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Microsoft Copilot, it’s important to formulate specific, detailed prompts and ask follow-up questions.
Examples of Prompts
- “What are some entry-level positions for _____ majors?”
- “What skills are required for a ___ on a day-to-day basis?”
- “What careers blend interest___and interest____?”
- “I have an interview with Company XYZ, which is a leading player in the <INSERT INDUSTRY>. Share relevant market research for this industry and the latest news on this company.”
- “How does Company X compare to their top competitors (Company Y and Company Z) on key metrics like growth, profitability, innovation, culture, etc.?”
- “I have an interview for <ROLE> at Company ABC. What are the most common interview questions for <ROLE>, and what are some sample answers I can share?”
- “I have 5 years of experience in project management, led X number of people, and used X software that increased our productivity by X% [include details about your experience]. How do I best answer ‘tell me about yourself?’ for a project management role I’m applying for?”
- “Write 4 resume bullet points for a (position) at (company).”
- “Improve the following resume bullet point: (insert resume bullet point).”
- “Optimize my resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by identifying relevant keywords from this job description (insert job description) and incorporate them into my resume.”
“I am applying for a [Target Role] at [Company Name], and I would like your help writing a personalized cover letter. The job posting required experience in [Field of Experience, Ex: Java, Python]. Please also make sure to include a professional and confident tone and emphasize how I can contribute to the company’s success.”
- “Can you help me craft a message to a hiring manager that showcases my knowledge and enthusiasm for their company, while also conveying my interest in seeking a job referral for the position of [role]?”
- “Write a brief LinkedIn message, no more than 100 words, to a recruiter in the [Your Industry]. Highlight my expertise in [Your Skills] with [Your Years of Experience]. In addition to emphasizing my skills and experience, the message should convey my intention to network with the recruiter to learn about job openings. Keep the tone of the message simple and formal to attract the recruiter’s attention and encourage them to reach out to me.”
- “Write an introduction email from a (major) student to an alum and request a phone or Zoom call. Keep the tone formal yet inviting.”
- “Write an engaging LinkedIn header in less than 220 characters for [Add Industry] industry. Use keywords such as: [Keyword 1], [Keyword 2], [Keyword 3].
- “I work in [industry] as a [role]. Can you help me in creating a headline that will catch the interest of recruiters and possible employers?”
- “As a [role], what are some of my key strengths and abilities that I should mention in the ‘About’ section of my LinkedIn profile?”
- Utilize the “Regenerate Response” button for alternative options. You can ask for responses in a specific tone, such as formal or conversational.
Tips:
Don’t let AI Write Your Job Applications
- Personalize Your Writing: Always include your unique voice and experiences in your job applications.
- Avoid Generic Content: Never submit at 100% AI-generated resume or cover letter.
- Use AI as a Tool: Use AI to brainstorm and generate ideas, but always edit and refine the output.
Check all Generative AI Responses for Accuracy
- Information May be Outdated: Not all AI platforms provide up-to-date information, and they weigh information from 20 years ago equally to more recent sources.
- Cite Your Sources: It’s vital to find citation and verify the information Generative AI provides you. It’s important to not take all the information Generative AI provides at face value, as there may be biased and inaccurate information.
- Protect Your Information: Don’t Overshare. When sharing your resume and other career materials for feedback, you may want to omit your name, email address, and phone number.
Things to Keep in Mind
- AI cannot provide the expertise and personalized support of career counseling.
- Take advantage of our Resume Drop-Ins, appointments, and programs for comprehensive recommendations and assistance.
- A frequently asked question we receive is, “Will AI replace human jobs?” AI is replacing and will continue to replace some jobs. Workers in industries like technology and manufacturing, for instance, could see disruptions in hiring due to AI. But, demand for workers in other sectors is also expected to rise, thanks to AI.
- Even as Artificial Intelligence can support the work humans do, uniquely human skills such as communication, relationship building, creativity, critical thinking, cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and analytical skills will remain in high demand in the 21st-century workforce. At the same time, it’s important to invest time throughout your career to learn in-demand skills and upgrade your credentials.
