Since its introduction in November of last year, Chat GPT has left many white-collar workers fearing for their jobs. AI chatbots are nothing new. But, compared to earlier iterations of the technology, this latest generation seems to possess the sophistication necessary to displace traditionally “safe” jobs including many in the tech sector.
The feeling that no job is safe has been bolstered by reports from Google that ChatGPT has the chops to get hired as an entry-level software engineer. Business leaders are hardly better off. ChatGPT recently passed an MBA final exam from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
But, for all the fears surrounding AI, it hasn’t quite taken over the job market yet. Unemployment remains at record lows, and many experts view ChatGPT as a helpful tool rather than a rival. In fact, ChatGPT offers some fantastic opportunities to speed the job search along. You can use its advanced AI abilities to automate tedious activities, conduct deep research, and even engage in interactive discussions.
Use ChatGPT to Save Time
ChatGPT enhances job-seeking efficiency by supplying much-needed information at a fast pace. Consider querying ChatGPT about:
- Well-paying companies in your niche
- Job boards that cater to your profession
- Assistance with technical tests and assessments
- Potential employers and roles
- Assistance crafting and proofreading your cover letter and resume
Unlike Google, ChatGPT provides written descriptions made in direct response to your questions. You won’t necessarily get any information that you couldn’t find on your own. However, ChatGPT should reduce the total amount of time that you’re spending on these activities.
AI Written Cover Letters and Resumes
ChatGPT can provide some serious help when it comes to writing a cover letter or resume. However, you have to go about it the right way. Just feeding the job description, and some of your past experience into ChatGPT will likely get your resume tossed in the trash. Despite all its fanfare, ChatGPT is still a blunt instrument.
Any AI-written resume or cover letter will likely come across as generic and lacking specificity. It may get certain aspects of your education and/or work history wrong. You don’t want to come into an interview only to realize halfway through that ChatGPT exaggerated your skills and accomplishments.
Instead, use ChatGPT as a brainstorming tool. It’s acceptable to write an outline for your cover letter. But, afterward, you should go in and double-check it for accuracy and clarity. Tweak sentences that sound flat or machine written. It’s important to give your resume life and color. Many applicant tracking systems, and hiring managers for that matter, will disqualify a cover letter that fails to pass the smell test.
You can use ChatGPT to generate several alternative resumes. Feed it the job description and your existing resume. Don’t be afraid to play around with the prompt function. ChatGPT can easily switch between skills-based versus experienced-based resumes. Again, you shouldn’t copy and paste these resumes onto a word document.
Many jobs frown on AI-generated material. Instead, use these as inspiration. Study the formatting, structure, and bullet points. Take what appears useful, and leave the rest. You can use ChatGPT to proofread your resume and cover letter once you’ve finished. Simply instruct it to search for spelling and grammar errors. Once you’re finished, proofread both documents yourself one last time before sending them off.
Interview Prep
One of the coolest innovations offered by ChatGPT is the ability to conduct mock interviews. The chatbot’s sophisticated knowledge base allows it to have real-time conversations. You can practice asking and answering questions related to your hard and soft skills. While ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it still requires quite a bit of guidance.
Your first attempts at interview prep may result in ChatGPT asking a long series of questions without giving you time to respond. Asking GPT to let you answer may also result in the chatbot answering its own questions. Don’t give up if the process proves frustrating at first.
Getting the most out of ChatGPT often boils down to specificity. If it makes a mistake, point out exactly where it erred, and how you would like it to rectify the problem. ChatGPT is a lot like a boat. Steering it in the right direction requires deft maneuvering. As you move through the interview process it’s a good idea to periodically pause and ask for feedback.
ChatGPT isn’t the only tool out there for job seekers. Pathrise provides career development services that link new grads and entry-level workers to career-defining opportunities. Pathrise fellows gain access to valuable services like resume help, mock interviews, and mentorship from experienced industry professionals. Become a Pathrise fellow today!
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