Leveraging AI in the Job Search

AI chatbots, when used with care, can be a tool to provide valuable support and guidance throughout the job search process.

You might consider using an AI chatbot if you're:

  • not sure where to start in drafting a cover letter
  • struggling to find the right words for a LinkedIn connection request
  • curious about interview questions you might encounter
  • wanting to explore career options
  • looking to fine-tune a resume you’ve already created

Although AI chatbots can provide valuable assistance, it's essential to maintain a critical mindset and personalize AI-generated content.

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Tips for Using AI Chatbots

How to Begin

You’ll (almost always) want to start the chat by copying and pasting your current resume, cover letter and/or job description into the chat without your contact information. Always remove personal, identifying information before entering material into an AI system. 

Make It Yours

AI results are just a beginning, not an end. Consider an AI-generated response as a draft to work with; do not simply copy and paste results.

As with all communication, you’ll want to edit, proofread and personalize your content. And as with all other aspects of the job search, you’ll need to ensure truth in accuracy in the final product.   

Understand Policies and Potential for Copyright

Research potential employers’ up-to-date policies surrounding use of AI in the job search process. If using AI for a class/course assignment, check the course policies/syllabus before using to avoid a violation of student conduct code. 

Even if the policies allow for AI support in your work, be aware of the potential for:

  • built-in biases
  • intellectual property and copyrighted material
  • undocumented sources
  • information that isn’t current and
  • hallucinations (phenomenon that creates outputs that are nonsensical or altogether inaccurate)

Be Specific in Your Prompts

Aim to be as specific as possible — the output is only as good as the input. When in doubt, ask the tool to help you develop effective prompts for your purpose (i.e., “Generate the most effective prompts for using [insert AI system] to help write a cover letter.”) 

Respond Back

Unlike a search engine, AI platforms build on information as you continue to provide information (i.e., your resume content, a job description) and prompts. Ask follow-up questions to fine-tune and expand results. Consider using multiple prompts to get a range of responses.

Sample AI Prompts for Your Career Journey

  • My favorite pastimes are reading and creative writing. What are five career paths that would allow me to incorporate these interests? 
  • I’d like to learn more about being a [insert job title]. What are 10 ways I can test out this career path before committing? 
  • Here is my resume [insert resume]. Based on my resume, what are five career fields I may want to explore?  
  • What are some entry-level positions for [insert major] with [insert interests] and [insert skills]? 
  • I am pursuing a [insert degree] in [insert major], but don’t want to work in [insert industry or job function]. What jobs should I explore?
  • Where can I find job listings for [insert job title] in [insert geographic location]? 
  • What organizations hire [insert job title] in [insert geographic location]? 
  • What are the most common other job titles used instead of [insert job title]? 
  • If I'm interested in [insert job function] roles, what specific job titles should I search for? 
  • Generate answers for the interview question [insert question]. Base the answer on my resume and format the response in the STAR format. 
  • Please interview me for this job description at [insert company]. After I answer, please provide constructive criticism and ask the next question.
  • Act as a skilled resume reviewer and evaluate my resume to help me achieve my [insert internship, job] goals.  
  • Provide comprehensive feedback on the overall format, layout and design or my resume to ensure it is visually appealing and professional.  
  • Analyze content of each resume section and offer valuable suggestions to highlight my skills and accomplishments effectively as they relate to the job description. 
  • Are there specific keywords I should include in my resume to enhance my resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) for this job?  
  • How can my resume be improved to match the job description? 
  • What are the 15 most common skills asked for in job descriptions for [insert job title]? 
  • If I'm interested in this position, what competencies should I highlight in my application materials? 
  • Please rate the impact of the following resume bullet point based on typical keywords for [insert job title]. Recommend ideas to improve, if possible.
  • Draft a three-paragraph cover letter in a professional tone that expands on experience from my resume and aligns with the position description. 
  • Make suggestions on how to improve the cover letter below based on my resume and the job description. [insert cover letter draft] 
  • I need help crafting a strong closing paragraph for my cover letter. How can I leave a lasting impression and prompt the reader to take action? 
  • Can you review the job description and suggest ways to tailor my cover letter to match the employer's requirements?
  • Act as my company research guide to help me prepare for my upcoming interview with [insert company].  
  • Conduct in-depth research on [insert company] history, culture and values.  
  • Review the [insert company] mission and vision to gain insights into its overall objectives and goals. 
  • Investigate [insert company]’s products or services, target markets, and competitive position within the [insert industry].  
  • Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate my knowledge and genuine interest in [insert company]. 
  • What are the 10 most likely interview questions for this job description [insert job description]? For each question, generate an answer based on my resume. 
  • What are five questions I can ask in an interview that will give me insight into [insert company]’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
  • Act as a salary negotiation mentor and guide me through negotiating my compensation for a job offer.  
  • Begin by assessing my skills, qualifications, and experience to determine a competitive salary range for [insert job title] in [insert geographic location].  
  • I want to negotiate for a salary increase. Help me craft a compelling case to showcase my value to the employer, highlighting my unique contributions and achievements.  
  • Provide tips on how to gather salary data and market research to support my negotiation arguments.
  • Using my resume, craft a very brief, compelling, and conversational introduction for me to use to while meeting people at a [insert industry] networking event. 
  • Generate a 300-character LinkedIn connection request based on my resume.  The request will be sent to [insert target person’s profile]. 
  • Based on my resume, generate an “elevator pitch” I can use to introduce myself to employers at a job fair. 
  • What are ten questions I can ask an alumna/alumnus marketing analyst during an informational interview? 
  • Create a LinkedIn profile headline based on my resume.