Using AI in your Job Search
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) software such as ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for your job and internship search. You can prompt AI to read and analyze content and it will answer by gathering information from a wide range of sources. Like other technology, AI is most beneficial when you know how to use it effectively and ethically.
Think of AI programs as complementary tools that enhance the development of materials and strategies for your career development, and not a replacement for authentically conveying your career narrative in your unique voice. AI does not provide the research, individualized strategy, critical thinking, and personal reflection that are essential for positioning yourself as a competitive candidate.
In addition to reviewing the following suggestions for incorporating generative AI into your search, we encourage you to connect with the Career Center for personalized support.
Tips for using AI ethically and effectively
- Evaluate bias: Since AI pulls information from the Internet at-large, be aware that the information may come with some inherent bias. Additionally, the information may not be up to date or representative of all people.
- Protect privacy: Avoid sharing personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or company names with AI tools.
- Check accuracy: AI does not always pull from authoritative sources and therefore may provide inaccurate information or make grammatical mistakes. Make sure you secondarily verify suggestions and proofread carefully. Do not use generative AI tools to source information or cite articles, publications, etc.
- Consider ethics: Be mindful that AI should be used as a revision tool and should not be used to create application materials. Always start with your own original work.
- Use critical thinking: Do not blindly accept suggestions and copy and paste from any AI tool. Instead decide which edits are appropriate using your critical thinking skills. AI does not replace your own evaluation of your experiences and qualifications next to a job description, or always successfully articulate your experiences.
- Ensure continuity: Make sure your own voice and unique personality comes through in your application materials and interviews. It is important there is continuity between your materials and how you can articulate your experiences in an interview.
- Ask wisely: It is important to ask targeted questions based on your needs. Give details about the opportunity, ask for responses with specific tones (formal, engaging, or casual), and submit follow-up questions if the response does not match your needs.
AI Prompts
The prompts below reflect an array of career-related questions you may want to use with an AI tool. While these prompts can help you converse with a large database of information, please remember to carefully consider the quality and accuracy of the responses you receive.
- What can I do with a [insert your academic disciplines of interest] degree?
- I have interest in [insert your own interests]. What are five career paths that match my interests?
- What skills will I build with a liberal arts degree?
- I have skills in [insert skills], but I'm not sure what careers they align with. Can you suggest some options?
Considerations and limitations
- AI tools make recommendations based on industry trends and norms, which could be different for the company or position you’re pursuing. Look for irregularities, details that don’t align with your experience and repetitive information.
- Instead of stopping at the recommendations made by AI, use them as a starting point or springboard for more expansive research into potential industries and career paths.
- Rewrite this experience to be more tailored to this job description. [insert resume text & job description]
- Make the bullet point statements in this section of my resume more action-oriented. [insert text]
- Rewrite this section of my resume to highlight my leadership skills. [insert text]
- What specific keywords I should include in my resume to enhance my resume for [insert job description]?
Considerations and limitations
- Instead of simply copying and pasting the first response from AI, take the time to continue refining your prompts. Ask ChatGPT to adjust tone, suggest different wording or focus on specific experiences. This way, you’ll get a more personalized and high-quality result.
- AI can only generate responses based on the information you provide. Make sure your prompts are as detailed as possible.
- Be careful not to input highly sensitive or personal information into tools like ChatGPT.
- Customize this cover letter [insert your draft] for this job description [insert text].
- Turn this experience on my resume [insert text] into a paragraph for a cover letter.
Considerations and limitations
- Edit the letter by copying and pasting the information into a document editor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. AI tools can also make spelling mistakes and other typos. Be sure to proofread the letter as well and make any needed changes.
- Add relevant details, including a header, a signature and the company’s contact information. Tailor the letter to include information demonstrating you understand the company and position.
- Your authentic writing style will only be apparent if you integrate AI generated content into your own rather than using AI content as a replacement. Remember, anyone can generate a cover letter using AI tools, so it is up to you to make sure you still stand out.
- Provide five interview questions based on this job description [insert description].
- How would you make this interview response sound more confident? [insert your prepared response]
- What are five questions I should ask at an interview to learn about the company’s culture?
- Write a thank you email for after my interview.
Considerations and limitations
- Remember that humans, not AI, will interview you. How you interact with AI will look different than how you interact with a human. Take what ChatGPT offers, critically analyze it, and make it your own.
- ChatGPT and similar tools are helpful but cannot replace your creative and thoughtful interview responses. Your capacity to think critically is important and you will not have AI in an interview real-time.
- Remember that ChatGPT is open to everyone. Others may get that same generic response. Prompt the system with specific questions or information for more unique outputs.
- What are 10 questions to ask in an informational interview with a [insert job title and company type]
- I’d like to invite a pediatrician for an informal meeting over coffee and ask them about their job. Can you give me 1 paragraph that I can email them to request this meeting?
- Generate a 300-character LinkedIn connection request to an alumni of my college based on [insert person’s career].
- I want to reach out to a professional contact in [industry] about work opportunities. Write an introductory email.
Considerations and limitations
- Direct communication by email requires a personalized response. Ensure the tone of the response matches the intent of the email.
- Don’t rely on the generated content without proofreading. Your authentic writing style will only be apparent if you integrate AI-generated responses into your own content rather than using AI content as a replacement.
- Keep in mind that if you receive and accept the job offer, the people you met in the interview process could become your colleagues. It’s important not to depend too much on AI to develop skills that you should be building on your own and will be expected to maintain.
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Take your search to the next level
It’s important to remember that AI tools like ChatGPT may inadvertently incorporate biases into responses. Take steps to ensure that your application materials authentically represent your values and experiences. By highlighting your distinct strengths, you can showcase your individuality and potential, going beyond AI recommendations.
We are in an experimental phase of AI adoption with massive room for advancement, and as technology rapidly changes, it is important to be equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI. AI brings together knowledge from all disciplines. Develop a multidisciplinary mindset and use your liberal arts education at Colorado College as a way to explore classes in a wide range of subjects. Consider developing skills in change management and taking advantage of CC’s unique Block Plan, to be highly adaptable and effective in leading change initiatives within your department and organization.
Additional Resources
Check out the following additional resources and articles for more information. Schedule an appointment with the Career Center to get support in best using AI tools, review your materials, and brainstorm career ideas.
We Asked ChatGPT to Write Cover Letters. Here’s What It Got Right and Wrong
People Are Using ChatGPT To Write Their Job Applications. Should You?
ChatGPT Answers Questions About Its Role in Recruiting and Hiring
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Physical Address: 1130 N. Cascade Avenue, Morreale House, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
