While ChatGPT has been around since November 2022, it’s recently taken the spotlight as a hot topic. Some see it as an intriguing innovation, while others might find it a bit intimidating. If you’re one of the ones skeptical or unsure about ChatGPT and AI, you might be wondering, “Why should I bother?” Well, here’s a valuable insight from our research: 38% of candidates are already embracing AI technology, including ChatGPT, in their job search. That means you’re now competing against candidates who are using this platform to gain an edge. The reality is that ChatGPT and AI aren’t a passing trend; they’re here to stay. Job seekers are embracing ChatGPT as a resource and integrating it into their job search toolkit. Today, we’re here to help you make the most of ChatGPT, showing you some ways you can incorporate it into your job search, as well as a few cautionary notes.

But before we jump in, let’s go over what ChatGPT is. ChatGPT is a type of Large Language Model (LLM) using machine learning to process and generate human-like language. Put simply, ChatGPT is like chatting with an incredibly knowledgeable friend – you can ask questions, share thoughts, and get responses that make it feel like you’re having a conversation with a real person.

Now that we’ve covered what it is, let’s go over some dos and don’ts for effectively utilizing ChatGPT in your job search journey!

 

DO: Learn About Companies

Leverage ChatGPT to learn more about the companies you’re applying to or interviewing with. 

Try asking ChatGPT: Can you provide me with information about [Company Name]? I’d like to know more about their culture, values, products/services, and recent news.

 

DO: Prepare for Interviews

Use ChatGPT to prepare for interviews, especially to practice answering behavioral questions. You can even role-play! TIP: Sometimes you can find commonly asked interview questions on a company’s Glassdoor page. 

Try asking ChatGPT: “Let’s practice answering a behavioral interview question. Imagine you’re the interviewer, and I’m the interviewee. Here’s a scenario: ‘Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult team member.”

 

DO: Refine Your Cover Letter

Enhance your existing cover letter using ChatGPT. This works best if you’ve already drafted a cover letter and established your own tone. You can then leverage ChatGPT to polish your language. 

Try asking ChatGPT: “I have a draft of my cover letter for the [specific job title] position. Could you please review it and provide suggestions on how to make it more compelling? I want to ensure that it effectively presents my skills and aligns with the company’s needs.”

 

DO: Craft Communications

Utilize ChatGPT to help you compose thank-you emails and networking requests. 

Try asking ChatGPT: “Here are a few things we discussed and I learned during our interview conversation. With this information, help me craft a short, personal, and professional thank you note to the interviewer.

 

DON’T: Skip Fact-Checking

While ChatGPT can provide trustworthy information, it’s important to be cautious. Remember, even advanced AI like ChatGPT can make mistakes. Additionally, it’s worth noting that ChatGPT has limited knowledge of the world and events beyond 2021. While it is a helpful tool, always verify info from reliable sources.

 

DON’T: Generate Resumes and Cover Letters

Avoid asking ChatGPT to create entire resumes and cover letters. While it’s tempting, this might not capture your unique qualifications, experience, and strengths accurately.

 

DON’T: Complete Technical Assessments

Resist using ChatGPT for completing technical assessments. Though it might seem convenient, this could lead to you getting the job without the necessary expertise to perform effectively.

 

DON’T: Complete Case Studies

Refrain from relying on ChatGPT for case studies. These assessments help you determine your fit for the role and whether you’ll enjoy the work. Relying solely on ChatGPT may not prepare you adequately for the position’s demands.

 

As you navigate your job search journey, keep in mind that ChatGPT can be a valuable tool. If you’re new to the platform, the best way to start is by experimenting! Type in a prompt and see what happens; follow up with requests, ask it to adopt a specific tone, or even train it to match your unique style. It’s essential to use it wisely and appropriately. By playing to its strengths and being aware of its limitations, you can elevate your job search strategy and stand out in a competitive talent pool.