This page outlines initial guidelines for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) – increasingly popular Large Language Models (LLMs) including Bard, ChatGPT, Claude and Copilot – to start and continue your career journey. By harnessing the power of AI, you can gain a competitive edge in the increasingly competitive job market. Use AI as a starting point in the process; remember to consult with Career Development or a mentor to discuss your research.
Sections:
Career Exploration
Use AI to explore different career options based on interests, skills, and goals. AI can provide detailed information about various industries and job roles and help connect majors to career possibilities.
Do
- Broadly explore your interests and connections to your career:
- e.g. “What career should I pursue as a [insert major] major who [insert interests]?”
- Identify building blocks and experiences that will lead to your dream job:
- e.g. “What are some entry-level positions for a [insert major or field/industry] that will lead to [dream job]?”
Don’t
- Avoid only selecting topics you are already familiar with or dismissing careers that are unfamiliar.
- Don't ignore seemingly unrelated, but realistic, starting points for your career or fixate on position titles.
Skill Development
Identify the skills and experiences needed for your target internships and career; utilize AI to find relevant courses, resources, and opportunities to learn and apply new skills and enhance existing ones.
Do
- Inform your career-focused personal development plan:
- e.g. “What skills do I need to apply for [insert career or job], and how can I build them?”
- Select your approach to building job-relevant skills:
- e.g. "Share the best learning resources for [insert skill] development.”
Don’t
- Don’t underestimate the skills you have been acquiring through your curricular and co-curricular involvement.
- Never assume that AI lists are in rank order; consider financial costs and understand your own development progress.
Crafting Career Collateral
AI can assist in creating well-structured resumes and compelling cover letters by providing tailored advice, suggestions, and templates. It helps applicants highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements effectively. It can also be used to create LinkedIn bios.
Do
- Use ChatGPT to optimize individual elements of your resume for your specific search:
- e.g. “I am applying for jobs/internships in [industry or company]. Review and revise the following resume bullet point statements: [insert your bullet points]”
- ChatGPT can help you develop the structure of a cover letter when you’re not sure where to start:
- e.g. "Write a cover letter for a [insert internship] using the following resume bullet points: [insert bullet points].”
Don’t
- Do not use ChatGPT to draft your entire resume.
- Don’t use the generic AI language; be sure to personalize it using your own background and experiences.
Interview Preparation
Use AI to generate some potential interview questions, refine your elevator pitch, and receive feedback on your drafted answers. It can help you build confidence and perform better during actual interviews.
Do
- Explore questions directly related to specific positions:
- e.g. “What are typical interview questions asked by employers for [insert specific position]?”
- Expand your understanding of a specific job responsibility:
- e.g. "I’m interviewing for [job title] at [company/type of company], and this is part of the job description: [section of the job description in question]. What does this responsibility entail? How do I showcase this skill in an interview?”
Don’t
- Don’t try and memorize AI questions or responses word-for-word, turn to career development staff or another mentor.
- Don’t focus exclusively on major or industry-specific questions; employers will usually ask general questions about candidates’ teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Employer Research
AI can provide information about potential employers (internships and jobs), as well as their mission, values, culture, and past developments. This knowledge can be used to personalize your applications and demonstrate a genuine interest in the company.
Do
- Find employers by size, industry, and geographical location:
- e.g. “What companies are the largest employers in [insert location]?”
- Find industries or employers that align with your values:
- e.g. "My values are [insert personal/professional values]. What are some potential employers who share these values?”
Don’t
- Don’t forget that company headquarters and actual job locations may vary from each other.
- Don’t set aside your own personal values if they differ from those of potential employers.
Networking
Leverage AI to craft professional and personalized messages for reaching out to alumni, industry professionals, and recruiters on platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn. It can help you build meaningful connections and expand your network.
Do
- Use ChatGPT to draft connection messages to networking targets when you’re not sure how to start the conversation:
- e.g. “Write me a connection message to my college’s alumni.”
- Generate informational interview outreach requests:
- e.g. "Write a 100-word request for an informational interview.”
Don’t
- Don’t use the generic AI language; be sure to personalize it using your own details and circumstances.
- Don’t ask for too much. It should be clear (and easy) for the connection to help you.
Additional Resources
For more help with your AI-aided search, scan the QR code below to make an appointment with your College/School Career Counselor or the iQ Learning Lab (ABL S-122).
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