Published: May 22, 2023

In recent months, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a hot topic in the news. The advancing technology impacts different areas of our lives, including career development and the job search process. Tools like ChatGP can be helpful in your job and internship search; however, there are also clear limitations. Remember, AI is simply a tool to help you rather than to take over the entire process. Make sure your unique personality comes through in your application materials and interviews.

AI is a powerful and accessible tool that you can use to level the playing field in the job and internship search process. Candidates who want to enhance their documents, preparation and communication can use AI to present themselves as organized and prepared.

Craft your resume

It takes time and effort to tailor your resume to each position. A strong resume has succinct and compelling bullet points that reflect your experience. AI can guide you through the process. ChatGPT can suggest keywords, data points and relevant skills that mirror the language used in the job description. It can also identify your unique experiences and transferable skills tied to specific job responsibilities and requirements.


Tips

  • Customize your resume by using the responsibilities listed in the job description to prompt ChatGPT.
  • Type in the prompt: Write resume achievements with metrics based on this responsibility (include a specific responsibility).
  • Enter the prompts section-by-section, one job experience at a time, and break them down by individual tasks.


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.
  • The tool can only include the information you provide. 
  • Look for irregularities, details that don’t align with your experience and repetitive information.


Career Services tools

  • Career Services offers free access to a free AI resume builder that leverages data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide personalized feedback on your resume.
  • Review resume best practices offered by Career Services.

Customize your cover letter

Writing effective cover letters can be tricky and time-consuming. Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, can speed up the writing process. However, you can’t rely on AI tools to do all of the work. While you can use AI to write cover letters, you must edit and personalize your letters to create a genuine and professional end product. To create the prompt in ChatGPT, you’ll need the job or internship description, your polished and well-organized resume and a cover letter template.


Tips

  • Type into ChatGPT, all in one block: 
    • Write me a cover letter for this job description (paste the job description). 
    • That uses these experiences (paste resume content). 
    • Using this cover letter template (paste the cover letter). 
  • You can run multiple iterations to see which versions you prefer.


Considerations and limitations

  • Edit the letter by copying and pasting the information into a document editor, like Word or Google Docs.
  • Be sure to add relevant details, including a header, signature and the company’s contact information. 
  • Tailor the letter to include information demonstrating you understand the company and position.
  • AI tools can make spelling mistakes and other typos. Be sure to proofread the letter and make any needed changes. 


Career Services tools

Write effective emails

During the job search process, you will likely need to communicate with potential employers using email. We recommend responding to emails from an employer within 24 hours. Identifying what to write and what not to include can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to writing professional emails. ChatGPT can be helpful when you’re under pressure, have writer’s block or want to ensure you communicate professionally.


Tips

  • Paste in the original message and ask ChatGPT for a response. 
  • Skim the response options and summarize the recommended wording for your response.
  • Or ask ChatGPT how to respond to the subject of the email. For example, enter a prompt about how to respond to an email asking for interview preferences.


Considerations and limitations

  • Direct communication by email requires a personalized response.
  • Ensure the tone of the response matches the intent of the email. 
  • Use AI as a guide or starting point for an email response, but don’t rely on the generated content without proofreading and ensuring the email response represents you well.


Career Services tools

  • Career Services is available to help you understand the job search process, including how to answer an email or tips to negotiate a starting salary. 
  • Schedule time with a Career Services advisor.

Prepare for interviews

Answering interview questions can be challenging, especially for your first few interviews. You may not know what interview questions to expect or how to answer them best. ChatGPT and Interview Prep are tools to help you practice and prepare for interviews before they arrive so you feel more confident.


Tips

  • Prompt ChatGPT with a job or internship description and ask for sample interview questions for that position. 
  • Consider whether you feel confident in your responses to potential questions. If not, ask ChatGPT for sample answers. You can use your past experience to prompt ChatGPT for a more relevant response to a question. 


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.
  • 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.


Career Services tools

  • Career Services offers an online tool to help you practice interviewing (Quinncia).
  • You can also work with a career advisor to practice and prepare for interviews. Schedule time with a Career Services advisor.

Understanding how companies use AI

At our 2023 career fair, employers shared their opinions about using AI in the workforce.

Many companies have started using AI to assist with the hiring process, including reviewing resumes, writing job descriptions and providing hiring insights. Some companies are now looking for candidates with the skill and experience to use AI. 

The bottom line is that many companies will use AI in some parts of their operations or hiring process. As AI improves exponentially, more companies will use it to solve problems and gain a competitive edge.

Take your search to the next level

We are in an experimental phase of AI adoption with massive room for advancement. AI will begin to span all industries and embody existing technologies in unimaginable ways. As a student, you can benefit from learning how to leverage AI technology today.

Career Services is here to help you learn how to use AI effectively for your job or internship search. We are available to meet with you, answer questions, provide resources and offer training to support your career goals.