Generative AI in Academe: Career & Professional Development

Evaluate your skills for desired roles and identify any potential gaps.

• Start with a Clear Request: Begin your conversation by specifying the role or industry you're interested in. For example: "I'm aiming for a role as a migration policy analyst. Can you evaluate my skills for this?"
• List Your Skills: Provide a comprehensive list of your current skills, certifications, and relevant experience. For instance: "I've been a case worker, know Stata, SQL, and have a basic understanding of machine learning. I've also done a project on statelessness in migrant populations."
• Ask for an Evaluation: Once you've listed your skills, you can ask for feedback, like: "Based on this, are there any essential skills I'm missing for such a role?"
• Inquire about Skill Development: After identifying any gaps, you can also ask for recommendations on how to acquire or improve those skills. "What resources or courses would you suggest to improve my knowledge in [missing skill]?"

While AI can't visually review documents, you can paste sections or bullet points and ask: "Can you help me rephrase this experience for clarity?" or "How can I make this achievement more impactful?"

• Grammar and Spelling Check: Paste the text of your resume and cover letter into the chat and ask ChatGPT to identify any grammar or spelling errors. It's crucial to ensure that these documents are error-free, as employers often view mistakes as a lack of attention to detail.

• Formatting Review: Ask ChatGPT for advice on formatting. This includes font consistency, bullet point usage, alignment, and overall layout. A well-formatted resume and cover letter can significantly enhance readability and make a positive impression.

• Content Review: Ask for feedback on the content of your resume and cover letter. This could include the relevance and clarity of your job descriptions, the strength of your opening statement in your cover letter, and whether you've included all necessary sections (contact information, experience, education, skills, etc.).

• Relevance Check: Ensure that the content of your resume and cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. Ask ChatGPT to help identify any areas that could be more closely aligned with the job description or the company's values.

• Action Verb Usage: Ask ChatGPT for suggestions on strong action verbs that can make your descriptions more dynamic and impactful.

• Quantifiable Achievements: Employers appreciate quantifiable achievements. Ask ChatGPT to help you phrase your achievements in a way that highlights measurable outcomes.

• Keyword Optimization: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. Ask ChatGPT to help identify keywords from the job description that you should include in your resume and cover letter to improve your chances of passing through these systems.

• Tone and Language: Ask for feedback on the tone and language of your cover letter to ensure it's professional and appropriate for the industry.

• Closing Paragraph and Signature: Get feedback on your closing remarks and ensure you've included a professional sign-off.

• Follow-Up: Ask for suggestions on how to follow up with potential employers after you've submitted your application.

Prompt using a job/internship description and ask for sample interview questions. These questions can then be used for practice; AI can also provide sample responses to specific questions.

1. Role and Company Research: Ask ChatGPT: "Can you provide information about [Company Name]?" or "What are the main responsibilities of a [Job Role]?"

2. Practice Answers: Pose typical interview questions to AI and compare your answers. For instance: "How would you answer 'Describe a time you led a team through a challenging situation'?"

3. Behavioral Questions: Seek guidance on the STAR method or ask for examples: "Give me a sample answer using the STAR method for a project management scenario."

4. Salary Negotiations: "What's the average salary for a [Job Role] in [Location]?" or "Do you have tips for negotiating a higher salary?"

5. Questions for the Interviewer: "What are some insightful questions I can ask the interviewer for a [Job Role]?"

6. Dress Code Guidance: "What's the appropriate dress code for an interview at a tech startup?" or "How should I dress for a corporate interview?"

7. Technical Preparations (for virtual interviews): "Do you have any tips for setting up for a virtual interview?" or "How can I troubleshoot common tech issues during a video call?"

8. Industry Trends: "What are the current trends in [Industry]?" or "How is [Specific Technology/Method] impacting the [Industry]?"

9. Post-Interview Etiquette: "Can you help me draft a thank-you note for my interview with [Company Name]?"

Share your degree, experience, and skills in prompt box.

• Ask for suggestions on companies, industries, or job roles that fit your background.
• Ask ChatGPT for insights into the current trends, challenges, and opportunities within your desired industry.
• Request information about specific companies you're interested in, including their culture, recent achievements, or projects.