Navigating the Job Market with AI: Top Prompts for Your Job Search
In the quest for the perfect job, AI has become an indispensable ally. As someone navigating the complex job market, I've found AI tools like ChatGPT and Otter.AI to be invaluable. In this post, I'll share how I use these tools to enhance my job search, along with a word of caution about their limitations.
AI's Limitations — A Word of Caution
Before diving into the AI prompts, it's crucial to understand that AI is a potent tool, but not perfect. AI algorithms might 'make things up,' especially when lacking specific information. Always verify AI-generated content against your personal experience and knowledge.
Top Prompts by Purpose
Start By Prompting to Be an Effective Career Coach
You are an expert level career coach who specializes in helping early career talent prep for their interviews. Please provide me with a list of 10 insightful questions to ask in an upcoming interview with a head hunting firm for a chief revenue officer role at a private equity backed portfolio company. Keep in mind that these questions should be such that answers to them can’t be found easily on the company’s website or LinkedIn page.
Career Planning Insights
AI can offer perspectives on career progression. I often use:
"Based on my LinkedIn profile/resume, what career paths should I consider next?"
"What are my transferable skills, and how can I leverage them in different industries?"
"Identify potential growth areas in my current field based on my skills and experience."
"Suggest job titles or roles that align with my interests and strengths, even those I may not have considered before."
Effective Email Outreach and Communication with Hiring Managers
First impressions count in emails as well. Make sure to share details of the JD and your Resume if you are asking it to personalize upfront. Here are the prompts that have been a game-changer:
"Draft an email to a hiring manager expressing interest in the [job title] role, highlighting relevant skills based on my specific resume and the JD”
"Create a follow-up email after an interview for the [job title] position, emphasizing my continued interest and relevant skills.” —> extra credit for doing this in Otter.AI and having it pull from the actual interview recording.
Tailoring Your Resume
Tailoring your resume is crucial. Here are the prompts I rely on:
"Tailor my resume to this [JOB TITLE] role at [COMPANY], highlighting my relevant skills and experiences. Based on my achievements below [insert existing resume, LinkedIn profile, or other career info it can pull from]."
"Ask if which resume is best suited to apply for xyz role and include your attached options and the JD overview."
"Draft five persuasive resume achievements based on my resume below."
Here's my current resume. How would you rewrite it if you were applying to this [TITLE] role at [COMPANY]? Include metrics in the achievements. [Copy/paste your resume and the job description.]
Based on this job description for a [JOB TITLE] role at [COMPANY], write a resume for my past [X] years of work experience with 3-5 bullet points per role that include metrics and the most important 10 keywords from the job description. My past titles and companies were [X, Y, and Z]. No need to include an objective statement. [Copy/paste the job description.]
Using the resume and job description below, please showcase eight relevant skills I should highlight.
Professional Summary Prompts
Creating a compelling professional summary is vital. I use prompts like:
"Create a compelling professional summary for a job application using my resume and the job description below as a reference in 150 words or less." (Shift + Enter, then paste resume and job description)
"Create a professional summary that includes metrics and total years of experience, for a job application using my resume as a reference."
"Compose a professional summary for a job application using my resume and the job description below as a reference, and keep it to 500 characters or less."
Crafting Impactful Cover Letters
Cover letters are your first impression. Make sure to share details of the JD and your Resume if you are asking it to personalize. Here are prompts I use to make mine stand out:
"Draft a persuasive cover letter in 150 words or less, highlighting my qualifications and enthusiasm for the [job title] at [company] using my resume achievements below." (Shift + Enter, then paste resume achievements)
"Compose a professional cover letter demonstrating how my abilities align with the requirements for the [job title] at [company]. Use the information below as a guide." (Shift + Enter, then paste job description)
"Write a cover letter for [job title] role at [company] and include the five most important keywords from the job description below." (Shift + Enter, then paste job description)
Preparing for Informational and Formal Interviews
I prepare questions that demonstrate my understanding of the industry and role. For example:
"List insightful questions for an informational interview in the [industry]."
"Create a list of questions for an upcoming interview for the [job title] role at [company]."
"List insightful questions for an informational interview in the [industry]."
"What are some unique questions to ask a hiring manager for a [job title] role that demonstrate my understanding of the industry?"
"What are the most critical skills needed for success in [INDUSTRY/ROLE]?"
"Generate sample answers to each of the 10 questions you listed above, following the CAR framework." (Ensure structured and impactful responses)
Recording and Reviewing Interviews with Otter.AI (Check it Out Here)
Using Otter.AI Responsibly
When it comes to Otter.AI, it's a fantastic tool for recording and reviewing interviews, but it's crucial to use it responsibly. Always get consent before recording any conversation, and use the recordings only for personal review and improvement. It's not just about legality; it's about respecting privacy and ethical considerations in our professional interactions.
How I Use it
I use Otter.AI (check it out here!) to record and transcribe interviews — note, be careful not to use these or share them and seek permission; if it’s just for your own practice, this is fine to do.. Analyzing these recordings helps me improve. Here are some key prompts:
Overall Impressions:
What were the keywords and phrases I used most frequently? (Helps to understand if you focused on the right things)
What was the overall sentiment of my responses? (Positive, confident, neutral?)
How did my tone of voice come across? (Enthusiastic, nervous, hesitant?)
Did I come across as clear and concise in my communication?
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Which answers do you think were the most impactful? (Helps to identify what resonated with the interviewer)
Which areas do you think I could have improved on? (Identifies potential weaknesses to address)
Did I effectively address the key requirements and responsibilities of the role?
Were there any specific questions I seemed unprepared for?
How do you think I handled the question about [specific topic]?
Did I miss any opportunities to ask follow-up questions or showcase my skills?
Were there any points I should clarify or expand upon in a thank-you email?
TL;DR Summary & Final Tips:
Personalize Your Prompts: Tailor AI prompts to your specific circumstances, including your resume, LinkedIn profile, and target roles for better results.
Verify AI Content: Always double-check AI-generated content for accuracy and authenticity.
Use AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Leverage AI as a starting point but add your unique insights and experiences. Use AI as a springboard, not a crutch, and showcase your unique voice and insights.
Nothing is one-size-fits-all: Experiment and adapt these prompts to fit your unique job search journey.
A Personal Story
In my journey, I've found that AI tools have a knack for uncovering insights I hadn't considered. For instance, when I asked AI to analyze my resume against a dream job description, it highlighted a skill I had undervalued. This insight led me to reframe my resume, which got me an interview for a role I previously thought was out of my reach. It's moments like these where AI proves to be more than just a tool; it becomes a partner in career growth.
Conclusion
In the end, the power of AI in your job search lies in its ability to amplify your unique story and skills. These prompts are a springboard, not the end-all. Your personal touch, insights, and authenticity are what will truly set you apart. Remember, in a world increasingly driven by technology, your human perspective remains your strongest asset.