Artificial intelligence tools are not new to the job search arena. However, until recently, they were primarily used by employers – not job seekers. Companies have long used AI to power their applicant tracking systems (ATSs) and, as AI has become more sophisticated, they’ve begun using it to write job descriptions, create and score assessments, schedule interviews, and craft emails.
But, savvy job candidates know that AI tools aren’t available only to employers. Job seekers can also utilize AI to optimize their resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and all communication related to their job search. In this way, AI can help mitigate “costs” associated with looking for work – including time, stress, and financial expenditures.
ChatGPT is one of the most valuable tools available to job seekers. The large language model developed by OpenAI can generate cover letters, optimize resumes, and help finetune your LinkedIn profile. But many other AI-powered tools can help as well.
Crafting Effective Cover Letters
Written communication can be tough for everyone at times. But cover letters can be particularly problematic. Because each job application is unique, templates aren’t always helpful. It can be difficult to figure out what to include and how to make your cover letter stand out. As well, impeccable grammar and the correct tone are critical in cover letters and even the best writers benefit from editing suggestions. Generative AI can help.
Prompting ChatGPT To Create Effective Cover Letters
ChatGPT can help you craft a compelling cover letter but it’s essential to understand how to write a strong prompt. If it gets the right information from you – in the form of a prompt – the platform can swiftly churn out a sample letter. A blog piece by Kindra Cooper recommends creating a prompt that includes:
- Context by way of introducing yourself. Cooper suggests pretending you are at a job interview and introducing yourself to the interview team, including relevant information about why you are interested in the job and what you have to offer the company.
- Details about your relevant experience and qualifications. You can paste in the text from your resume or create a simplified version that lists the most relevant points for the position you are applying for.
- The job description. Copy and paste in the job description for ChatGPT’s reference.
Using Cooper’s tips, a well-crafted prompt might read: “I am applying for a position with Medtronic as a senior industrial engineer. Write a cover letter for my application. My resume and the job description are pasted below but in summary: I have worked at Abbott Laboratories as an industrial engineer for the past six years. I have mentored new employees and led teams within my division and I enjoy the leadership opportunities. I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and am currently studying for my master’s degree part time. I also have a valid Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.”
Keep in mind that you can finetune your prompt to try again or click on “Regenerate” if you’re unhappy with the response. For example, if you feel the tone of the letter is too informal, you can prompt ChatGPT to rewrite the letter using more formal language.
Using AI Cover Letter Generators
AI tools like ChatGPT and other large language models that are trained on generalized datasets can create compelling cover letters based on well-crafted prompts. However, there are cover letter generators that can make the process even easier while providing more effective results.
There are several free AI tools that simplify the process of creating a cover letter. For example, Grammarly’s Cover Letter Generator leads users through a series of three screens, providing prompts to upload your resume, provide the job title, and paste in the job description.
Additionally, several free cover letter generators are powered by OpenAI and can be accessed directly or through ChatGPT by using the “Explore GPTs” feature. One of these tools is Cover Letter Copilot. However, there are benefits to working directly on the Cover Letter Copilot website including:
- The ability to save your information.
- The provision of a built-in text editor.
- Several different built-in choices for tone, such as “Formal & Professional”, “Data-driven and Analytical”, and “Conversational and Engaging”.
The free version of this tool allows users to generate one cover letter daily; subscription plans are available for those who are actively job searching and may need to create more. There are several other fee-based cover letter generators out there. Unlike large learning models like ChatGPT, these generators are specifically trained on high-perfomring cover letters and may provide more effective results.
Personalizing Generated Cover Letters
It’s ideal to create multiple versions of a cover letter for a specific job – whether reprompting or regenerating with the same tool or using a few different tools. That way, you can pick the version that seems best suited for your application – or create a different letter that incorporates bits and pieces of each of those generated.
Whichever version you ultimately go with, it’s important to ensure that the information is correct (AI does make mistakes and embellishes). It’s also important to add personal touches. Cooper suggests mentioning the name of an employee that you know or something about the company culture that appeals to you.
Optimizing Your Resume
As with cover letters, resumes can be created and optimized with ChatGPT or with dedicated resume builders powered by AI.
If you use ChatGPT, it may be helpful to start with a prompt that asks what information is needed to generate a resume. For example, you could prompt: “I want to work at Medtronic as a senior industrial engineer. I have six years of experience working at Abbott Laboratories as an industrial engineer. Please let me know what information you need to create a resume for me.”
As you work with ChatGPT to create the resume, you may find it helpful to work on each section separately rather than tackling the entire resume at once. Provide a lot of detail so that the platform can pick out the most salient points. Add in examples of successful projects you worked on, whether on the job or featured in your portfolio. Be specific and provide numbers that indicate your expertise, such as the number of projects you contributed to in your role or how many people you supported as team lead.
You can also ask ChatGPT to analyze the job description you are applying for. With an appropriate prompt, the platform can determine the keywords that an ATS might scan for and ensure that those words are included in your resume.
In addition to ChatGPT, there are several AI-driven resume-building sites, including Kickresume, Skillroads, and Rezi. These sites often take a step-by-step approach, leading you through a questionnaire to gather relevant information. They may be faster to use than ChatGPT since you won’t have to spend as much time on prompts. As a bonus, these sites have different design templates, helping to personalize your resume and make it stand out.
As with your cover letter, review your AI-created resume for embellishments or inaccuracies before sending it out.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile
An optimized LinkedIn profile is a critical tool in your job search. LinkedIn has a fee-based AI tool that can optimize your profile for you. But you can also use ChatGPT for the same purpose.
To start, try using a free tool to analyze your LinkedIn profile, such as Teal’s LinkedIn Profile Review. This can help pinpoint the sections that need improvement. Once you know what needs work, head over to ChatGPT.
For each section, provide a prompt that asks ChatGPT to optimize the content using your resume. For example, for your “About” section, use a prompt such as, “Write a LinkedIn ‘About’ section using my resume for reference. I’ll paste in my resume below.”
You can click on “Regenerate” two or three times so that the platform provides a few different samples. As with your cover letters and resumes, it’s a good idea to review the generated content for accuracy. As well, it can be valuable to reword the content to reflect your writing style and to add personalization so that your LinkedIn profile is truly a reflection of you.
Generative AI has incredible potential to help with your job search. In addition to the tasks outlined here, tools such as ChatGPT can also craft communications related to your job search and even help you practice interview techniques. Why spend hours stressing over how to perfect your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile when AI tools can help?
