When it comes to utilizing ChatGPT for job seeking purposes, it’s important to understand the limitations and how to make the most out of the tool. Let’s take a look at an example from the well-regarded Awesome Prompts GitHub page to illustrate why most ChatGPT outputs can be a waste of time for job seekers.
At first glance, the provided cover letter prompt appears promising. It showcases the author’s previous experiences, technical skills, and future aspirations.
However, there are a couple of issues with this approach. Firstly, the prompt is centered around “me, me, and me,” failing to captivate the reader by not addressing the company and the position specifically.
Effective cover letters start with an intriguing hook that immediately grabs the reader’s attention by focusing on the company they’re applying to. Unfortunately, this prompt falls short in that regard.
Secondly, this example utilizes a single prompt to extract a large amount of information all at once. Research has shown that a dual prompt or multi-prompt approach tends to yield better results.
Therefore, it is advisable to split the task into smaller, more targeted prompts, allowing for more effective and accurate outputs.
Here’s a better way to approach it:
Step 1: USe this Prompt “Biggest Challenge Based on the job description, determine the primary challenge someone in this position would face on a day-to-day basis “Paste Job description here” ENTRE
Copy and paste the relevant parts of the job description to gain insight into the company’s pain points.
Step 2: Craft an Attention-Grabbing Hook
Let’s say “you’re currently working as a sales account manager in the retail industry and are applying for a product manager position at Apple. along with this type
Compose a compelling hook for your cover letter that highlights your experience and qualifications while empathizing with the challenges of the product manager role.
Incorporate specific examples from your past work that demonstrate how you’ve tackled similar challenges and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Keep the hook concise, within a hundred words, to maintain the reader’s interest.
While the output may not be perfect, it will generate numerous intriguing ideas for crafting an effective hook that resonates with the reader.
In the worst-case scenario, this beginning paragraph will show that you understand the pain points of the role you’re applying for, impressing the reader with your thorough preparation.
Step 3: Tailor Your Cover Letter Now that you have the hook, paste it into your cover letter draft and make necessary edits. Proceed to complete the cover letter based on your resume, ensuring it remains within 250 words.
Although ChatGPT might attempt to rewrite the initial paragraph, it’s usually better to stick with the hook generated earlier.
However, the subsequent paragraphs can be tailored to showcase your unique experiences. Adjustments should be made based on the main challenge identified by ChatGPT.
For example, if managing and coordinating internal and external teams during product launches is a significant challenge, highlight an experience that demonstrates your proficiency in handling this specific aspect. Keep the cover letter concise and to the point.
By following these steps, you can create a cover letter that not only hooks the reader by addressing their pain points but also showcases how you are uniquely positioned to solve those challenges.
For a more detailed guide on crafting the perfect cover letter, check out the full video linked below. Additionally, if you wish to support the channel, consider subscribing to the paid productivity newsletter.
Now, let’s move on to the resume:
Copying and pasting the job description into your resume and asking ChatGPT to tailor it for the role is not recommended. Instead, follow these steps:
Step 1: Establish Expertise and Focus Imagine yourself as an experienced resume writer specializing in helping job seekers land roles in the tech industry.
Highlight the three most important responsibilities mentioned in the job description, replacing them with the industry you are targeting.
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume Using the three most important responsibilities from the job description, request ChatGPT to customize your resume for the product manager role at Apple.
Avoid fabricating information or making things up. Paste your resume to ensure accurate tailoring.
Step 3: Compare Original and Updated Versions Create a table with two columns, “Original” and “Updated,” listing the differences between your original resume and the suggested draft provided by ChatGPT.
Be specific, noting the exact wording changes made. This step is crucial for identifying any misleading or false information.
For instance, while you can highlight transferable skills, changing your job title from a Senior Management Consultant to a product manager would be inaccurate.
These steps offer valuable insights into the changes required in your current resume, enabling you to align your language with that of recruiters and hiring managers.
Moreover, the process leverages the prompt engineering technique known as knowledge generation and integration, refining your resume bullet points.
Speaking of resume bullet points:
Step 1: Emphasize Expertise Present yourself as an experienced resume writer. Share a bullet point from your resume without requiring any immediate action.
Step 2: Enhance Bullet Points Rewrite the bullet point using a structured format that follows the pattern of “I accomplished X by doing Y, resulting in Z.” This approach is considered best practice for concise and impactful bullet points.
For example, if you were able to lower the hospital mortality rate by 10% through nurse education, resulting in 200 lives saved annually, emphasize the specific actions and measurable outcomes.
Keep the bullet point within 50 words and utilize compelling language.
Through this few-shot prompting method, you can provide ChatGPT with an example and request output based on that example as a reference.
This technique is especially useful for overcoming the common mistake of describing job responsibilities without quantifying the impact.
By following this approach, you’ll be able to present your achievements effectively.
Now, let’s prepare for interviews:
One question that is almost always asked during interviews is “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your resume.” Here’s how to structure your answer using the present, past, and future framework:
Step 1: Assume the Role of a Seasoned Hiring Manager Imagine yourself as a hiring manager with extensive experience. You are responsible for the job posting.
Highlight the three most important responsibilities mentioned in the job description and paste it.
Step 2: Create a Well-Structured Answer Based on the three main responsibilities, construct a compelling answer that adheres to the present, past, and future framework.
Start with the present, describing your current role. Then, discuss a few relevant past experiences. Conclude by explaining why you aspire to work in the new position.
Keep the response within 300 words. Paste your resume for reference.
It’s important to note that the answer should still be concise, fitting within a two to three-minute timeframe.
Consider utilizing a Google Doc to compile all your questions and answers for easy access during the interview process.
Moving on to interview question preparation:
Step 1: Assume the Role of a Seasoned Hiring Manager
Imagine yourself as a seasoned hiring manager responsible for the job posting mentioned in the job description.
Identify the ten most common interview questions you would ask job applicants. Paste the job description provided.
Step 2: Unveiling the Purpose
For each question, outline the three main reasons why an interviewer would ask it.
This understanding will help you structure your answers effectively.
Compile these reasons and corresponding tips in a two-column table format, with the left column for reasons and the right column for tips. Paste the job description for reference.
Step 3: Crafting Perfect Answers
Based on the provided question from the previous step, paste it here. Request ChatGPT to provide a well-structured answer using a specific example from your work experiences.
Utilize the CARL answer format: Context, Action, Results, and Learning.
Include quantifiable metrics to highlight your impact and conclude with the lessons learned from the project.
Paste your resume for reference.
Keep in mind that the answer should still be within a two to three-minute timeframe.
After receiving the output, refine it further to ensure conciseness and clarity.
Creating a Google Doc to compile all your questions and answers will facilitate easy access and review.
In conclusion, while ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for job seekers, it’s crucial to approach it strategically. By breaking down tasks into smaller, targeted prompts, you can optimize the outputs for cover letters, resumes, and interview preparations.
Remember to tailor your materials to the specific job description, quantify your achievements, and maintain concise yet engaging communication.
Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore how ChatGPT can assist with networking, smart question formulation, and effective follow-up strategies.
