There are many ways that AI can help in the job search process. OCS encourages students to think of AI as a tool to enhance, not replace one’s work. Students still write the initial content and can then use AI to improve when needed. It is important to ask targeted questions to optimize your materials. Give details about the opportunity, allude to specific sources if needed, and submit follow up questions if the initial response does not match your needs. Try experimenting a few times by asking your question in a few different ways to see if you get a better answer.

• Maintain data privacy by never including your name or any other personal identifying information when submitting documents for review. The exception is using Yale’s subscription to Big Interview which is a private subscription-based platform for Yale students to submit their resume and receive feedback.
• Do not blindly accept the suggestions from any AI Tools but instead decide which edits are appropriate.
• Verify the suggestions as AI does not always pull from authoritative sources, and therefore may provide inaccurate information.
• Always start with your own original work because the resume and cover letter will better represent your interests and background, and you will be much more prepared to answer questions based on those materials.
• Employers may scan application materials to verify whether an AI tool was used, which may result in your application being denied. Instead of directly copying suggestions from an AI tool, incorporate your own personal style to avoid this risk and sound more authentic.  
• The timeliness of the data sources differs among various AI tools. For example, ChatGPT’s source ends with data from 2021, whereas Google Bard provides up to date information. This can be especially relevant when deciding which tool to conduct research on topics such as employers, careers, and cost of living.  

Ask for examples of what various job functions involve or what industries align with your interests.

• What careers blend interest in policy and interest in technology?
• What are some entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry?
• I am a PhD students who is great at X and passionate about Y. What are 10 specific career paths that fit my skills and interests?
• Generate a table that ranks these roles according to the following criteria: VALUE 1, VALUE 2, and VALUE 3. (Examples: compensation, remote work, work-life balance)
• Generate a list of the Top 20 employers for X role in Y location.
• *OCS Designing Your Career: Online Tool includes an Empathize section that allows you to evaluate your values, interests, and skills.

Create a target list of employers based on anything from sector, industry, function, location and more.

• Create a list of the top 50 nonprofit consulting employers in the northeast that typically hire recent graduates.
• What are the 20 most notable nonprofits focused on the homeless in Texas?
• List 20 employers in X City that have LGBTQ affinity groups.
• Provide a list of 20 startups in Chicago focused on education.
• *OCS also has the Job Market Insights Tool, which can provide specific company data based on occupational role and location.  

Generate an original draft and then request specific advice on how to improve based on the opportunity.

• Improve the following resume descriptions by highlighting the transferable skills of market research and collaboration.
• Make suggestions so that the uploaded resume reflects my attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively with other team members since these are top strengths to showcase to potential employers.
• Analyze Job Descriptions: Start with a job description you are eager to apply to and enter the following prompt: What are the top 15 most important skill keywords in this job description (JD): INSERT JD.
• Review my cover letter and add a few sentences explaining that I am a strong problem solver.
• In looking at this JD, which of the top 10 keywords are missing from my CV: INSERT CV. 
• I have expertise in (insert skill). Suggest 3 bullet revisions to give me credit in that area.
• *OCS has Big Interview, AI Resume Review & Mock Interview tool which is exclusively for Yale students to review their resumes and provide suggestions for improvement.

Request answers for challenging interview questions or ask AI to help you in anticipating interview questions.

• What behavioral interview questions should I expect to be asked for an entry level investment banker position?
• Let’s do a mock interview for a Volunteer Manager position.
• What are some insightful questions I can ask someone who is in a business development role at a startup about their team structure and goals?
• How should I structure my response to a case study about increasing brand awareness?
• *OCS also has Big Interview, which is a mock interview tool allowing students to choose among thousands of interview types, record their answers and watch them back for practice.

Get suggestions on people to network with, questions to ask, or how to craft an email request.

• What are 10 questions I should ask this alum to understand if (insert job function) is a good extension of my experience in (insert experience).
• Suggest some questions for an informational interview with an Acquisitions Editor at a Publishing House.
• What are 5 other job titles that I should consider when trying to conduct informational interviews with Marketing Managers?
• What are the trends shaping the X industry in 2024?
• Can you help me write an 8 -10 sentence introduction for an informational interview with an Economic Consultant? Insert Resume
• Let’s role play an informational interview with an Architect. I will ask questions, and you respond as the Architect.

Compile helpful examples of cost-of-living data in trying to negotiate your salary.

• What is the cost of living in Peoria, IL for a recent graduate living on their own?
• Here is my resume. Where can I add the most value for a journalist position? Create a list of the most notable achievements that I can use in my salary negotiation.
• What are the top 10 things besides compensation that I can negotiate with a job offer?
• *OCS’ Job Market Insights Tool, can provide annual earnings for specific occupational data and allows you to search by location.