Using AI In Your Job Search

OCS encourages students to think of AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, their own work. Students still write the initial content and can then use AI to improve, as needed. It is important to ask targeted questions to optimize your materials. Give details about the opportunity, specific sources if needed, and submit follow-up questions if the response does not match your needs. Experiment by asking your question in a few different ways to see if you get a better answer.

• Maintain data privacy by not including your name or other 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 resumes and receive feedback.
• Do not blindly accept suggestions from any AI Tools but instead decide which edits are appropriate.
• Verify the suggestions. AI does not always pull from authoritative sources and may provide inaccurate information.
• Start with your own original work because the resume and cover letter will better represent your background, and you will be more prepared to answer questions based on those materials.
• Employers may scan materials to verify whether an AI tool was used, which may result in the denial of your application. Do not directly copy suggestions; incorporate your own personal style.  
• The timeliness of the data sources differs among tools. For example, one tool’s source may end with data from a few years ago, whereas another provides up-to-date information. This is especially relevant when deciding which tool to use to research employers, careers, and the cost of living.  

Ask for examples of what job functions involve or will align with your values, interests, and skills.*

• What careers blend interest in policy and interest in technology?
• What are some entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry?
• As a PhD student, great at X and passionate about Y, which 10 specific career paths 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 50 nonprofit consulting employers in the northeast that hire recent graduates.
• What are the 20 most notable nonprofits focused on the homeless in Texas?
• Provide a list of 20 startups in Chicago focused on education.

The OCS Job Market Insights Tool, provides specific company data based on role and location.

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

• Improve the resume descriptions by highlighting the skills for market research and collaboration.
• Make suggestions that reflect my attention to detail and my ability to work collaboratively with other team members.
• Start with a job description (JD) you are eager to apply to and enter the following prompt: What are the top 15 most important skill keywords in this job description: 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 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 for help anticipating interview questions.

• What behavioral interview questions should I expect 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 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 to understand if (insert job function) is a good extension of my experience in (insert experience).
• Suggest questions for an informational interview with an Acquisitions Editor at a Publishing House.
• What are 5 job titles that I should consider when scheduling informational interviews with Marketing Managers?
• What are the trends shaping the X industry this year?
• 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?  

*The OCS Job Market Insights Tool provides annual earnings for specific occupational data and allows you to search by location.