How to Effectively Utilize AI Tools

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that can be used to optimize the internship or job search process. Examples of AI that can be used when looking for an experience include ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot. Leveraging AI can help streamline your search and find specific information quickly. However, not all information generated by AI is accurate. Be sure to fact check. Additionally, AI should not replace your original work. Instead, it should be used as a tool to supplement your writing, research, etc.

  • Assist with building your resume or cover letter
  • Researching a company or field of interest
  • Exploring a major or career
  • Practice interviewing for a specific experience
  • Ask for key skills and qualifications from job description
  • Check for grammar or professional language
  • And more!

  • Beware of AI hallucination
  • Make sure not to input any personal information or private data
  • AI should be used as a tool. It shouldn’t generate a whole document or piece of work for you (should not replace your original work)
  • Check for inaccuracies
  • Be specific with what you ask AI
  • Ask follow up questions for more information or clarification
  • Some companies are explicit in their job description about not using AI

Below are sample prompts that can be used with your generative AI platform of choice for a variety of job searching and career development topics. Remember that these prompts should be a starting point in your research. If you choose to use one of the prompts below, make sure to add any specific details that might be missing.

  • I am applying for this position [paste job description]. What keywords should I make sure I use in my application materials?
  • Suggest ways to add these specific keywords [list keywords] into my existing resume bullet points: [paste bullet statements]
  • Provide strong action verbs to enhance the impact of my responsibilities
  • Summarize the most important keywords and skills from this job description
  • Check my resume for any grammatical errors and suggest corrections (Make sure to remove any personal information from your resume)

  • Write a 3-paragraph cover letter in a formal tone for a [major] student applying for a [type] internship at [company]. Highlight the following skills and experiences: [insert skills/experiences]. (Remember this should be used as a guide, not replace your original work)
  • What key points should I include in a cover letter for a [insert position] opportunity?
  • Suggest ways to add these specific keywords [list keywords] into my existing resume bullet points: [paste bullet statements]
  • Summarize the most important keywords and skills from this job description.
  • Check my cover letter for any grammatical errors and suggest corrections. (Make sure to remove any personal information from your resume)

  • Give insights into current trends and keywords in the [insert industry/field name].
  • I’m feeling overwhelmed with my job search. Can you provide guidance on developing an effective job search strategy?
  • List 10 extracurricular activities to consider preparing for working in [insert industry].
  • What are companies in [industry] that are appropriate for [experience and education level].
  • I am searching for entry level positions as [job title]. Can you share 5 companies in [location] that hire for this role and have [list the benefits/qualities you are looking for]?
  • I am searching for [types of roles] roles, what are 5 professional organizations you recommend?
  • I am trying to find alternative job titles for the position of [insert job title here]. Could you provide me with a list of 10 related or equivalent titles commonly used in the [insert industry]?

  • I’m applying for a role in [insert field] as a [insert job title]. What are some potential interview questions I could be asked?
  • Provide a list of 10 common behavioral interview questions for [insert position title].
  • Provide me with a list of 5 insightful questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview.
  • Based on this job description [paste job description], can you give me a list of 10 interview questions I could be asked?

  • What factors should I consider when thinking about pursuing graduate school?
  • I am considering graduate programs in [insert field of study]. What special considerations are there for graduate school in this field?
  • What kinds of job opportunities exist for graduates of a [Master’s/PhD] program in [insert field]?
  • I am interested in a [Master’s/PhD] in [insert field/subject]. Create a list of 10 programs [in X location, online programs, in person programs, with research opportunities, etc.] I might consider.
  • I am applying to [insert program name] and the writing prompt for my application is: [inset prompt] with a word limit of [enter word limit, if any]. I wrote this draft [insert draft]. Give me some writer’s feedback. Evaluate for [insert feedback criteria such as message/theme, grammar, spelling, etc.]
  • I’m planning to take the [insert entrance exam]. Can you provide recommended resources for study tips and strategies to do well on this exam?

Exploring careers
  • Provide a list of 10 careers and job roles well suited to a [insert degree name].
  • Based on my major/program in [insert major] and experience on my resume [attach or provide link], can you suggest potential careers and job roles for me? (Make sure to remove any personal information from your resume)
  • Provide skills, experience, and qualifications needed to become a [insert career or job title]?
  • Provide a rundown of a typical workday for a [insert job title or career].
  • I am a college student who wants to start my career in [insert industry] when I graduate. What are the typical entry level positions within [insert industry], and what fundamental skills should I prioritize developing to excel in these roles?
Exploring through interests, skills, and values
  • If I enjoy [insert activity/hobby], what careers could involve this skill or interest?
  • I like [insert subject]. What types of careers would allow me to leverage this interest?
  • I’m interested in technology [or any other interest] but have no coding experience/education [or insert other skill/field of interest]. What are some technology-related careers I could explore?
  • What types of certifications, training, or education would be needed for a career in [insert field}?
  • My values are [insert values], some of my top skills are [insert skills], and I have interests in [insert interests]. What careers align with these values, skills, and interests?
  • What careers combine [insert subject] and [insert subject]

  • Provide suggestions for listing my key skills and areas of expertise in a way that is impactful for a professional bio.
  • Given my professional interests [insert interests], what keywords/skills should I use in my LinkedIn profile to stand out to potential employers?
  • Can you help me craft an elevator pitch for my career goals in [insert industry]?
  • What are some effective networking strategies for someone starting their career in [insert industry]?
  • What are some questions I could ask for an informational interview in [insert industry]?

  • Where is the best place to find relevant salary information for jobs in [industry]?
  • What is the best way to enter a salary negotiation conversation after receiving an offer in which I would like to receive the higher of the salary range?
  • I don’t have experience in salary negotiation. Can you provide some strategies for negotiating a higher salary after receiving a job offer?
  • What key factors should I take into account when determining the salary to request after receiving a job offer?