Listen to the original podcast here

Let's face it: job searching can be brutal. But if you’ve got ChatGPT in your toolkit and know how to use it, it’s like unlocking job search superpowers. With the right prompts, ChatGPT can transform your cover letter, refine your resume, and even help with interview prep. But like any tool, it’s all about knowing how to use it well. Here’s how you can make ChatGPT work for you—and a few other AI-powered platforms to check out.

AI Tools to Check Out for Your Job Search

1. Teal
   Teal is awesome for tracking your job search and upgrading your resume with AI. You can upload job descriptions, and Teal will analyze your resume and score it against the job requirements. Teal’s LinkedIn profile grader is another helpful feature for optimizing your profile. I use this tool and recommend it to all my clients.

2. LiveCareer Apply
   This Chrome extension auto-fills those annoying job application forms, saving you a ton of time on repetitive data entry across job sites.

3. Standout
   For interview prep, Standout.com’s AI tool analyzes your spoken answers, focusing on word choice, pacing, and hesitations to help you improve for the real deal.

4. Resume IO and Rezi AI
   These resume builders use AI to create polished, tailored resumes. They help pick the right template, too, so your resume looks fresh and professional.

5. ResyMatch IO
   Like Teal, ResyMatch compares your resume to job descriptions and scores it, giving you feedback to improve your match.

Now, let's get into how you can make ChatGPT your job search BFF.

How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

Start by setting up your ChatGPT account on OpenAI. Then, follow these steps to get the most personalized, job-tailored cover letter possible.

Step 1: Introduce Yourself

When using ChatGPT, act like you’re introducing yourself at a job interview. Include:

• Your background

• Relevant achievements

• A bit about your work style

This gives ChatGPT a baseline to personalize the cover letter for you.

Step 2: Upload Your Resume and Job Description

Copy and paste your resume and the job description into ChatGPT. Clean up the job description by deleting irrelevant info like salary ranges or legal disclosures. A focused description helps ChatGPT tailor responses to the actual job requirements.

Step 3: Prompt ChatGPT to Write Your Cover Letter

Use specific prompts to make the cover letter as tailored as possible. Try these:

• Prompt: “Write a cover letter for [Job Title] at [Company Name] that highlights my impact in past roles with metrics.”

• Prompt: “Create a cover letter for [Job Title] using keywords from this job description and make it engaging and persuasive.”

• Prompt: “Write a short, 250-word cover letter using clear, intelligent language and concise paragraphs.”

Once you have a few options, review them carefully. AI can sometimes “hallucinate” details (a fancy term for making things up!), so double-check for accuracy and tweak anything to better fit your style. Add personal details like why you love the company or your connection to its mission. These touches bring authenticity to your cover letter.

How to Use ChatGPT to Tailor Your Resume

See a job you’re really excited about? Tailoring your resume can make a huge difference in catching a recruiter’s eye.

Step 1: Upload Your Resume and Job Description

Copy and paste your resume and the job description into ChatGPT just like with the cover letter.

Step 2: Try Out These Tailoring Prompts

Use prompts to target your resume for a specific job:

• Prompt: “Tailor my resume to match the skills and experience in this job description.”

• Prompt: “Rewrite my resume experience section to sound more results-driven and actionable.”

• Prompt: “Based on the skills required for [Job Title] at [Company Name], list 10 skills I should highlight.”

Step 3: Make Adjustments

Once ChatGPT generates suggestions, add them to your resume, but be sure to proofread. Metrics and facts should always be accurate, so don’t skip this step. For example, change generic bullets like "Improved engagement by posting on social media" to "Increased social media engagement by 25% by implementing strategic posting through Planoly."

Bonus: Create a Standout Professional Summary

Your summary should be more than just buzzwords. Here’s how to make it pop:

• Prompt: “Write a professional summary under 100 words highlighting my strengths and metrics from my resume.”

• Prompt: “Based on my resume, write a compelling summary that shows total years of experience and includes key achievements.”

Experiment until you get a concise but powerful summary—this is often one of the first things a recruiter will read!

More Ways to Leverage ChatGPT

• LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Ask ChatGPT to rewrite your LinkedIn headline or summary using keywords from your industry.

• Interview Follow-Up: After an interview, use ChatGPT to draft a thank-you note that’s genuine and specific.

Important Reminder: Review and Add Your Voice

ChatGPT can help you create a solid foundation but don’t lose your personality in the process. AI-generated content can sometimes sound robotic, so make sure the final result reflects who you are and what you’re about.

Final Takeaway: AI is here to stay, and learning how to leverage tools like ChatGPT, Teal, and others can make your job search faster, easier, and even more successful. Remember, you’re still in the driver’s seat—ChatGPT is your co-pilot. Use these tools smartly, stay authentic, and let AI handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on landing your dream job. Good luck, and let me know how your first “date” with AI goes!