Job seekers can benefit from using ChatGPT to assist with the more mundane tasks of job searching such as cover letters, emails, and interview question prompts.  Think of ChatGPT as your personal job search assistant. As ChatGPT is not you, you will need to customize the responses that ChatGPT provides you with and add your voice.

Five Ways ChatGPT Can Boost Your Job Search Success

1. Ask ChatGPT to assist in writing a cover letter.  When prompting ChatGPT include the tone of the cover letter as well as information you want to include in your cover letter and job description.

Type into ChatGPT or any other AI

Please write a cover letter with the indent to highlight my career accomplishments as they reflect the job description using persuasive tone in a business setting.  My career highlights include <insert specific career accomplishments as they pertain to the job you are applying for> for the job <title> at Company> and requirements <insert job description>. Be sure to personalize the letter and review the content before sending it!

2. Ask ChatGPT to assist you in writing a thank you email for an interview.  When prompting ChatGPT include specific details about the interview.

Type into ChatGPT or any other AI

Write a thank you to <name, you can use John Doe> for an interview on <Date> for <title>. Include <specifics from the interview>.  Make the tone friendly and reiterate that I am looking forward to joining the team and making an impact on <specific job description requirements>

3. Ask ChatGPT to assist you with a SWOT analysis for a particular job.  This will provide insights into topics such as training and development, workload, professional growth opportunities, and market competition of the company. These insights might help you decide whether or not to apply for the role and pursue the job opportunity.

Type into ChatGPT or any other AI

Write a SWOT analysis for the job and use my resume to outline the SWOT.  Job description: <insert job description> and my Resume: <insert your resume leaving off any personal data>

4. Ask ChatGPT to provide you with behavior questions for a specific job.

Type into ChatGPT or any other AI

Provide me with a list of behavioral questions using the STAR method that I might be asked when I interview for this job <type in job title> and copy job description.

5. Ask ChatGPT to assist you with writing a resume summary statement if your resume has an objective statement.

Type into ChatGPT or any other AI

Please rewrite this in implied first person <type in objective statement>

ChatGPT can’t replace a human, but it can assist you with the administrative tasks of your job search and can help you prepare for the interview process.  At Keystone Partners, our certified consultants assist clients through career transition, providing human support and thought leadership.  Here at Keystone, our coaching method is supported by technology, and we are always looking for ways to add value and enhance the coaching experience. This includes leveraging new technological advancements, including AI applications, and sharing this information with our clients.

If you are facing a career transition, there are things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible and set yourself up for a successful next chapter.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving professional landscape, career transitions have become an integral part of the journey. Most employees have been part of a downsizing at some point in their professional careers. The concept of a linear career path gradually gives way to a more dynamic approach, where individuals find themselves at crossroads more often. As organizations evolve and make changes, it’s essential that employees adapt to, and embrace, change. Being resilient is core to a successful career.

Step 1: Reflect. Take some time to reflect on your skills, interests, and values. What are you passionate about? What are you good at? What kind of work environment do you thrive in? Once you have a better understanding of yourself, you can start to explore different career options.

Step 2: Don’t panic. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed after losing a job. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and that there are people who can help you through this process.

Step 3: Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio. Ensure your resume and LinkedIn are up-to-date and highlight your skills and experience. Consider getting a professional resume review.

Step 4: Skill Enhancement: New skills can significantly enhance marketability. There are numerous online learning platforms, such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, etc. Many public libraries offer their members access to these via their online databases. Look on LinkedIn for webinars that interest you. These provide opportunities to network and learn at the same time. You might also consider working on any professional certificates that might help you land faster.

Step 5: Network. One of the best ways to find a new job is to network with people in your field. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and contact former colleagues and mentors. Networking is nothing more than having a conversation.

Step 6: Practice your interviewing skills. The more you practice, the more confident you will be in your interviews. Several resources are available to help you practice your interviewing skills, such as books, online courses, and mock interviews. Interviewing is not an interrogation; it is about finding a match.

Now that you are ready to embrace new avenues, think of all the possibilities that exist and are waiting for you. Consider seeking job opportunities in alternative industries and embracing fresh challenges, whether it’s a pivot within your current field, a leap into an entirely different industry, or working for yourself.

In the ever-evolving world of careers, know that transitions are not roadblocks but steppingstones to growth and transformation. Keystone Partners has been an unwavering partner for individuals navigating these transitions, providing expertise, support, and a roadmap to success with a firm belief that every career crossroads is an opportunity waiting for you. Keystone Partners empowers you to reimagine your career, discover new paths, and take actionable steps toward a brighter professional future. Remember, your career journey is yours to shape, and with the proper guidance, you can turn any setback into a remarkable comeback.

The job search process can be long and frustrating, but staying positive and persistent is essential. Keep networking, applying for jobs, and practicing your interviewing skills. Eventually, you will find the perfect job. There are several resources available to help you with your career transition. One excellent resource is Keystone Partners. Keystone Partners is a leading provider of outplacement services and career transition coaching. We have over 40 years of experience helping people find new jobs and reinvent their careers.

Advocate For Yourself

Inquire with potential employers during the job screening process whether they have a career transition benefit plan in place. At Keystone Partners, we apply years of expertise in order to create goal-oriented, custom career transition programs for individuals and organizations. Contact us today and see how our tailored approach to career transition services creates a more effective and engaged workforce.

To be successful as a manager, focus on the essential role: ensuring that your employees have the skills, tools, support, and energy to understand and succeed at their responsibilities and to remain engaged with the organization. Managers provide reviews of team member contributions and areas for development. It’s crucial to provide feedback to employees in the right setting, whether that is in person or via video chat. Ensure your communication and actions are framed positively. The difference between thinking of your job as supporting employee success vs. catching mistakes will help you establish appropriate relationships.

Clear, consistent communication is key to being an effective manager with workforces split across time zones and employment models in a hybrid or fully remote workplace. Set clear expectations and create a cohesive culture built upon trust and working toward a common goal. It is important to establish an effective management approach that keeps employees informed about company and team decisions.

Managing a hybrid workforce has additional challenges when it comes to professional development. Focus on the professional development of those employees that report to you, no matter the location of your team members. Be supportive and focused on development vs. nitpicking and finding everything wrong with your employees’ performance. Effective managers concentrate on the quality of the work produced, rather than how long employees spend at their desks. Managers need to ensure that career progression paths are fair and equal for both office-based and remote staff.

A supportive and understanding management style will help build successful relationships, exceptional productivity, and long-term success with employees regardless of location. Strong managers lead to strong teams that are effective and contribute to organizational goals.

Additional posts from Reneé Zung

When Networking, Remember to Come Up for AIR

Interviews 2.0 -Understanding Interview Formats in 2021

Keys to Successful Video Interviews

What Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Mean to Your Workplace?

How to Be Found on LinkedIn in 10 Steps

Accelerating Change in Interview Techniques

Leverage Your “LinkedIn Brand” to Stand Out During a Job Search

Job Search Truisms -Fact or Fiction?

Demystifying the Background Check

Your Digital Brand

Tips for an ATS Compatible Resume

Tips to Prevent Missed Job Opportunities

Preparing for a Virtual Job Search

How to Maximize Your Job Search

The B.A.S.I.C. Principle for Writing Winning Resumes

B.A.S.I.C. is an acronym for:

B brief

A accomplishment-based

S simple layout

I impactful

C correct grammar and spelling

When writing your resume keep it brief: eliminate wordiness with bullet points, headers, and short paragraphs to tell your professional story. Never use a font smaller than 10.5 points and two pages is best. Dates for education are only needed for recent college graduates. Use a professional sounding email address, for example bsmith@gmail.com, Gmail is recommended because it syncs easily with outlook calendars.

Summary statements have replaced objective statements. Bulleted items should be accomplishment-based and impactful. Follow our simple “Impact Equation” to easily create effective accomplishment statements. Start with an interesting and engaging action verb, add a quick description of the situation or task to provide background and context, and finish with the results.

Whether you start the process by recalling the situation, action, or result, the final accomplishment statements you include in your resume should put ACTION FIRST to grab attention and end with POWERFUL RESULTS that show the impact you make on an organization.

Creating a concise, powerful accomplishment statement usually starts by reflecting on past projects and/or tasks, thinking about your contributions/actions and identifying the results you achieved. The results section of the “Impact Equation” is the most important. Most job seekers start by describing their job duties; however, that is not going to make an impactful accomplishment statement.

In fact, ending your statement with a powerful result can be considered the most important part of the “Impact Equation.” An extra bonus when you create your resume using the “Impact Equation” you will be ready to use the S.T.A.R. method to answer behavioral interview questions.

Following the B.A.S.I.C. principle will help your resume through the ATS, which organizations use to streamline their hiring process. Most ATS incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to filter through many resumes and identify those assessed to be the top candidates for a recruiter’s review.

Once uploaded, your resume will be scanned by AI software that parses through keywords, contact information, sometimes verbiage, accomplishment data, span of work history, education, and so on. Your resume keywords will be matched to the keywords found in the job posting. It is important to edit your resume and include pertinent keywords from the job posting prior to applying.

Remember, one resume does not fit all jobs. Follow the B.A.S.I.C. principle and recruiters will be excited to read your resume.

Identifying what you want to learn and preparing what questions to ask instills confidence, helps you relax, and makes networking feel more natural -like a breath of fresh air. Asking for AIR keeps you focused on the insights and guidance you seek, and that people are happy to provide. It also helps build mutually rewarding relationships because you too can share your knowledge and ideas. It’s a classic win-win scenario.

Relationships are fostered continuously when you interact with other people. You can’t force relationships, but you can nurture them through your regular conversations with colleagues and clients inside and outside of the organization. Relationships are built on a foundation of shared information; in other words, it is all about getting to know someone. In the workplace forming relationships can be tactical in nature but they should still be genuine. Forming relationships comes naturally to some but not to all; it’s an important soft skill that anyone can develop.

Simple steps to building relationships, which is a secret of successful networking, include:

• Remember the acronym AIR. Networking is having a conversation where you share ideas, ask for Advice, provide Information, and offer Referrals or Recommendations.
• Focus on three key elements to build relationships: (1) trust, (2) acceptance, and (3) open communication.
• Don’t rush it. Building and fostering relationships takes time and are well worth the effort.

If you are a job seeker who is networking and asking for AIR, gear your questions to your specific interests and career goals. Networking as a job search method is a proven and oft recommended approach. When networking, you learn about different fields, types of positions, company information, industries, and the job market. It also exposes you to hidden positions which have not been advertised including jobs never filled, employers who choose to fill jobs via referrals, newly budgeted positions, jobs resulting from reorganization, or unannounced corporate changes.

If you have a job, you may feel as if you do not have any time to network. During the workday it is easy to be distracted by emails, meetings, and juggling priorities such that you become absorbed in your work. Take a few minutes each day to actively seek out colleagues for collaboration. The most effective leaders and employees know that slowing down, listening, and being present during the workday goes a long way toward fostering strong relationships.

Building relationships is easier when you use the AIR technique. People hire people and those that you have relationships with know who you are and the impact you can have on an organization, it is easier to ask for a referral from someone you know. Just like breathing AIR, you need to always be networking.

For the job seeker, there are different types of interview formats to understand as many organizations reopen the workplace for full-time onsite and hybrid roles. Preparing for virtual interviews is the same as preparing for in-person interviews. According to this Jobvite survey 67% of recruiters are interviewing using video, and 40% of recruiters believe virtual interviews will be the default moving forward.

Types of Interviews

• A job audition is a simulation for the role also known as a whiteboard test, case study, or some other form of skills assessment. The goal of the interview is to replicate a daily situation or problem that is the normal aspect of the workday for the open position. This type of interview removes bias and allows the employer to make performance-based decisions.
• Drive-thru job fairs are especially effective in the manufacturing, light industrial, utilities, warehouse, and administrative sectors. Drive-thru hiring events take place “on the spot” or “grab and go.” The advantage to the “on-the-spot” format is that an interview is extended to the candidate without them ever leaving their car. Don’t forget a copy of your resume for this event!
• Pre-recorded or one way video interviews. In this format, the employer will give you instructions on how to join the interview. Instead of being connected with a person, you’ll be prompted to answer interview questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen. You’ll record your answer to each question and the employer will review the recording later. There is often a time limit for your answers, and usually you are unable to re-record.
• Roundtable interviews are usually completed in 2 hours. All the finalists are in the same Zoom room. The company’s HR department explains the process -each individual will spend 30 minutes in a breakout room with the interviewer(s) from the company in a round robin format. This is different from a panel interview when it is several members from the company at one time -the panel -interviewing only you.
• Two-way video Interviews are when the candidate and interviewer use a video conferencing platform to conduct a one-on-one interview. Treat your videoconferencing interview the same way you would an in-person interview.
• Whiteboard interview is a technical problem-solving assessment that takes place in real time and typically involves a candidate writing code and sometimes diagrams on a whiteboard while onsite. A similar kind of interview can be done in person with pen and paper.

STAR Interview Method

No matter the interview format, the key to successful interviewing is preparing for your interview. The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific Situation, Task, Action, and Result of the situation you are describing. When preparing for your interviews whether they are in person or video, or some combination, please follow the STAR method steps and always be as specific as possible, without including too much information.

Hiring managers and recruiters want to find the right candidate with the right experience, skills, as well as the right culture fit. Know your resume and have your STAR stories ready. Focus on how you solved a problem, overcame a challenge, made a mistake, lead a team, and did something interesting or innovative, and you will be sure to shine.

Video interviews are no different than in person interviews, they are still conversations. The challenge of video interviewing is the parameters of the screen. There are ways to improve your body language and make a lasting impression. In a video interview it is important to remember to keep the camera about 12 inches away and use gestures closer to your body than the camera. Your background as seen through the camera should be clear of clutter and the space well-lit. Try to avoid interviewing with light streaming through windows behind you. Practice good posture as well, keeping your shoulders back and if you are going to lean make sure it is forward and not backwards. Imagine sitting across from the interviewer in an office, you would engage by leaning in. Look into the camera to maintain eye contact, if you have difficulty remembering to look into the camera use a sticky note with an arrow or smiley face to remind you.

Keys to successful video interviewing:

• Prepare your stories, know your resume and how your skills match the job description and how your style and experience fit the culture.
• Prepare your interview space. Secure a private and brightly lit area. where you won’t be interrupted by other people, pets or noises. Position your webcam so that you have a neutral background that’s free from distractions.
• Prepare your technology, download the video conference platform before the interview, familiarize yourself with the platform and if possible, practice with someone before the interview using the platform. Log on 10 minutes early and test your speakers and microphone or headphones, camera, and background.
• Have a backup plan. At the beginning of the interview provide an alternate number, such as your cell phone if you are using your headphones or speakers.
• Remember that an interview is a two way conversation and not an interrogation. To keep the conversation flowing you can ask your questions throughout the interview, following up an answer you provided with a related or counterpoint question. Video interview questions do not have to wait to the end, even though it is on screen, it is not a webinar with questions following the presentation.
• Prepare your questions to ask. You can have your questions written down on paper just as you would in person. Remember to ask about the next steps in the interview process and how they will communicate those steps to you.

Follow-up the interview with a thank you note. Mark on your calendar when you expect to hear back from the company. If you do not hear back it is time to follow-up. Keep in mind that, while the company needs to hire for the position, it is not their number one priority. The company’s priority is keeping their business running.

According to a national survey from Keystone Partners, in partnership with Leading Indicator Systems, 40% of American employees are reluctant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 37% of employees report senior management has not communicated a plan concerning COVID-19 vaccinations. And 33% of employees report inconsistent communication from senior management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most companies will probably take the road of least resistance and encourage their employees to take the vaccine when it becomes available to non-health care workers.

HR departments will need to take the pulse of their organizations as well as whether or not it is necessary for them to be vaccinated to do their jobs. Organizations will need to address both the physical and mental safety of employees. When employees return to the office, companies are responsible not only for the physical well-being but also the comfort level of employees returning to the office. As companies look to the future, they will need to ensure that their policies adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA places limits on employers’ ability to make workers take medical tests or otherwise seek out medical information about them.

Employees will be looking for their employers for guidance around vaccines. Employers will be looking at their own state guidelines and who is eligible to be vaccinated and when.  As the vaccines continue to roll out, companies will need to decide how and when returning to the office will increase their productivity and profitability while ensuring the safety of their employees. There will be a transition period where companies will continue operating with a majority of their employees working remotely or a hybrid model; however, the vaccine provides hope for the majority of workers returning to the office. The office will forever look different. Social distancing and masks will be part of the work environment for the near future.

LinkedIn by the numbers: there are 30 thousand companies that use LinkedIn to recruit and post over 3 million jobs every month with 63 million decision makers on LinkedIn. It is no surprise that 95% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn.

Recruiters pay for some level of premium service monthly and source candidates within the platform as well as outside using Boolean searches and Google. LinkedIn is more than just your profile. LinkedIn is a large database that uses key fields to collect data that is searchable. As a job seeker your goal is to increase the amount of views you receive. It is not as daunting as you might think.

10 Simple Steps to Be Found on LinkedIn

1. Your profile needs to be visible by the public for the x-ray (Boolean) searching technique. You can control which sections of your profile will be visible outside of LinkedIn during a Google search. When you are in job search mode, you will want toggle these sections on and click Public.
2. Have a complete profile or an “All Star” status profile. Your LinkedIn profile has a Profile Strength meter which gauges how robust your profile is. According to LinkedIn users with a complete profile are 40X more likely to receive opportunities.
3. Your photo and a background photo. To achieve “All Star’ status you need a profile photo. By adding a profile photo you may receive up to 21X more profile views and 9X more connection requests. Add a background photo to support your brand and create a memorable story about you.
4. Customize your LinkedIn URL. This is a simple hack that takes under 60 seconds yet it is a powerful message that you are detailed oriented and technically savvy.
5. Ditch your old Headline. The default LinkedIn headline is your title at your last company. Your headline and your photo are the first two sections of your profile that recruiters see. A recruiter’s search begins with your headline so make the most of the 220 characters. Add multiple titles, key skills or a slogan.
   • Software Engineer , Frontend Engineer & Developer , Angular Developer
   • Vice President Sales Management & Business Development , Deliver IT Solutions to Change and Improve Lives
6. The About section has 2,600 characters and should be written in first person and entice the reader. Remember that there are millions of other people just like you with the same experience, skills and education but you are unique. The About statement is how you can tell recruiters, hiring managers and colleges about you and your unique selling position. Optimize this section by including industry standard titles, hard and soft skills, technical/computer skills, key career highlights, and your email address. Recruiters need a way to contact you and most of them are not connected to you so you need to add your job seeker email to the end of your About section.
7. Use Industry standard titles, certifications, and key skills. Utilize as many of the 100 characters available. Repeat your title as your first line of your job description (for example as a TITLE, I managed X researchers and was accountable for Y).
   • Certified Project Manager (PMP) & Program Manager Pharmaceutical R&D Development
8. Skills, add up to 50 skills to your profile.
9. Add Volunteer Experience to your profile. Volunteer work stands out on LinkedIn and you can include more details than on your resume.
10. Connections, by increasing your network you are increasing your chances of being connected to a recruiter or hiring manager. You can’t be found on LinkedIn if you are not connected to a recruiter either 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd degree.

Recruiters will find you by skills, keywords, and industry standard job titles. You can check your own statistics on how you are being found and by what words through your dashboard. The LinkedIn dashboard collects data on how many times your profile is viewed, what words were searched to find you, as well as how many times you appear in searches.