Using Generative AI
(AI) offers transformative potential in supporting students’ professional development. By integrating AI tools into their career exploration and job search, students can receive guidance tailored to their unique goals.
NCA encourages students to use AI as a supplementary tool only. Students should continue to produce their own work and critically analyze the information generative AI produces. This approach not only maximizes the benefits of AI but also safeguards against potential risks.
Important considerations while using AI tools
- Be selective about suggestions you take from AI. Cross-check the content it offers you for accuracy and use tools that cite sources.
- Incorporate your personal voice and ideas. Not only does this make you stand out, but employers may use AI content detectors. Your application could be denied if it is considered plagiarized.
- When using AI tools, omit personal identifying information from documents and text to ensure data privacy.
- Assess data integrity including the sources and how current they are. Several AI tools are trained by data that ends up to a certain year.
How to write effective prompts for generative AI:
To use a generative AI tool, start by inputting a prompt, which could be a phrase, question, or set of instructions. The AI then utilizes natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to generate a tailored response. To achieve the best results, consider the following tips for crafting effective prompts:
- Provide context. For example, rather than stating “review this resume” include “You are an experienced recruiter at a biotechnology company who is hiring an entry-level research assistant. Offer detailed suggestions to enhance this resume based on the needs and expectations for this role.”
- Be specific about the desired output including length, format, and style. Would you like the response to be 250 characters or 3 paragraphs? Would you prefer paragraph format, a bulleted list, or a table? Should the tone be casual or formal?
- Provide examples! For instance, you can insert a job description, company website, LinkedIn profile, or cover letter to better direct the AI tool on what to provide.
- Build on the request. Like a conversation, you can follow-up to the response from your initial prompt to refine your request or build on what the generative AI tool is providing you.
Generative AI Prompt Examples
How to Utilize AI in: Career Exploration
Explore career paths by prompting AI to generate career options based off of your interests, skillset, or goals.
Example prompts:
- Generate 10 entry level job titles that fit my [insert] skills, [insert] interests, and [insert] major.
- Please list 5 examples of entry level jobs that blend someone’s interest in [insert industry] and technology? Include the company name, then the job title, and then the salary.
- What job functions require strong writing skills for the primary job responsibilities?
- What are non-technical career paths in the tech industry that utilize [insert] skills?
- List 10 [insert industry] companies that are headquartered in the Chicago area that hire entry-level research roles?
- Name 5 career paths that combine my skills and knowledge from [insert] major/discipline and [insert] major/discipline?
- Give me career paths that match [insert] Holland Code and [insert] MBTI type?
How to Utilize AI in: Resume and Cover Letters
Begin a rough draft or outline and request AI to offer feedback based off of the specific application you are tailoring it for.
Example prompts:
- You are an experienced recruiter at an [insert industry] company who is hiring an entry-level [insert job title]. Based off the job description below, offer 5 suggestions to enhance this resume based on the needs and expectations for this role.
- Highlight transferable skills of [insert skill] and [insert skill] in my resume.
- Put this resume bullet point [insert] into the STAR format, which is Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Based on my resume, add a paragraph to my cover letter that demonstrates my [insert] skills. Then include a sentence on how these [insert] skills will help me be successful as an [insert job title].
How to Utilize AI in: Interview Preparation
Prepare for interviews by prompting AI to offer sample questions and answers specific to the given industry and role.
Example prompts:
- Generate the 10 most likely interview questions based on this job description. And provide sample answers to these interview questions based off my resume.
- What technical knowledge do I need to know for an investment banking interview. A follow-up question can be: What are the steps to complete a discounted cash flow analysis?
- Based on this job description and the location in [insert], what is the entry-level salary range for the type of position with [insert] degree and the specific position at [insert] company?
How to Utilize AI in: Networking
Leverage AI to craft networking emails and elevator pitches that you can use in informational interviews, coffee chats, and career fairs.
Example prompts:
- Generate a 200-character LinkedIn connection request based on this profile [insert LinkedIn URL] and my interest in [insert] industry.
- Create an engaging elevator pitch for networking given my profile [insert LinkedIn URL].
- I have a background in [insert specialty or industry], and I value having a culture of mentorship and growth. What are 5 questions I could ask in a networking conversation to better understand those values at work?