In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in career exploration has become increasingly significant and robust. From suggestions on resume writing and interview preparation, to recommendations for local job opportunities, AI tools are transforming how people approach their job search and career decisions, and for good reason.
After returning from a conference earlier this year, one message that stuck with me more than any other was that “AI knows more about you than you know about yourself.” And, while this statement may seem scary at first, if approached with curiosity and care, it might just mean that we have more to learn (and leverage) from AI than we think. Here are a few tips (developed with the assistance of Generative AI, of course!) to help with using it as a tool for good:
Use an Iterative and Conversational Approach
AI operates best when users engage in an ongoing dialogue with it. By adapting responses based on real-time inputs, you’re likely to get increasingly relevant and useful information. If at first you don’t get the answers you’d hoped for, continue to add more details into your search.
Move Beyond Job Titles
Use the full potential of AI by integrating multiple pieces of information into your conversation. For example, instead of exploring careers related to your current or previous job titles, try adding details about your skills, interests, and values, to broaden the career possibilities that you’re exposed to.
Use Prompts Effectively
Unlike a search engine that provides static results, AI leverages prompts to steer conversations. For instance, you can request for AI to do things such as “act like an expert in X” or “create a list of XYZ.” You can also define the context of the conversation or even provide examples of the information you’re hoping for to better set the direction.
Assign a Persona to AI
AI can adopt any number of different personas—mentor, friend, hiring manager, you name it. A persona-driven AI experience helps to make the process more engaging and personalized. While it can’t replace the expert guidance of a professional career counsellor, it can help to provide you with more tailored and useful information.
Always Test for Validity
As AI tools continue to be optimized for accuracy, it’s important that we continue to validate the information that we receive. Comparing AI suggestions with job market data and information from experts, for example, makes it so we can make informed decisions and choices about our work. For now, AI may be a good starting point for career exploration, but not an end point.
For help with navigating the use of Generative AI as a tool for career exploration and for support with your job search beyond AI, reach out to Canada Career Counselling. Book a consultation call today to start planning your next steps with confidence.
