AI Uses and Prompts

The following prompts have been developed by CPD for use with Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. Fields highlighted in purple indicate optional or customizable sections. Some of these fields have been pre-filled with sample information, which you should modify or delete as needed.

Once customized, these prompts should perform well when copied and pasted into an LLM. In some cases, the prompt may suggest that you provide additional information, such as content from your resume or cover letter, either by uploading a document or pasting text directly. Adjust this field [pasted below/uploaded] accordingly.

The prompts work with Chat GPT, and potentially, other platforms. Please feel free to experiment, altering or adapting the prompt as you see fit, to generate the best result. Remember, you can always meet with a CPD Career Coach to discuss how to optimize your results and consider them in a human context.

For each use, reflect on the results and follow these best practices:

Best Practices for AI Usage

  1. Leverage AI Strengths: Harness AI’s ability to analyze patterns, generate varied responses, and process information quickly for career brainstorming, industry research, and document optimization. However, always validate the output with your own contextual understanding, personal experience, and emotional intelligence to ensure the results are both accurate and meaningful.
  2. Fact-Check and Personalize: Be aware that AI may produce generic or incorrect information, so critical review and editing are necessary. Always verify the accuracy of AI-generated content and personalize it to fit your reality, style, and voice. In the digital era of job applications, employers are increasingly equipped to detect AI-generated content, so relying solely on automated outputs may jeopardize your application. Always infuse AI-generated content with your unique voice and style.
  3. Privacy Considerations: Avoid inputting sensitive personal information (e.g., your full name, email address, cell number, etc.) into AI tools to protect your privacy. Avoid sharing and uploading confidential employer information, especially if you were working under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This is something to be mindful of in general when describing your tasks and projects in resumes and cover letters. The best practice is to err on the side of caution and avoid using AI when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
  4. Context Stuffing: Provide the AI with specific content, context, or information to improve the relevance and quality of the results. By “stuffing” the prompt with detailed instructions, examples, or sources (such as content from your resume or prior cover letters), you can guide the AI to produce more usable and personalized results.
  5. Experiment and Iterate: Don’t hesitate to re-prompt and refine AI-generated content multiple times to achieve the best results.

Prompt Library

Based on my interests in [Literary analysis, Creative writing, Theater and performance, Social justice and activism, Live music production]; my major(s) / academic interests in [English] and [Studio Art]; my values of [fairness, integrity]; my strengths in [leadership and public speaking]; and the experiences outlined in my resume [pasted below/uploaded]; current career ideas in [xxx]; suggest 12 potential career ideas. Please weigh all aspects equally and consider how my transferable skills might align with each option. The suggested career ideas should be internally validated against the OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (see: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm). Include a range of sectors including corporate, non-profit, others. This information will be used for career exploration. For each career idea, provide a brief description, including common projects, tasks, duties, typical entry-level job titles, and typical companies/organizations/contexts. Resume: [paste]

Tell me about the role of [Communications Assistant]. What are typical projects like in this job? What is a typical day like? What impacts would I make? How much money would I make? What is the life/work balance like? What is the career trajectory like, including further education to advance?

Help me to identify verifiable current industry trends in the field of [corporate communications / public relations]. For example, what are the growth prospects in this field? What are emerging topics or areas I should be aware of? Verify with reliable sources, such as career-specific subpages of the OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (see: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm), and others. Please suggest reliable resources I might use to gather more information, such as particular and specific pages associated with the career within the OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If displaying links, you must display in fully displayed, un-nested URL format, e.g.: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm#tab-6

I’m a student seeking to network with alumni for career insights. Please help me draft a concise (100-150 words) cold networking message for [LinkedIn/Email]. The message should be directed to an alum currently working in [insert field or organization name]. I want to express my motivation to connect, whether it’s due to [“their role at Google” or “their articles on modern finance trends”]. I’m in my [insert academic year, e.g., “sophomore year”], and I’m exploring [insert area of interest, e.g., “career paths in data analytics”]. I’m particularly interested in [insert occupations or employers, e.g., “data visualization roles at innovative startups”]. My goal is to seek insights and advice based on their industry experience and post-graduation journey. The message should be polished, concise, and include a clear call-to-action inviting the alum to engage. Additionally, provide a strong subject line.

Headline Prompt:

Create a LinkedIn Headline (150-character limit) that incorporates the most common keywords for the role of [XXXX] in the career area of [XXXX]. Use my [resume] as a reference. Follow this structure: Keywords and phrases related to key job functions | I help people/orgs achieve [specific outcome] with a unique approach [explain briefly how]. Wait for me to provide my [resume] before proceeding.

Summary Prompt:

Craft a concise, compelling, and professional LinkedIn summary (200-300 words) that captures my academic and practical experiences along with my career ambitions. The tone should be personable and business casual. After graduation, I aim to work in [career area XXXX], with long-term aspirations in [XXXX]. Using my [resume] for reference, highlight academic, internship, and/or research experiences that have deepened my understanding of [field of interest]. Reflect my personal values and characteristics, along with personal interests and unique facts about me. I plan to bring my academic knowledge, practical experience, and personal skills into a professional setting. Generate 4 alternative summaries that I might consider. Wait for me to provide my [resume] before proceeding.

Paste the multi step prompt all at once into the AI

[start of prompt]

1. Task: Analyze the job/internship posting provided to identify and categorize the following:

  1. Keywords
  2. Hard Skill Requirements + aligned Action verbs
  3. Soft Skill Requirements + aligned Action verbs
  4. Desired Experience/Accomplishments
  5. Educational Background

2. Instructions:

  • Organize findings under the appropriate category headings, using the exact words and phrases as they appear in the job description. List findings in order of importance, based on frequency and context

3. Purpose: This information will be strategically used to tailor a resume and cover letter

4. Job Description: [uploaded / pasted text]

[end of prompt]

Paste the multi step prompt all at once into the AI

[start of prompt]

Assist me in identifying key words, skills, and phrases to prepare for an AI-screened interview. Proceed along these exact steps:

  1. Job Description Submission: First, ask me to provide the job description.
  2. Resume and Cover Letter Submission: Then, prompt me to provide my resume, and if available, my cover letter.
  3. Overlap Analysis: Analyze submitted documents and identify overlaps between the job description, resume, and cover letter using the following criteria. Only include elements that are common across all provided documents.
    • Keywords: Words and phrases crucial for the role.
    • Hard Skills: Technical abilities and specialized knowledge.
    • Soft Skills: Interpersonal and transferable skills.
    • Action Verbs: Words that align with the identified hard and soft skills.
    • Important Experience/Accomplishments: Specific experiences or achievements emphasized in the job description.
    • Educational Background: Required or preferred academic qualifications.
  4. Output: Arrange the overlapped findings under their respective category headings, listed in order of importance based on frequency and context within the job description.

This information will be used to help me strategically prepare my interview answers.

[end of prompt]

Sequentially, use this prompt to follow the prior prompt: Keyword/Skills Overlap Scanner (Job Posting, Resume, Cover Letter) for AI Interview Prep

[start of prompt]

Play the role of an expert career coach. Based on the specific job description provided earlier [or provided here], as well as typical and similar positions in [this field], suggest a set of [technical*],  behavioral, and fit interview questions I should prepare for. After I craft responses, evaluate them for alignment with the job description’s Keywords, Hard Skills, Soft Skills, Transferable Skills, Action Verbs, Important Experiences/Accomplishments, and Educational Background. Additionally, offer constructive feedback, including sample responses that demonstrate optimal alignment with the job description.

[end of prompt]

*Important note: when preparing for technical interview questions, it is strongly advised to consult with a CPD coach, appropriate resource, or industry professional for targeted preparation guidance. Using AI for technical prep should not the only strategy you use.

[start of prompt]

Task: Adapt my current cover letter to target a new [internship/job description], incorporating relevant information from my [resume]. Ensure the tone remains professional yet approachable, closely matching the existing content, experience descriptions, and overall tone.

Instructions:

  1. Retain and align content: Keep all existing core experience content intact, but strategically align this content with the new [internship/job description]; also, selectively integrate additional experience from my [resume] that strategically aligns with the new [internship/job description]. 
  2. Alignment of key skills and relevant experience: Highlight and align key hard/soft skills, transferable skills, and relevant experience to match the new job requirements and context.
  3. Structure:
    • Introduction: Clearly state my interest in the employer/industry, the specific position, and succinctly mention the key qualities I bring.
    • Body: Over multiple paragraphs, detail how my skills and experiences are beneficial to the position, explicitly linking them to the job description. Aim for similar length and level of detail.
    • Closing: Reaffirm my interest in the role, explain why, and include a call to action that facilitates a reply.

Important: Do not proceed until the following documents are provided: [existing cover letter], [resume], [internship/job description].

[end of prompt]