Can you use ChatGPT in your job search? — Part 1
So you have caved. After seeing all the posts about ChatGPT on LinkedIn and such you have decided that you would like to give it a go yourself. After trying out random phrases you find yourself trying to utilise the tool for something useful… well this is the journey I took at least which has led me to write this article.
ChatGPT is essentially an ‘ask me anything’ system where you pose a question, and the AI will offer an answer which can take at face value or regenerated for a different response.
The tool is interesting to say the least, simple to use and quick… very quick.
The idea of this article is to explore if ChatGPT can be used to aid your job search. To determine this, I broke a typical job search down into several key areas: Research, Presentation, Interview and Offer.
Within each area I pose the system a list of questions and share the results, offering my own perspective if it is truly worth your time. Each time I ask the system to generate three answers but for the sake of this article, I share the best answer so you can see for yourself.
The article has been broken down into two parts, the first will cover Research and Presentation with part two covering Interview, Offer and my summary. I have included the answers in full so you can either run the questions yourself or utilise this article and revert when needed.
With that, let’s see if ChatGPT can indeed help you in your job search.
Research
Question: Who are the best companies to work for in location (Germany) for software development?
Answer:
It’s difficult to determine the “best” companies to work for in Germany as this can vary depending on an individual’s personal priorities and preferences. Some of the top companies to work for in Germany, according to surveys and rankings, include:
- SAP
- Bosch
- Daimler
- BMW
- Siemens
- Deutsche Telekom
- Lufthansa
- Allianz
- Volkswagen
- BASF
These companies are known for their strong corporate cultures, a good working environments, and opportunities for professional development. However, it’s important to consider what matters most to you in a job and to do your own research and due diligence.
My opinion:
This question can be excellent if you are intending to relocate to a city or country where your knowledge is limited to at least give you a focus point at the beginning of your job search. I wouldn’t rely on this to discover many organisations as each answer turned up the same list just in a different format.
Question: List job titles that a front-end developer can do.
Answer:
A front-end developer is responsible for building and maintaining the user-facing side of a website or application. Some common job titles for front-end developers include:
- Frontend Developer
- Frontend Web Developer
- Frontend Engineer
- Web Developer
- User Interface (UI) Developer
- UI Engineer
- Client-Side Developer
- JavaScript Developer
The specific job title may vary depending on the company and the specific responsibilities of the role. Some companies may use more specialized titles, such as “React Developer” or “Vue Developer,” to indicate a focus on a particular front-end JavaScript library or framework.
My Opinion:
Likely if you are a seasoned professional in your field, you might not ask the system this type of question but then again if you are new to a technology stack and/or interested in transitioning from one stack to another, having a clear list like this is very beneficial when exploring what possible opportunities might match your skills. It also gives you something more to search for when looking on job boards or when speaking with recruiters.
Question: What is the most common JavaScript framework in Berlin?
Answer:
It is difficult to determine the most common JavaScript framework in Berlin or any specific location, as the popularity of different frameworks can vary depending on a number of factors such as the specific needs of the project, the preferences of the development team, and the technology stack of the company.
That being said, some of the most popular JavaScript frameworks among developers worldwide include React, Angular, and Vue.js. In recent years, there has been a trend towards the use of lighter-weight and more modular frameworks such as Vue.js and React, but Angular is still widely used and has a strong developer community. It is always a good idea for developers to be familiar with multiple frameworks and libraries, as this can make them more flexible and adaptable in their work
My Opinion:
With more engineers being open-minded about switching stacks, understanding what is most popular is helpful to determine if you should switch or stick with your chosen technology. I opted to ask about frontend tools as this causes a lot of debate amongst the community, there is no right or wrong answer to your career but posing questions like this will help you stay relevant on the market and ensure your skills are in demand whenever you look to change jobs.
Question: What is the most critical issue facing the med-tech industry today?
Answer:
The medical technology (med-tech) industry is facing a number of challenges and critical issues. Some of the most significant issues facing the med-tech industry today include:
- Access to healthcare: Many people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, do not have access to essential medical technologies and treatments. This can be due to a variety of factors, including cost, availability, and infrastructure.
- Regulation and reimbursement: The med-tech industry is heavily regulated, and navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex and time-consuming. In addition, securing reimbursement for medical technologies from payers such as insurance companies can be challenging.
- Cybersecurity: Medical devices and systems are increasingly connected to the internet and are at risk of cyber attacks. Ensuring the security of medical technologies is essential to protect patient data and safety.
Answer condensed as you get the idea.
My Opinion:
Excellent industry insights that can help you tailor your cover letter and interviewing knowledge to showcase more interest. Of course, any term such as ‘med-tech’ is still rather broad, but you can search specific to any potential industry and adjust your approach based on this. It doesn’t matter if you are 1 year in the industry or 10, if you can highlight specific problems that the company might be facing and where your skills can help solve these issues you will stand out far more than just sharing a CV that is generic.
Question: Explain what DevOps really is.
Answer:
DevOps is a software development approach that emphasizes collaboration and communication between software developers and IT operations professionals. The goal of DevOps is to improve the speed and reliability of software releases by making it easier for developers to collaborate with IT operations and for both groups to work more closely together throughout the software development lifecycle.
One of the key principles of DevOps is to automate as much of the software delivery process as possible, using tools such as continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code. This helps to reduce the risk of errors, improve efficiency, and make it easier to deploy and manage software at scale.
In practice, DevOps involves a combination of cultural, technical, and process changes, and it requires a shift in mindset for both developers and IT operations professionals. By adopting a DevOps approach, organizations can improve their ability to deliver high-quality software quickly and reliably, and to respond more quickly to changing business needs.
My Opinion:
Technology is changing rapidly. New tools emerge, new practices and new approaches. Having the ability to ask and get a very clear answer is something I would highly recommend you make use of no matter your experience in the industry.
We don’t know everything and ChatGPT can certainly give us windows of information into the areas that we do not.
Researching a company / market / industry is a complex task. There are a lot of elements that can be (and should be) explored. ChatGPT is good at giving wider market context as we saw with certain technologies as well as some deep issues facing certain industries. These answers can not only help you plan your career moves better when it comes to the technologies you opt for but also set yourself apart during interviews with very specific market knowledge that an organisation (in our case in the med-tech field) might face.
I would couple the usage of ChatGPT with your traditional research methods to build a wider and specific base of the company, industry, and interviews but 100% use ChatGPT here.
Presentation
Question: Write an elevator pitch for a front-end developer that they can use on their job application.
Answer:
As a front-end developer with 3 years of experience building and maintaining user-facing websites and applications, I am confident in my ability to deliver high-quality, responsive, and intuitive interfaces for your customers. My expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as my familiarity with modern front-end frameworks such as React and Vue.js, make me well-equipped to tackle any project. In my current role, I have successfully led the development of several high-traffic websites, and I am skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are delivered on time and to specification. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your organization and make a meaningful contribution to your team.
My Opinion:
Very bland results, generalised and lacks real engagement. There is nothing specifically wrong with the wording or formatting, rather it is a buzz word fuelled pitch and your elevator pitch should be unique to your ability to solve a company problem. Although it touches upon someone’s unique skills here with the successful leading of several high-traffic websites, to really make a statement your elevator pitch should highlight something that the hiring manager will stop and really take note of.
I would advise against using ChatGPT here until the system can learn more about your personal background (maybe something for future products?).
Question: Write a LinkedIn connection message that a developer can send a potential hiring manager.
Answer:
Hello [Hiring Manager],
I hope this message finds you well. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience and accomplishments in the software development industry. As a [Developer], I am always looking for opportunities to learn from and connect with like-minded professionals, and I believe that your expertise and insights could be invaluable to me in my career.
I am currently seeking new opportunities in the [Location] area, and I am particularly interested in [Company/Industry]. I believe that my skills and experience make me an excellent fit for a role at your organization, and I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to your team.
I would love the chance to connect and learn more about your work and the opportunities available at [Company]. If you are open to it, I would welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with you to discuss how I might be able to contribute to your team.
Thank you for considering my request, I look forward to connecting with you.
Best regards, [Your Name]
My Opinion:
Aside from the obvious length, I was not blown away by ChatGPT here. What we got from a specific request for a LinkedIn connection message was an over-engineered pitch. A connection message is limited by characters therefore we cannot use the answers.
The structure is not bad, it flows nicely but doesn’t make me want to read more. As there was no specific company mentioned in the question the system has generalised the answer, therefore you can use this as a template of sorts, but I would highly recommend tailoring for the company, not just highlighting your interest but explicitly explaining why (research will help with this).
Question: Write an email that a candidate can send alongside their job application.
Answer:
Subject: [Job Title] Application — [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company]. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and believe that my skills and experience make me an excellent fit for this role.
As a [Previous Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in the [Industry] industry, I have developed a strong foundation in [Skill] and [Skill]. In my most recent role at [Previous Company], I [Achievement] and [Achievement], and I am confident that I would bring similar value to your team.
I am particularly drawn to [Company] because of [Reason for Interest in Company]. I believe that my skills and experience, combined with my passion for [Industry], make me a strong candidate for this position.
I have attached my resume for your review, and I would be happy to provide any additional information or clarification as needed. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Sincerely [Your Name]
My Opinion:
I was far more impressed with this answer than the previous one. Although still generalised it gives ample space to explain your specific interest in an opportunity. It is clear, concise, and professional, the only downside is that there is no call to action.
I would recommend using this as a template if you wish but adding in a call to action for a meeting/coffee or call to keep the process progressing. If it were me, however, I would remove the years of experience element, years is a number, but your ability is more impressive (but that is just me!).
Question: Write a step-by-step career plan to secure a new job.
Answer:
1) Define your career goals: Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve in your career. Consider your strengths, interests, and long-term aspirations, and think about the types of roles and industries that would be a good fit for you.
2) Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Make sure that your resume and LinkedIn profile accurately reflect your skills, experience, and achievements, and highlight the relevant aspects of your background that make you a strong candidate for your desired roles. Consider seeking the help of a professional resume writer or career coach if you need assistance with this step.
3) Network and build your professional connections: Networking can be a powerful tool in your job search. Attend industry events, join relevant professional organizations, and reach out to people in your field to build your network and make connections that could potentially lead to job opportunities.
4) Search for job openings and apply: Use job boards, company websites, and other resources to identify job openings that align with your career goals. Tailor your application materials to each specific role, highlighting the skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the position.
5) Prepare for and ace the job interview: Once you land an interview, make sure to prepare thoroughly. Research the company, review common interview questions and practice answering questions out loud. During the interview, be sure to showcase your skills and experience and emphasize how you can contribute to the company’s success.
6) Negotiate the job offer: If you receive a job offer, be prepared to negotiate the terms of your employment. This may include your salary, benefits, and other factors. It can be helpful to research industry norms and have a clear idea of what you are looking for in an offer before entering into negotiations.
7) Onboard and thrive in your new role: Once you have secured a new job, make sure to take the time to learn about your new company and team, and establish a plan for success in your new role. Stay open to learning and development opportunities, and be proactive in building relationships and contributing to the team.
My Opinion:
The system produced exactly what I would want to know if I was embarking on a job change. Some aspects of the answer are obvious however taking a moment to understand what a clear step-by-step process should look like at the beginning just allows you to not miss anything along the way.
I particularly liked that it didn’t just offer the step but some further information after, this will hopefully get you thinking a bit larger than just ‘find a job’.
Question: Write a resume for a frontend developer with 3 years of experience at 2 companies.
Answer:
[Your Name] [City] [Phone Number] [Email]
Summary:
Highly skilled and experienced Front-End Developer with a passion for building intuitive and engaging user interfaces. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and to specification, with 3 years of experience in the industry. Strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as familiarity with modern frameworks such as React and Vue.js.
Professional Experience
Front-End Developer [Company 1] [Location] [Date — Present]
- Led the development of several high-traffic websites, resulting in an [Percentage] increase in user engagement.
- Implemented responsive design and ensured cross-browser compatibility across all projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects were delivered on time and to specification.
- Mentored junior developers on front-end best practices and technologies.
Front-End Developer [Company 2] [Location] [Date — Date]
- Developed and maintained a portfolio of client websites, using a variety of front-end technologies and frameworks.
- Worked closely with clients to understand their business needs and design custom solutions.
- Improved website performance and SEO through optimization techniques and best practices.
Education
[Degree] in [Field]
- University [Location] [Date]
Skills
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- React
- Vue.JS
- Responsive Design
- Cross-Browser compatibility
- SEO optimization
- Mentorship
My Opinion:
The layout looks good, it is clear and the experience under each opening is informative as well as skill covering (technologies, mentoring, growth). The CV is not a finished article by any means, it is lacking an enticing introduction that will make the reader want more as well as specific company/project descriptions.
However, these elements are individual to you, therefore by way of producing what I asked the system handle the question well. It is a good start and will allow you to see how a tech CV can be structured if you have never written one before. I would suggest you use this to start but then finish the profile with specific details about your career/experiences.
There is a lot more I could have asked the system around CV writing and messaging, but I will let you explore that in your own time. Some of the questions I posed ChatGPT gave some impressive answers, things I advise when speaking with job seekers whilst others were too generalised.
I would advise anything in which you need to put your own personality across and sell (messaging, CV writing, elevator pitch etc.) you write yourself. Nobody knows you better than you, so best not to leave your chances up to the AI.
That said, layouts were a lot more impressive than I was expecting, so I would suggest you utilise ChatGPT to help get you started when presenting yourself but not rely only on this.
Part 2 and the full summary will be available soon, stay tuned. In the meantime, feel free to check out ChatGPT yourself or share this article with a friend if you feel they would benefit from reading it.
