AI is proving to be tremendously helpful in identifying career paths, career pivots, and specific types of jobs that are that are the most likely to result in success and satisfaction. I use it in a very specific way when guiding my clients who are looking for a change or a reboot to energize their professional lives.
FIRST: I have them write a narrative of 250 – 300 words which includes highlights of their professional background, a description of their strengths and the work-related things they most enjoy doing, plus whatever parameters they are able to specify about the direction or type of position they’d like to pursue. Examples of this might include “want to stay in the DMV area;” “A hybrid position;” “A minimum salary of “$150 K;” “a role in a larger organization where I can advance in responsibility, and lead motivated teams;” “contribute to improving the well-being of young adults.”
SECOND: I review their resume to ensure that it includes key words and bullets that point in the direction they have described in the narrative.
THIRD: We submit the narrative and resume to Chat GPT, Claude or another AI platform with a request for suggestions of either career directions, organizations to explore, appropriate titles or whatever other elements or combinations of elements that “fit the bill” outlined in the narrative.
Generally, a rich list of specific suggestions is generated, which takes into account the material in the resume and the narrative plus:
- Market Data & Trends: AI scans external data on job market demand, industry growth, salary benchmarks, and common career trajectories to suggest realistic paths.
- Pattern Recognition: AI analyzes millions of professional profiles to suggest logical “next steps” or “pivots” based on how others with similar backgrounds have progressed.
I then review the list with my client, narrowing the choices down for deeper exploration via online research and teeing up conversations with people in those organizations/ jobs/fields.
The biggest negatives I’ve encountered with the use of AI in career related work is with resume, LinkedIn profile and cover letter generation/editing.
First of all there’s often an over-enhancement of skills and accomplishments. A resume that exaggerates the impact you may have had in a previous job might get you through the first hurdle for interview consideration (the ATS or Applicant Tracking System). But you’re sure to strike out in the interview if you’re unable to back up the claims in the resume.
Second, the phrases generated by AI are often stiff and formulaic. A resume example: “I excel in spearheading strategic evolution and driving its effective implementation.” Or a shorter one that might appear in a cover letter: “In conclusion.” Read the suggested phrasing out loud; if it sounds like something a person wouldn’t say in a business conversation try to find a less formal way of saying it.
