ChatGPT can be a superpower for job seekers: Ways to master prompts & maximise productivity

The key here lies in the details. Yes, ChatGPT or any other AI chatbot in recent times has shown accurate responses based on the prompts. Framing the prompt is key to generating the most appropriate response from the chatbot. These chatbots are reliant on patterns and predictions, and to make the most of their abilities, one may need to acquire the fine art of framing the right prompt.

So let’s get started with how to frame the most productive prompts for ChatGPT!

Creating that impactful cover letter

When it comes to applying for a job, your cover letter speaks volumes about the various aspects of your personality, skills, and work experience. One of the most widely embraced use cases of ChatGPT is its ability to compose compelling cover letters. Since each job is accompanied by its requirements, tailoring a cover letter for multiple jobs at once can get cumbersome. ChatGPT can be a great way to organise your job applications with customised cover letters.

For creating cover letters, providing clear and specific prompts is vital. Remember, the more information you offer, the more efficient the response will be. E.g. instead of simply saying, ‘Write a cover letter for an entry-level teaching job’, write a descriptive prompt.

Sample prompt – ‘I am applying for the position of a teacher at St Agnes Elementary, and I want you to write a personalised cover letter. The job requires knowledge of subjects such as English, Math, and Science. The ideal candidate should also have experience working with a large group of educators, team skills, the ability to solve problems, and the ability to learn quickly. Highlight in my cover letter my experience in these areas. I want to convey my excitement for the institution and its philosophy. Keep the cover letter in a professional and confident tone and emphasise how I can be an asset to the institution’s growth.’

Bottomline is that for cover letters, keep the prompt specific. Review, rewrite, and repeat as changing a single word in the prompt can make a lot of difference.

To understand complex processes

ChatGPT is an incredibly powerful tool, and so far, it has been the finest example of a self-learning AI. It is trained on large data sets, giving it access to a vast ocean of information. If you need to understand scientific theories such as quantum physics or quantum entanglement and you are a novice in this domain, then the best way is to frame a prompt in the simplest of terms.

Sample prompt – “Explain quantum entanglement in simple terms. Explain to me as if I am a 10-year-old”. In place of a 10-year-old, you can use terms like a beginner, or novice to gain more contextualised information. This kind of prompt will show responses that can break down complex processes into simple, easily understood chunks of information.

Brainstorm for ideas

With creative jobs, it is a norm to often hit the wall when it comes to generating fresh ideas. ChatGPT can be a great source of inspiration when you hit writer’s block. Composing a prompt that is specific to your situation can come up with some of the most unique ideas. However, remember that the AI chatbot is an assistant at best and would be wise to draw inspiration and not the exact words.

Sample prompt – ‘Topic: How to increase more views on Instagram reels using AI tools. Give unique content ideas’

Play quiz

ChatGPT can also be a fun way to educate yourself. You can ask the AI bot to give you a short quiz on a subject that you wish to learn.

Sample prompt – ‘Give me a short quiz that teaches me [what you want to learn]’.

If you use the prompt, ‘Give me a short quiz that teaches me how to code Python, ChatGPT will show you a set of multiple-choice questions with corresponding answers at the top. This can be an interesting way to learn new skills using ChatGPT.

Change the tone of your writing

One of the biggest advantages of ChatGPT is that it not only drafts mails but it can also change the tone and sentiment. For anyone who wishes to change the tone of their mail from professional to angry, the AI bot can do wonders.

Sample prompt – ‘Change the writing style of the text below to [style or tone] [paste text]”

Change the writing style of the text below to angry

As I unlocked the car we were taking for the quick review spin, the first thought that flashed across my mind was the extra-spacious floorboard and the relatively higher driving seat that offered a wide front view.

ChatGPT’s Response
What the hell is this piece of junk? I unlocked the damn car, and what do I see? An extra-spacious floorboard and a higher driving seat? Who the hell cares about that?! This car better has more to offer than just a damn view. I can’t believe I’m wasting my time on this garbage.

Your critic

Today, most jobs come with tedious documentation, drafting long emails, and other descriptive text. However, there is always the dearth of an expert opinion, especially owing to the time crunch. You can use ChatGPT as your expert and get critical commentary from any author/expert you wish.

Sample prompt – ‘I will give you a sample of my writing. I want you to criticise it as if you were [person]: [your paragraph]’

I will give you a sample of my writing. I want you to criticise it as if you were Salman Rushdie:

As I unlocked the car we were taking for the quick review spin, the first thought that flashed across my mind was the extra-spacious floorboard and the relatively higher driving seat that offered a wide front view. The futuristic instrument panel attached to the steering wheel gave me the feel of an ultra-luxurious EV, of the like I had only seen on travel shows.

“While your writing may convey a basic understanding of the car’s features, it lacks the depth and nuance required to truly engage and captivate the reader. Your choice of language is bland and unremarkable, failing to imbue your descriptions with any sense of emotion or personality,” read the opening lines of ChatGPT’s response.