How can Chat GP support you in the job application process? I wanted to know whether it could identify my ‘super power’.
I won’t be the only careers professional who has been flirting with Chat GPT , exploring where it might save time and energy in my work with others. As I’m sure you’re also discovering, what you get out of Chat GPT is only as good as what you put in. And even then the responses are often ‘vanilla’ – pretty bland. Defining exactly what you want and asking the right question is key.
However, as a starting point, to generate ideas and raw material which you can then personalise, it can be helpful. In particular, where you are looking to summarise your key qualities in a personal statement on your CV, or perhaps in response to an interview questions such as ‘what qualities would you bring to this role?’ To try this out, I first identified a number of my key Strengths as outlined in the Strengths profile. You can complete a FREE Strengths profile to identify yours.
I asked Chat GPT:
“If these are my qualities: Directness, Connector, Rapport Builder, Innovation and Impact, what is my Super Power? Please express in the First Person.”
Chat GPT responded with:
Based on my qualities as someone who is Direct, a Connector, a Rapport Builder, Innovative, and Impact-driven, my superpower is “Strategic Networking.” I have the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with individuals and groups who can help advance my goals and objectives. My direct communication style, connector mindset, and rapport-building skills make me well-suited for creating and nurturing a diverse network of contacts that can help me achieve success in various areas of my life. I am always seeking out new and innovative ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships that can drive positive change. As a strategic networker, I have the power to bring people together, foster collaboration, and create a culture of innovation that benefits everyone involved. My ability to leverage my network and tap into the collective knowledge, experience, and resources of others is a rare and valuable skill that can help.
My thoughts?
I must say I felt rather pleased with myself, reading through Chat GPT’s response. Whilst it’s a bit lengthy, I could see how I could create a punchier version for a CV or my LinkedIn profile. I could prepare a response in readiness for an interview question from this. And it was a fun way to generate some raw material very quickly. N.B. This is just the starting point!
However, it would be easy to become complacent and stop at this point. There is still work required in tailoring and personalising the text. For example, If I go for an interview and am asked ‘What Strengths would you bring to this role‘ I might reply, ‘As a strategic networker, I have the power to bring people together, foster collaboration, and create a culture of innovation that benefits everyone involved….my ability to leverage my network means I can make a positive difference to others.‘
Not unreasonably an employer will then ask: ‘Can you illustrate by giving us an example?’ You then need to tailor and qualify your strengths – to which I would then need to personalise with a specific example such as:
‘I’ve long been an advocate of gender equity. A few years’ ago I persuaded my line manager to enable me to become a licensed Springboard trainer. Springboard is the internationally acclaimed Women’s Development programme and I wanted to support female staff at the University to help them progress more quickly in their career. I used the evidence base of the Gender Pay Gap to make the case and persuaded the Assistant Registrar to fund the programme. It was extremely popular, with a high proportion of staff progressing internally within a few months. I shared the programme feedback and data with key stakeholders and Springboard was used in the Gender Pay Gap report as an example of good practice.’
In summary
Chat GPT can be helpful- if you clearly define what you want- and then ensure you evidence them with relevant, personalised examples. It can be easier than staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike. You may also want to mix/change the combination of strengths or qualities you add, or the examples you use depending on the role you’re applying for, in order to make your Strengths or Super Power resonate.
Originally published on www.thecareercatalyst.co.uk