Alright students, listen up. Anxiety is high, morale is low. You’re staring down the barrel of the career world, and it’s terrifying. You’ve got friends who seem to have it all figured out while you’re just trying to survive finals week. Enter ChatGPT: your new, non-judgmental career counselor. I know, I know, you’re been scolded by professors to not use it for writing your papers, doing your homework, or take tests for you. But think of it like this—you’ve got this AI that’s not here to tell you to “follow your passion” or give you vague pep talks about how “it’ll all work out.” Instead, ChatGPT is here to actually help you get your act together.

Need help narrowing down a major? ChatGPT’s got you covered. Want tips on networking without sounding desperate? It can do that too. This isn’t about finding a dream job in some magical, pain-free way; it’s about making career decisions that don’t suck, ones that’ll actually get you somewhere. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here—ChatGPT can help you figure out what jobs fit your skills, how to tailor your resume, and even how to navigate those cringe-inducing interview questions. Here are my 7 Tips on how best use it. Your future self will thank you for it.

1. Resume and Cover Letter Optimization

• Personalized Advice: ChatGPT can provide tailored tips on writing a strong resume and cover letter, including keyword optimization to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Grammar and Clarity: It can help proofread and polish application materials to ensure professionalism and clarity.

2. Job Search Strategy

• Job Platforms: ChatGPT can recommend the best job search platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake (popular for students), and Indeed, as well as help students navigate these platforms effectively.
• Networking Advice: It can offer tips on how to build and leverage a professional network, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Job Matching: Based on a student’s interests and skills, ChatGPT can suggest potential career paths or industries and offer guidance on finding relevant positions.

3. Interview Preparation

• Mock Interviews: ChatGPT can simulate job interviews, offering sample questions and feedback on responses.
• Behavioral Questions: It can help prepare for common behavioral questions and provide the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure answers.

4. Career Exploration

• Exploring Options: Students unsure about what career to pursue can use ChatGPT for exploring various industries, roles, and growth prospects.
• Career Development Advice: It can guide students on internships, certifications, or skills that will boost their employability in specific fields.

5. Salary Negotiation

• Guidance on Offers: ChatGPT can offer advice on how to evaluate job offers, negotiate salaries, and understand benefits packages.

6. Freelance and Part-Time Opportunities

• Freelancing Guidance: ChatGPT can help students identify part-time or freelance opportunities in their field, offering insights into platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

7. Company Research

• Employer Insights: ChatGPT can help students research companies, including their culture, values, and job openings, helping them tailor applications accordingly.

By using my tips, ChatGPT can serve as a comprehensive tool for guiding college students through the job search process—from application to landing a position. Most importantly, using these tips will give you creative support, decrease your fears, and provide a bit more hope into the future of work for you.