Part 2
I’m sharing my experience to encourage seniors or retirees to try new journeys. Often we’re intimidated by technology and all its jargon. We don’t have to be.
In Part 1 of this blog mapped out my new path to employment and the possibilities AI technology offers.
Part 2 is about the HOW TO use AI as a guide for your own employment journey.
Have a Conversation with Your AI Guide
Let’s call it Bot!
Think of it this way… you’re chatting with Bot over coffee, just as you would with a new acquaintance. Nothing too consequential. Thankfully you don’t have to discuss the traffic or the weather, unless of course you want to. You can simply enjoy the company because what you have on the other side of your computer is your own, personal, extremely knowledgeable assistant.
Congratulations!
In fact, you can tell Bot exactly which person you want it to be!
How to Use AI for Job Placement Assistance
When using AI for job placement assistance, you can tailor your prompts to get more accurate and relevant answers. For example, if you’re seeking a placement officer’s advice, you can instruct Bot to take on that specific role. Alternatively, if you are unsure, you can ask questions without setting predefined parameters.
Example Prompt:
Your first prompt (which is what a question is called in AI speak) might be: “What defines a highly successful placement officer?”
Once Bot provides its response, you can build on this by giving it a specific scenario. For example: “You are an experienced placement officer with ABJ Recruiting, the leading specialist in re-employment of retirees. I need you to help me find the right job. What information should I provide to get the best guidance from you?”
You can continue to ask follow-up questions as needed. Once satisfied with the responses, you can outline your thoughts using the steps Bot might suggest.
Step-by-step Guide:
Identify Your Skills: List five skills you consider strong.
Highlight Key Strengths: Identify five skills that are your strongest.
Broaden Your Definition of Skills: Don’t limit yourself—include life experiences that could count as skills, even if they aren’t traditionally labeled as such. For example, caring for an elderly parent or organizing a community event.
List Pertinent Demographics: Include qualifications, previous job roles, availability, etc.
Create a Snapshot Profile: Combine the above information into a concise paragraph that reflects who you are and what kind of job you are looking for.
- Example Snapshot Profile:
I am an active retiree with strong skills in [List Points 1-2]. I am seeking a job that brings in a minimum of $1000/month after tax and fits my more sedentary lifestyle. I maintain an active routine, including daily exercise and swimming, and I am an enthusiastic member of the Garden Club. I prefer hybrid work arrangements, splitting time between home and a location within 25 minutes of my residence. My qualifications include [List Demographics Point 4], such as education, awards, job positions held, and relevant accomplishments. My ideal work hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM, but I’m open to exceptions for the right job.
Your snapshot profile should include:
• Who you are
• Your preferred lifestyle
• The work you can do
• Your available work hours
• Your location preferences
• Your salary requirements
• Any other important factors
Beginning your AI-powered Job Search
Now that you have your snapshot profile, it’s time to start your AI-assisted job search. Open your AI platform and enter your first prompt. You could say something like: “Good morning. Given this snapshot profile, what kinds of jobs should I apply for?”
Or perhaps:
“What are the job opportunities for someone with [specific qualification]?”
Ask your questions and include your snapshot profile in the prompt. The AI platform will provide suggestions, and you can refine your prompts as needed. If you don’t understand a response, ask the AI to elaborate, e.g., “Expand on your description of voiceover proficiency” or “Give me a step-by-step plan for finding remote jobs for seniors.”
Refining Your Search.
Continue refining your questions until you have the information you need. When you’re satisfied, start searching for jobs based on the AI’s recommendations. Be prepared to repeat the process if necessary.
Be creative with your prompts, and use AI to its fullest. For example, you can ask the Bot to help you rewrite your resume, draft an application letter, or suggest an outline.
Personalizing Your Application.
While AI can assist in drafting application letters, it’s important to personalize them. Avoid sounding robotic—authenticity is key.
Remember, you are a human and Bot is not (sorry). Use AI as an assistant, not a replacement for a human. Stay confident in your abilities, and let AI help streamline your job search.