Some jobs look great on paper but leave you feeling unfulfilled once you’re there. Similarly, I’ve known people who’ve had roles they almost didn’t take but ended up loving. So what’s the difference? Clarity.
That’s why, using ChatGPT as a sounding board and not just something to help polish resumes or prepare for an interview, can be a game changer when you’re looking for your next role.
Using AI to get radically honest about what you want out of your career can be eye-opening. Use these 5 prompts to help figure out what energizes you, uncover hidden talents and truly discover what kind of job you should be looking for.
If you’re stuck in a role that doesn’t fit or just don’t know what’s next, start here.
1. Uncover themes and patterns
Prompt: “What patterns or themes can you find in my past jobs, hobbies, and successes?”
Maybe you feel directionless after a layoff, or you feel underemployed and unsure of what you’re meant to do. This prompt gives ChatGPT permission to spot connections you might overlook like how your love of coaching soccer could tie into leadership or mentorship roles.
To get started you could either upload your resume (removing all sensitive, confidential and personal information first) or give ChatGPT a short paragraph describing your background and interests, then ask the prompt.
2. Discover new roles
Prompt: “What are 5 job titles I might love based on this list of what energizes me and what I’m good at?”
Use this prompt if you’re burned out or bored and want fresh career ideas. Instead of just chasing trending roles, this prompt flips the script and starts with you.
You could mention how much you love problem-solving, mentoring others, writing clearly or working independently and ChatGPT can pull up roles that fit your wants and needs.
Try asking ChatGPT to search the web for open roles so you can start applying right away.
3. Immerse yourself in the role
Prompt: “Write a ‘day in the life’ for someone in this job — and make it realistic.”
Once you’ve found a potential role, you may wonder if it’s a good fit. This is the time to ask ChatGPT to help you understand what a typical day might look like.
This takes the job title off the pedestal and shows you what the actual work might feel like day-to-day.
You could even try this with multiple roles and compare them. For example, you could ask, “Write a day in the life of a UX researcher vs. a content strategist” to get max clarity.
4. Maintain stability
Prompt: “What are 3 ways I can test this career path before quitting my current job?”
If you’ve ever regretted a job switch, this prompt will probably feel familiar. Use it to explore what you want without risking your current stability.
The prompt works by keeping you from making impulsive moves and instead helps you gather evidence before committing.
ChatGPT might suggest freelancing, informational interviews or networking possibilities to help gather necessary information.
5. Start exploring
Prompt: “Based on my background and goals, write me a LinkedIn ‘About’ section that positions me for this next chapter.”
When you’re ready to act, use this prompt to shift your online presence to reflect the job you want. With this support you can better move toward where you’re headed instead of simply focusing on where you’ve been.
You could even ask ChatGPT to create a tagline or headline that matches your new direction.
Final thoughts
We all know that finding your dream job isn’t about luck. When you take the time to truly explore what you want and what’s possible, the possibilities are endless.
Try these prompts to get closer to your dream job by asking the right questions and unlocking your potential.
More from Tom's Guide
- This ChatGPT side hustle only takes 15 minutes a day — but here’s the catch
- I turned a PDF into a video in under 5 minutes — here’s the AI tool that made it happen
- These 7 ChatGPT prompts rewired how I think — now I use them every week
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