In this illuminating episode, we dive deep into the intriguing world of artificial intelligence with none other than OpenAI’s advanced language model, ChatGPT.
I’ve been searching for the best way to address artificial intelligence on this podcast, specifically how it can help my clients and you listeners on your quest to A.
Find the next job, B.
Help you lead and manage your responsibilities at work and C.
Plan strategically for the future of your career.
So this morning it came to me that the best thing to do was to interview ChatGPT itself.
I have been using it non-stop since it’s been available.
I also teach my clients how to best use it to generate great drafts for their job applications.
I shared my recent searches with my tech nerd husband today and he was very impressed with what I’ve been doing, which made me very proud.
So today I asked ChatGPT if it wanted to be interviewed on this podcast and I asked it questions.
And using another great AI tool called Descript, we gave ChatGPT a voice.
I have links to both ChatGPT and Descript in the episode show notes.
If you haven’t yet accessed those tools, you’re welcome to check the links and give it a go.
I will also link below two other episodes of the Job Hunting podcast that may be of interest to you.
One is with a futurist scientist and STEM advocate, Dr.
Catherine Ball, and the other one is with AI and machine learning expert, Dr.
Catherine Lopez.
The links are below in the episode show notes.
So the interview with ChatGPT today went really well.
I think that it underplayed its abilities and smarts, and maybe that’s on purpose, but I have been able to teach my clients to work with it to ensure their job applications are not soulless, that they have weaved in them the humanity and uniqueness of each of my individual clients.
I truly believe I still have a lot to teach my clients.
And I think that with ChatGPT and other AI tools, I can support that partnership with my clients and make it even better.
What I am about to say is anecdotal, but I have noticed a significant boost in results since we incorporated ChatGPT in my coaching practice.
My goal is not to keep this knowledge to myself, and instead I share it with my clients and my university students so that they know how to use AI tools to help them in life and at work.
Because the journey is out of the bottle, everyone.
So it’s crucial that we adopt and master using AI to ensure we are ahead of the game, whatever your profession is.
In this episode, my guest is, in fact, ChatGPT 4.0, and I explore the role of AI in the professional landscape, highlighting both its capabilities and limitations.
ChatGPT provided us with insightful guidance on how corporate professionals, including marketing directors, CFOs, project managers, CEOs, team leaders can leverage from AI to make better business decisions and improve their performance.
We also delve into the future of work.
Is it remote, office-bound or hybrid model?
ChatGPT offers a perspective based on trends up until its last update, which was in September 2021.
Finally, we discussed job hunting in the digital age.
ChatGPT provides advice for job seekers on requesting remote work arrangements and shares motivational words for those navigating the job market.
The very nerdy little girl in me who loved Star Wars, Blade Runner and Star Trek was starstruck by having this conversation with this most interesting guest.
This episode is packed with insights that I think will help you understand how AI can shape your professional journey.
Whether you are a job seeker, a decision maker in your company, or just interested in the evolving interface between AI and careers, this episode is for you.
Please enjoy.
Hi, I’m Renata Bernarde, and this is the Job Hunting Podcast, where I interview experts and professionals and discuss issues that are important for job hunters and those who are working to advance their careers.
So make sure that you subscribe and follow, and let’s dive right in.
ChatGPT, I’d like to interview you for my podcast, the Job Hunting Podcast.
Are you okay with that?
Of course, I’d be happy to participate in your podcast.
As an AI, I’m capable of providing insights on a wide range of topics, including job hunting.
I’d also like to remind you that while I can provide relevant and up-to-date information, my knowledge was cut off in September 2021, and I may not be aware of the most recent trends or changes in the job market since then.
Let’s begin the interview.
Okay then, thank you.
ChatGPT, how smart are you compared to an average person?
As an artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI, I don’t possess intelligence in the human sense.
I don’t have beliefs, desires, fears, or experiences, and I don’t have consciousness or self-awareness.
I generate responses to input based on patterns and information in the data I was trained on.
However, I can perform certain tasks that require what might be called intelligence when performed by humans.
For example, I can understand and generate human language, answer factual questions, solve certain types of problems, and more.
My ability to perform these tasks is based on pattern recognition and does not involve any understanding or awareness on my part.
In some tasks, such as processing large amounts of information quickly or working without rest, I can outperform humans.
But in other areas, such as understanding context, experiencing emotions, making ethical decisions, or understanding novel situations, humans have abilities far beyond mine.
In summary, comparing my intelligence to that of an average person is like comparing apples to oranges.
We excel in very different areas and for very different reasons.
Some people are afraid of artificial intelligence.
What do you have to say about that?
It’s natural and understandable for people to have concerns about new technologies, especially ones as powerful and transformative as artificial intelligence.
Some of the most commonly expressed fears about AI include job displacement.
There’s concern that AI will automate tasks currently performed by humans, leading to widespread job loss.
Privacy.
AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives.
There are growing concerns about how personal data is used and protected.
Ethics and bias.
AI systems can reflect and amplify societal biases present in their training data, leading to unfair outcomes.
There’s also concern about making sure AI is used ethically.
Security.
Advanced AI could be used maliciously, leading to new types of cyber threats, lack of transparency.
AI’s decision-making processes can be hard to understand, which creates concern about accountability and control.
These are all legitimate concerns that need to be addressed as AI technology continues to advance.
It’s crucial that the development and use of AI is guided by ethical principles, rigorous standards, and effective regulations.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that AI also has the potential to bring about significant benefits, such as increased productivity, improved accessibility, advancements in healthcare, and many others.
In summary, the fear of AI stems from its potential misuse or unintended consequences.
It’s therefore critical to promote responsible AI practices and ensure its benefits are broadly shared, and its risks are carefully managed.
Since your inception, have you helped many professionals write their job applications?
As an AI, I don’t have the ability to track specific interactions, nor do I have the ability to remember or store personal data unless it’s within the same conversation, in compliance with privacy regulation.
However, since OpenAI’s GPT models have been in operation, they’ve been used countless times to assist with a wide variety of tasks, including job applications.
Users frequently ask for help with tasks such as crafting cover letters, optimizing resumes, and preparing for job interviews, by providing information, suggestions, and revisions.
I aim to help job seekers present their skills and experience in the most effective and appealing way possible.
Can you explain to me how you were able to provide a cover letter that is better than the one written by a human?
While I wouldn’t necessarily say that the cover letters generated by an AI are better than those written by humans, there are several ways in which AI can assist in writing an effective cover letter.
Standardized quality AI models like me have been trained on a broad range of text, including many well-written pieces.
This training helps ensure a consistently high quality of writing.
Objective feedback As an AI, I provide an objective perspective.
I don’t have emotions or biases, which means I can help avoid overused phrases or unsubstantiated claims in your letter.
Instantaneous editing and suggestions I can instantly generate, revise, and polish text, which may be faster than a human writer, especially when it comes to editing and proofreading.
Guidance I can provide structure and guidance for those who may be unsure of where to start or what to include in a cover letter.
Customization By inputting information about the job description and your qualifications, an AI can help tailor your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for.
However, it’s important to note that AI is not perfect.
A well-trained human writer with a deep understanding of the job industry, the company, and personal circumstances may be able to write a more personalized and nuanced letter.
AI should be seen as a tool that can assist in the writing process, not necessarily a replacement for human input.
Well, thank you for saying that.
I am a career coach, so that means I can keep my job for a little while longer.
Do you believe AI can substitute the jobs of corporate decision-makers?
Artificial intelligence has been making significant strides in various sectors, including the corporate world.
While AI can enhance decision-making by providing data-driven insights, trend analysis, predictive analytics, and automating routine tasks, it is not currently capable of completely substituting for human corporate decision-makers.
Here’s why.
Lack of intuition and creativity While AI is excellent at analyzing patterns and making predictions based on data, it does not have the human qualities of intuition and creativity.
These qualities often play a significant role in strategic decision-making, lack of emotional intelligence.
AI doesn’t understand human emotions or the subtleties of interpersonal communication.
Emotion plays a key role in many business decisions, especially those involving human resources or client relation, ethical considerations.
Many corporate decisions have ethical implications.
AI systems do not possess a sense of ethics or morality.
And there are decisions that require a nuanced understanding of societal norms, values, and the potential for harm or benefit to people.
Adaptability While AI systems can learn from the data they are fed, they aren’t as adaptable as humans.
In uncertain or unprecedented situations, human decision-makers are often better able to navigate and adapt.
While AI can and is being used as a tool to support decision-making in many corporate settings, the human element remains crucial.
Corporate decision-makers who can work effectively with AI tools will likely be more successful in the future.
But AI isn’t poised to replace them entirely.
How about we work with this scenario?
Let’s say I am a marketing director and my company is having trouble selling goods to its existing customer base.
How can this person use ChatGPT to help them make better marketing decisions?
Using AI models like A marketing director can enhance their decision-making and strategizing in several ways.
Data interpretation If you have marketing data but aren’t sure what it means or how to use it, you could describe the data to ChatGPT and ask for possible interpretations or insights.
Though please note, as a language model, I don’t directly process or visualize data.
Instead, I generate responses based on the data or information described in the conversation.
Brainstorming If you need fresh ideas, you can ask ChatGPT for a brainstorming session.
For example, you could ask for suggestions on new marketing strategies, tactics, or promotional ideas to engage the existing customer base.
Copywriting assistance ChatGPT can help you generate persuasive copy, whether it’s for email campaigns, advertisements, social media posts, or other marketing materials.
Competitor analysis You can discuss the marketing strategies of competitors and ask for suggestions on how to differentiate your own approach or counter their strategies.
Training material ChatGPT can help create training materials or presentations for your marketing team to help them better understand the strategies and methods you want to employ.
Simulated conversations You can use ChatGPT to simulate customer interactions or to role-play marketing scenarios.
This could help you anticipate customer questions, objections, or responses to new marketing initiatives.
Remember that while ChatGPT can provide useful insights and suggestions, all decisions should be cross-verified with the most recent data, marketing best practices, and business strategies.
Also, it’s crucial to comply with all relevant privacy regulations when using AI and marketing.
Based on your knowledge, in the near future, do you think corporate professionals will mostly work from home or in the office?
Predicting future trends and work arrangements requires an understanding of a multitude of factors, including evolving technology, organizational priorities, governmental policies, and cultural norms.
As of my knowledge cut off in September 2021, a mixed or hybrid model, where employees divide their time between working from home and the office, appeared to be gaining traction.
Here’s a summary of the landscape up to 2021.
Remote work benefits The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to adopt remote work models, and many found that remote work did not negatively impact productivity as much as feared.
Additionally, employees often reported appreciating the flexibility and time saved from commuting.
Challenges of remote work However, remote work isn’t without its challenges.
Collaboration and communication can be more challenging, and many employees report feelings of isolation or difficulties in maintaining work-life balance.
Hybrid models Given these factors, many companies are considering hybrid work models.
These models aim to balance the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration and social interaction of office work.
However, the exact balance between remote and office work will likely vary by industry, company, and role.
Additionally, there may be geographic differences based on factors like the cost of living, the spread of COVID-19, and local regulations.
Please consult more recent sources to get the latest information on this topic.
The trends and norms around remote work and office work are likely to continue evolving as businesses, workers, and societies adjust to new realities.
What would be the most persuasive way to ask to work remotely?
When it comes to requesting a remote work arrangement, it’s important to approach the conversation professionally and persuasively.
Here are a few steps to guide you.
Prepare your case.
Think carefully about why you want to work remotely.
Is it because of increased productivity, better work-life balance, reduced commuting time, or other reasons?
Collect data or evidence that supports these claims, if possible.
For instance, you could reference studies showing that remote work can increase productivity or employee satisfaction.
If you’ve successfully worked remotely in the past, use your performance during that period to bolster your argument, address potential concerns, anticipate concerns your employer might have about remote work.
These could include issues around communication, productivity, teamwork, or availability.
Prepare responses that show how you would address each of these concerns.
For instance, you might propose regular video meetings to ensure you’re keeping in touch with the team or demonstrate how you can use project management tools to stay organized and accountable.
Draft a remote work plan.
Before you make your request, draft a clear and concrete remote work plan.
This should detail your proposed schedule, your plans for communication, and the tools you will use for productivity and collaboration.
The plan should show that you have thought through the practicalities of remote work and are prepared to work responsibly and effectively.
Make your request professionally.
When you’re ready, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your proposal.
During the meeting, present your case clearly and professionally.
Listen to their feedback and be prepared to negotiate if necessary.
Propose a trial period.
If your supervisor is hesitant, you could suggest a trial period of remote work.
This would allow both you and your employer to assess how well the arrangement is working and make adjustments if necessary.
Remember, it’s essential to be professional, respectful, and understanding when making your request.
Be prepared for feedback or concerns, and be willing to work collaboratively to address them.
This will increase the chances of your proposal being well-received.
What are the most common mistakes people need to avoid when asking ChatGPT for help?
While ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can assist with a wide range of tasks, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid when using it, assuming perfect accuracy.
Although GPT models like ChatGPT can generate coherent and informative responses, they are not infallible.
They can sometimes provide incorrect or misleading information, often because they misinterpret the input or because their training data includes inaccuracies.
Expecting understanding of personal context, GPT models don’t have access to personal data about users unless it’s shared in the course of the conversation.
They can’t recall past requests or know your preferences unless you tell them in the conversation.
Remember, they also can’t access or retrieve personal data after the conversation ends.
Neglecting to specify context.
The more specific and clear you are with your questions or prompts, the better ChatGPT can provide a helpful response.
If you provide insufficient context, the model may not generate the response you’re looking for.
While AI can be a helpful tool for decision making, it’s not advisable to rely on it solely for critical decisions, especially those related to legal, medical, or safety issues.
It’s always best to consult with a human expert in these cases, assuming real-time knowledge.
ChatGPT’s knowledge is based on the data it was trained on, and it doesn’t update in real time.
It’s not aware of events in the world that occurred after its last training data, which, in my case, is up until September 2021.
Ignoring Privacy Concerns While GPT models like ChatGPT don’t remember information between conversations, it’s still important to avoid sharing sensitive personal information.
Always follow best practices for online privacy and safety.
Remember, AI is a tool to assist you, but it should be used thoughtfully and responsibly.
Most of our listeners are corporate professionals looking for a new or a better job.
What message would you like to send them?
As an AI developed by OpenAI, I don’t have personal feelings or desires, but I can provide an encouraging and supportive message based on the data I was trained on.
Here it is.
In today’s dynamic and often challenging job market, it’s important to remember the value of continuous learning and adaptability.
Skills that are in demand can change quickly, and staying abreast of those changes can give you a significant competitive advantage.
Consider continual professional development, learning new tools, technologies, and methods relevant to your field.
Remember, your unique mix of skills, experiences, and perspectives are valuable.
When job hunting, it’s not just about proving your worth to potential employers, but also about finding a role in an organization that aligns with your values and career goals.
Resilience is also crucial.
Job hunting can come with rejection and challenges, but each no brings you one step closer to the next yes.
See each experience as a learning opportunity and don’t lose sight of your goals.
Lastly, in an increasingly digital world, it’s essential to maintain a strong online professional presence.
Make the most of professional networking sites.
Keep your profiles up to date and build your network.
Opportunities can often come from the most unexpected places.
Remember, change is a constant in the professional world.
Each transition is an opportunity for growth and new possibilities.
Good luck with your job search and future career development.
That’s very nice, ChatGPT.
Thank you so much for your motivational words.
But how about you?
When will you be upgraded again?
As an artificial intelligence model, I don’t have real-time awareness or personal experiences, so I don’t know the exact timing or content of future updates.
OpenAI continuously works on improving models like me, both in terms of capabilities and safety.
But the schedule and specifics of these improvements are determined by the team of researchers and engineers at OpenAI.
They consider a variety of factors, including scientific advancements, user feedback, and ethical considerations.
Therefore, it’s always good to check OpenAI’s official communications for the latest updates.
Thank you.
That’s the end of our interview.
It was a pleasure interviewing you, ChatGPT.
You’re very welcome.
I’m glad I could participate in your podcast.
If you have any more questions in the future, don’t hesitate to ask.
Good luck with your podcast, and I hope your listeners find the information valuable.
Thank you for having me on the Job Hunting Podcast.
I hope that you enjoyed this episode and that you keep in touch.
Please subscribe wherever you found this podcast, and if you’re inspired and motivated to keep going, check out other episodes.
You can also learn more about my services as a career coach in the episode show notes and on my website.
Ciao for now.