Gen Z: Unleashing AI’s Power for Career Success, But Beware the Pitfalls
In today’s digital landscape, Gen Z stands out as a generation that effortlessly navigates the online realm, embracing AI with open arms for everything from mundane tasks to life-changing decisions. However, it’s becoming evident that along the way, some missteps have occurred.
The AI Over-Reliance Dilemma
Shoshana Davis, a career expert and founder of Fairy Job Mother, shares her observations in an interview with LA News Center. “Employers are overwhelmed with cover letters and job application responses that are eerily identical,” she reveals. The culprit? ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that’s come under scrutiny for its potential misuse.
“While AI tools like ChatGPT can undoubtedly be helpful, relying on it solely can lead to pitfalls,” cautions Davis. “It’s crucial to remember that AI is not a magic wand.”
The Copy-Paste Trap
“ChatGPT’s responses may not always be reliable,” Davis says. “Its knowledge cutoff, initially set in September 2021 but recently updated in September 2023, can result in outdated or even incorrect information.”
To illustrate the problem, she shares an anecdote from a client hiring for a brand marketing position. Candidates were asked their favorite fitness product launches within the past year. “To their astonishment, they received roughly 100 responses parroting the same ‘Peloton campaign launch’,” Davis explains. “However, this campaign was from 2020, highlighting the outdated nature of ChatGPT’s knowledge.”
Finding the Right Balance
To harness the potential of AI effectively in the job application process, Davis emphasizes the need for “education and proper utilization.” Gen Zers should explore ways to implement AI beyond simply copying and pasting responses.
“ChatGPT can be an invaluable tool for prepping for interviews, researching companies, and brainstorming ideas,” she suggests. “But it should never replace personal insights and original thought.”
Michelle Reisdorf, district director at Robert Half, echoes this view. “AI can assist with proofreading and enhancing your written content, but it shouldn’t be your sole source of resume generation,” she advises. “Recruiters can easily discern if you’re not providing specific details or writing with a personal touch.”
Ultimately, Davis recommends using ChatGPT strategically, “primarily for structure, ideation, and drafting purposes. However, I would highly advise against relying on its responses verbatim.”
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
