BONUS
When the job search gets tough
Silence from employers is not a verdict on you. Job searches take time. These exercises are for the days that feel heavy.
Not hearing back
PROMPT
I’ve applied to [number] jobs and haven’t heard back. Can you help me figure out what’s not working in my job search strategy?
Paste an ideal job listing, your resume, and write a short explanation of your job search strategy
PROMPT
Here is my job tracker. What patterns do you see in what I’m applying for and what I’m hearing back? Suggest 3 changes.
Attach or paste your job search tracker
Feeling overwhelmed
PROMPT
I’m overwhelmed by my job search. Give me a plan for this week with 3 tasks per day, 20 minutes each. Here’s where I am: [a few sentences]
Got a rejection
PROMPT
I got a rejection for [role] at [company]. Write a short, gracious reply that thanks them, keeps the door open, and asks for feedback.
Paste the job description, your resume, the LinkedIn profile of the interviewer, and write a few sentences about your interview experience
Rebuild your confidence
PROMPT
Read my Accomplishments List. Remind me of 5 things I’ve done well and what they say about the kind of employee I am.under 40 seconds.
Attach your Accomplishments List
Something hard to explain
PROMPT
I have [a gap in my work history, a career change, or something similar, in general terms] and I’m not sure how to talk about it. Help me write 2 sentences I can say in an interview.
AI is a tool. People get you hired.
AI can help you organize your job search, polish your story, and practice interview answers, but it can’t shake an employer’s hand or vouch for you. Most jobs are found and filled through people, so the most important part of your search is talking with them. Use AI to get ready, then step away from the screen and have real conversations.
CONNECT IN PERSON
- Tell people you’re looking. Friends, family, neighbors, former coworkers, and people at your place of worship or your kids’ school. Be specific about the kind of work you want and the type of people you want to meet.
- Go to job fairs and hiring events. Bring a few copies of your resume and a short introduction of yourself.
- Visit workplaces. This doesn’t work for a lot of jobs, but for some jobs (retail, food service, small businesses), stopping by to introduce yourself and ask for the hiring manager can work.
- Use your community connections. Libraries, workforce centers, community colleges and local nonprofits often host events and know who is hiring.
- Join a group. Professional associations, volunteer groups, clubs and classes put you in regular contact with people.
Dress for Success Oregon career mentors are a great resource for clients. Here’s a prompt to get the most out of meeting with one:
I have a meeting with a career coach at Dress for Success Oregon. Here is my resume and where I am in my job search: [paste your resume and a few sentences about your search]. Tell me what to bring, give me a 30-second summary of my search so far, and suggest 5 questions to ask my coach.
You don’t have to do this alone
Networking is an important facet of a job search, and you don’t have to be a natural at it. It is a skill you can build, one conversation at a time. If you’d like help, the AI for Networking workshop shows you how to use AI to prepare for these conversations, from finding the right people to knowing what to say.