Your GPA Won’t Get You Hired, But Your Prompt Might

Dorothy Mashburn
Jun 16
2 min read

AI job search tips for recent graduates

You worked hard in school. You got good grades. You finished your projects. You made it to graduation.

Now you are looking for a job.

But here’s something no one told you or you may be figuring it out as you navigate the job market: Your GPA is not enough to get you hired.

Companies do not hire people just because of grades. They want to know if you can solve problems. They want to know if you are ready to help their team.

That’s why learning how to use AI tools the right way can help you stand out.

Job Search Prompt Template

When you know how to ask for the right things, you get help that actually works. This can save you time and make your job search easier.

Lots of people are using ChatGPT or Claude or Gemini today. But most of them are using it the wrong way.

When you give AI weak or unclear input, you get weak or confusing output.

Below is a step-by-step prompt you can use when talking to AI.

Use this when you want help from AI tools like ChatGPT. Fill in the blanks with your own words.

1. Give Context

I am a new graduate in [Your Major]. I am applying for a [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I want help getting ready for the interview and updating my resume. I have included the job posting below.

2. Say What You Want Help With

Please help me: Find the key skills in the job posting Rewrite my resume summary to match the job

3. Share How You Write

Here is how I write in my resume: “Marketing graduate who helped grow social media by 22% during my internship.” Here is how I write in a cover letter: “I enjoy fast-paced work and bringing new ideas to a team.”

4. Say What You Don’t Like

Please do not make the writing sound fake or too fancy. Do not use words like “passionate,” “delve,” or “in today’s changing world.” I want clear and simple writing.