How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your Cover Letter and Resume

September 1, 2024

There are so many interesting jobs to apply for in digital development that you can feel overwhelmed. You ask yourself this key question every time:

“How can I use ChatGPT to customize my cover letter and resume to this ICT4D job?”

Here is how you can use Generative AI to improve your Cover Letter and CV when job searching for ICT4D roles in three easy steps.

1. Use ChatGPT to improve your CV

You can use this ChatGPT prompt to have the GenAI LLM improve and customize your CV for the specific digital development job opportunity.

“Review this [Job Description link] with [Organization link]. Compare the [Job Title] to my attached CV [Upload Resume]. Adapt my CV to emphasize the skills and experiences that align with the [Job Title].

ChatGPT will then create a CV that highlights how your experience fits with each of the job requirements and expected employer needs listed in the job description.

2.Use ChatGPT to Improve Your Cover Letter

You can use this prompt to have ChatGPT to make the GenAI LLM write you a cover letter that shows your excitement for that humanitarian relief or international development organization.

“Create a 750 word cover letter that highlights my relevant skills for this role and shows my enthusiasm for the [Org]’s mission, based on my previous experiences listed in my CV.”

ChatGPT will then develop a cover letter for you that showcases how you believe in the organization’s mission and which past experiences prove that you worked on these ideas previously.

3. Review ChatGPT Output for Accuracy

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have the horrible habit of interjecting “hallucinations” – outright lies – into their responses. You cannot submit a cover letter and CV that contain fabrications. This practice can get you fired.

Hence you need to review every line of the ChatGPT-authored cover letter and CV and double-check every fact to make sure the LLM didn’t make anything up. After all, ChatGPT is only an overeager graduate assistant too happy to please you.

How to Use ChatGPT to Prepare for Tech4Good Job Interviews

July 27, 2024September 1, 2024

ChatGPT can be an amazing tool to use in the job search quest – with limitations. Though its best if you know someone at that firm to help you get an interview.

What to do when you have an interview? Practice!

Job Search Assistant – a custom GPT that is optimized for the job search – is an excellent tool to help you prepare for interviews. Here is how I use it every time I am going to interview for a new job:

1. Ask it to help you prepare for the role.

Once you go to the Job Search Assistant, you can ask it a simple question: Can you help me prepare for a job interview for this role [insert link to job opportunity]?

The GPT will respond with a summary of the key activities the employer expects from the applicant, and probably give you mock interview questions. If it doesn’t respond with interview questions, you can ask it to give you mock interview questions.

As you respond to the questions, it will grade your responses and offer helpful tips on what to say or not, based on the job ad.

2. Ask it how to answer based on your CV

Here is the really cool practice tool. Ask it to produce mock interview questions and answers based on your CV. You can upload your CV in PDF format, and the GPT will review it and respond using your CV as guidance.

Now its time for you to real and remember each question and it’s possible answer. You shouldn’t expect to get these questions in the interview, but by practicing these questions and answers, you can be prepared for the questions they do ask.

How do you use ChatGPT in the job search?

I’m not paid to say this about Job Search Assistant. I just find it a really good way to prepare for interviews. There are other interview GPTs you can practice with too.

Please share your tips and tricks with me via email. I too am looking for a new job and I’d love to know how Generative AI can help us all get to an employment we love.

How to Ask for Informational Interviews in Digital Development

June 19, 2024July 27, 2024

Recently I asked you to tell me about your job search dilemmas in digital development and wow! I received a wave of responses. Remember, if you want personalized responses to your questions, grab a career coaching session.

Now let’s explore the next installment: How to Ask for an Informational Interview

Informational Interview Question:

I have applied to countless ICT4D jobs via the normal online CV submission route but have heard (and can speak anecdotally to the fact) that there is a 4% response rate – so really the only way to get hired is to ask my network contacts for informational interviews.

The challenge: there is a thin line between asking for help and being overbearing even when trying to use my professional network.

Case in point, I recently asked to meet with someone fairly high up in an organization I would like to work with, and when I let her know I was interested in working there she never responded. It was probably not the best experience for either of us.

My Response:

There is certainly an art to asking for an informational interview and it starts with thinking of it as the beginning of a relationship, not a transaction. You should be genuinely interested in their work and career to better understand your own goals, and path to reach them.

Never, ever ask about working at their organization, which can feel transactional and often leads to them sending you to HR or the company website, if they respond at all.

Here is an example email that you can use to secure an informational interview:

Dear Susan,
I was speaking with Tim Smith the other day about mHealth programs in Vietnam, and he said you were an expert on it and that I should talk to you about my interest in the field. I’m about to graduate with an MPH and I’ve worked for a few years as a project manager with the Red Cross in Washington, DC, but I’m considering focusing on mHealth in Southeast Asia. I’d love to know about your career path, how you came to role with Medic Mobile, and where you see the future of mHealth in the region. Would you have time for a coffee or a call next week?

Note that in the opening sentence I showed that I spoke with someone they knew, who recommended we talk. This introduces a shared connection, validates my inquiry, and creates a social obligation to meet – she wouldn’t want to disappoint Tim. Then I gave my bona fides, and shared why I am looking to her for advice. I finish with a request for a quick meeting.

No where do I ask about roles with her company, even if it is my dream employer. My goal is to learn from her and to introduce her to my dreams, so that one day, when she’s in a meeting and her colleagues announce they need a mHealth manager in Vietnam, she remembers me and recommends that they interview me.

Why Informational Interviews Matter

Informational interviews are an invaluable tool in the international development sector. These informal meetings are arguably the most critical step in the job search process. Here are 10 reasons they can significantly influence your career trajectory.

1. Understanding the Industry Landscape

Informational interviews offer a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. This insight is crucial for aligning your skills and experiences with the needs of the sector.

2. Networking and Building Relationships

Building connections with individuals who are already established in the field can open doors to new opportunities. These connections can provide referrals, recommend you for open positions, or even offer mentorship.

3. Gaining Insider Information

Informational interviews allow you to gather insider information about specific roles and organizations. You can learn about the company culture, management style, team dynamics, and decide if the role aligns with your career goals and values.

4. Accessing the Hidden Job Market

Many job opportunities are not advertised publicly and are filled through internal referrals or networking. Informational interviews can give you access to this hidden job market. When a position becomes available, the professionals you have built relationships with through informational interviews may think of you and recommend you for the role. This insider access can give you a significant advantage over other candidates who are not as well connected.

5. Refining Your Career Path

Informational interviews can help you refine your career path by exposing you to different roles and career trajectories within the field and the various pathways and the skills required for each.

6. Enhancing Your Knowledge and Skills

You can identify gaps in your knowledge and skills, and learn of areas where additional training or experience is needed. This awareness allows you to proactively seek out opportunities for professional development.

7. Demonstrating Proactivity and Enthusiasm

You can demonstrate your commitment to understanding the field and your willingness to take initiative. This proactive approach can set you apart from other candidates who may rely solely on traditional job search methods.

8. Building Confidence and Interview Skills

Informational interviews provide a low-stakes environment to practice your interview skills. You can become more comfortable discussing your background, experiences, and career aspirations. This practice can boost your confidence and help you perform better in formal job interviews.

9. Tailoring Your Application Materials

Understanding the specific needs and preferences of organizations allows you to tailor your resume, cover letter, and other application materials to better align with what employers are looking for.

10. Receiving Honest Feedback

Finally, informational interviews provide an opportunity to receive honest feedback about your career aspirations and suitability for certain roles. Professionals in the field can offer constructive criticism and advice based on their experiences.

How Do I Get an International Job in Digital Development?

May 18, 2024July 27, 2024

Question: How Do I Get an International Job?

How can I get a job in another country in humanitarian relief? Do international organizations ever hire expats for an international role, or its it always a local hire?

If you want personalized responses to your questions, grab a career coaching session.

Different International Jobs

This question has many meanings as the concept of an international job has many meanings as well. Generally, a company wants to hire someone local to that country.

Be it Botswana or Belgium, the person from that local context will know the culture, rules, and expectations of that culture better than someone from somewhere else.

Still, there are cases when the company will hire someone from one country to work in another, and generally these people are called expats if they are from the headquarters country, or Third-Country Nationals if they are from one country in that same region and are now working in another.

Which International Jobs Are For You?

So yes, development organizations do hire people for international jobs. However, it is not common, and of the two types, TCNs are more common than expats.

It’s very rare for an international organization based in a wealthy country to hire from that country for a job in another country, mainly due to the great expense involved. TCNs are usually also paid better than local hires, so they have a greater cost to the organization too, though less than HQ expats.

Either way, good luck if you’re offered a role in a different country. It is an amazing opportunity, when it works out. When it doesn’t work out, it can be a major failure.

How to Get an International Job in ICT4D

Landing an international job in ICT4D involves a strategic approach that encompasses acquiring relevant education and skills, gaining practical experience, networking, and staying updated with industry trends. Here are 10 ways you can navigate this path successfully.

1. Understand the Field of ICT4D

ICT4D is a multidisciplinary field that uses digital technologies to address development challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance. To get started, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the sector’s scope and objectives. Resources like ICTworks can offer valuable insights into current projects, case studies, and emerging trends.

2. Obtain Relevant Skills

A solid educational background in fields such as computer science, information technology, or international development is essential. Many universities offer specialized programs or courses in ICT4D. For instance, the University of Manchester and Royal Holloway offer master’s programs specifically tailored to ICT4D. Additionally, online platforms like Coursera provides courses and specializations that can enhance your knowledge and skills in this domain.

3. Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is critical in ICT4D. Seek internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions with organizations engaged in development work. Nonprofits, NGOs, and international organizations like UNDP, and USAID often have programs that allow you to apply your ICT skills in real-world projects.

Websites like ReliefWeb and Devex list numerous opportunities in the development sector, including ICT4D roles. Additionally, you should sign up for the ICT4D Jobs Newsletter (obviously).

4. Develop Key Skills

Employers in ICT4D look for a combination of technical and soft skills. Essential technical skills include proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, Java, or JavaScript), data analysis, project management, and familiarity with digital tools used in development projects (like GIS software or mobile technology platforms). Soft skills are equally important. Communication, cultural sensitivity, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial when working in diverse and often challenging environments.

5. Network Effectively

Networking is vital in the ICT4D field. Join professional associations and online communities to connect with like-minded professionals. Events like the ICT4D Conference can provide excellent networking opportunities. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for networking with professionals and organizations in the ICT4D sector.

6. Stay Informed and Engaged

Staying updated with the latest trends and developments in ICT4D is crucial. Follow reputable publications and blogs, such as ICTworks and participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed and continue learning.

7. Tailor Your Applications

When applying for jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills. Emphasize your understanding of development challenges and how your ICT expertise can contribute to addressing them. Use concrete examples from your education and practical experience to demonstrate your capabilities.

8. Consider Certification

Certifications can bolster your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Programs like the Project Management Professional or certifications in specific technologies (like GIS or data analysis tools) can make your application stand out.

9. Seek Mentorship

Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career in ICT4D. Look for mentors through professional associations, alumni networks, or LinkedIn. A mentor can offer insights into the industry, help you navigate challenges, and provide career advice based on their experiences.

10. Be Persistent and Flexible

Finally, persistence and flexibility are key. The path to an international job in ICT4D may be challenging and competitive, but persistence pays off. Be open to starting with smaller organizations or short-term projects to build your experience. Flexibility in terms of location and roles can also open up more opportunities.

Always Be the Internal Digital Development Candidate!

April 24, 2024July 27, 2024

What questions do you have about digital development careers? Get personalized responses with a career coaching session.

Q4: What’s the Best Way to Get Hired?

Another ICT4D Jobs subscriber question: I researched many different organizations and I found a humanitarian relief organizations that I really, really want to work for. What is the best way for me to get a job there?

The Internal Candidate Advantage

There are so many ways to get hired that choosing a “best” way is difficult. I’ll interpret this question as how to have the highest probability that you’ll get the full time job you want. In that case, the answer is simple: be the internal candidate.

Hiring staff is the riskiest thing a team can do. So anything you can do to de-risk the formal hiring process will put you on the shortlist to be hired. The three best situations, in descending order, are:

Be personally known to the team as a co-worker
Be known to the team through their trusted peers
Be known in general as an expert on their need.

When you are known to the team as a co-worker, there are no surprises. They know exactly who you are and what you’re capable of. They have little risk in hiring you. Assuming you’re good at the role, it will be yours to lose.

Next, if at least their peers know you and can vouch for you, then you have an advantage over everyone else. Finally, if they don’t know you directly, at least make it easy for them to know of you, or get a good idea of who you are from your online presence.

How to Be the Internal Candidate

Now how to be personally known to the team as a co-worker if you’ve never worked there? Well, one way is to get a adjacent job with a different team, or as an intern with that team. However, if your heart is set on a specific role or you’re too experienced to intern, I’d suggest a volunteer consultancy.

Approach the team with an offer to support them as a consultant, with objectives, timelines, and outcomes – just like you would with any professional engagement. Except don’t ask to be paid in money, but in contacts and exposure. Be clear that you expect to work like any other consultant, just payment will be in access not cash.

This gives a clear signal that you are a skilled professional committed to the mission and organization, and will certainly make a positive impression. Now this should be done before they have a job opening. You are pre-positioning yourself for a role there, not working for free.

During your volunteer consultancy, network like mad and make a good impression by outperforming expectations. That way, when a job opening comes along, you will be the internal candidate. Or if they aren’t hiring, you’ll now have a team of people that can personally vouch for you at a sister organization.