Key Takeaways
Consequences
A.I. vs. You
A.I. Cover Letter
— Learn what workers and Monster’s Career Expert think about ChatGPT and its role in the workplace.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
49% of workers have used ChatGPT or a different A.I. generator for work
50% - Basic work task(s) Writing an email, scheduling, etc. 33% - Advanced or specialty task(s) Writing code, financial forecasting, data analysis, etc. 35% - Job application process Writing resumes, cover letters, etc. 30% - Creative purpose(s) Generating graphics, plans, campaigns, etc.
Source: Monster survey conducted among workers, February 2023.
68% of workers think they can perform core tasks of their job better than an A.I. generator
When asked what they think would happen if their manager found out they were using an A.I. generator to produce some job-related deliverables, workers were split.
Praise me for finding efficiencies in my role
Ask me to teach colleagues to implement usage across my company
Replace some of my work with ChatGPT
Look down on me thinking I was taking shortcuts
Consider firing me
CONSEQUENCES
29% —
32% —
20% —
24% —
17% —
44% think it's easy to identify A.I.-generated text or content. However, when quizzed, 48% of workers thought an excerpt from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' was A.I.-generated text! Can you identify which of the texts below were A.I.-generated and which one was written by one of the world’s greatest authors?
Nay, indeed, if you had your eyes, you might fail of the knowing me: it is a wise father that knows his own child. Well, old man, I will tell you news of your son: give me your blessing: truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long; a man's son may, but at the length truth will out.
‘The Merchant of Venice’ by William Shakespeare
Oh, what sweet music doth pass my ears, and joy from yonder lady bringeth! Her singing, of an angel's tongue, flows like a brook of singing streams. Forsooth, it soothes my heart and stirs my soul, and each phrase sung draweth a harmony divine.
A.I.-generated text by Anyword
Click here for answer
Sample text by Author #1
Sample text by Author #2
A.I. VS. YOU
26% of workers say ChatGPT is scarier than getting into an accident, switching careers entirely, being disliked by their manager, public speaking, and going on a blind date.
38% of workers are worried that an A.I. generator could replace their role at work or eliminate their position.
If you’re increasingly concerned robots can replace your role entirely or even specific tasks, there are certain things you can do to try to “robot-proof” your job. As certain tasks may get automated, leverage this as an opportunity to add your value in other ways — this includes having a strong “clubhouse presence.” Be that person on the team who rallies the troops, motivates and contributes to the organization. This can look like bringing in breakfast once a month to celebrate birthdays on the team, sharing an appropriate joke to kick off a weekly meeting and simply going back to basics by being intentional to chat with colleagues and ask how they’re doing. Some other ideas include volunteering to lead community events and participating in other initiatives outside your scope of work (such as offering to temporarily assist another department during busy seasons if they’re short-staffed). Most importantly, focus on strengthening your soft skills — something that AI falls short in — such as leadership, empathy, listening, and problem-solving. While AI offers high tech, focus on high touch. If your group is back in the office, for instance, you may want to create a robust lunch-and-learn series of speakers and/or weekly meditation to focus on mental health and connecting not only with yourself but with each other. Also, leverage these data findings to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for tasks to be automated, audit your current job. Ask yourself what can be done by robots and what can’t and start adding value assuming there are parts to your job that are already automated. Get ahead of it so you can add more value and avoid feeling anxious that an AI generator can replace your role or eliminate your position. As for whether or not your managers would fire you or praise you for using ChatGPT, the jury’s still out. What’s interesting is that nearly one-third of respondents said they would be praised for finding efficiencies and nearly one-third think they would be asked to teach others; whereas 20 percent think they would have some of their work replaced and nearly one-quarter think they would be looked down on. By looking at the bigger picture, this makes sense: it depends on the work, specific tasks, company culture and ultimately, your manager. Net net: It’s not a one-size fits all approach which makes sense why the data reflects both ends of the spectrum. Focus on your situation and how you can best position yourself to “robot-proof” your skills and strengths for this job and future ones.
What this means for you —
By Vicki Salemi • Monster Career Expert
We put ChatGPT to the test
A.I. COVER LETTER
Job Title: Executive Assistant Company: Brand X Salary: $75,000 per year Job Overview: Brand X is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support our executive team. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and organized individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Executive Assistant will be responsible for providing administrative support to the executive team, managing schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and handling various administrative tasks. Key Responsibilities: ● Manage executive calendars, schedule appointments, and arrange meetings ● Coordinate travel arrangements including airfare, hotel reservations, and ground transportation ● Prepare agendas, reports, presentations, and other documents for meetings ● Conduct research and compile information for various projects and initiatives ● Maintain and update electronic and paper filing systems ● Manage and prioritize incoming emails and phone calls ● Monitor and respond to inquiries from clients, vendors, and other stakeholders ● Handle various admin. tasks such as processing expenses and arranging catering for meetings ● Assist with special projects and events as needed Qualifications: ● Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field preferred ● Minimum of 3 years of experience as an executive assistant or similar role ● Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite ● Strong organizational and time management skills ● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills ● Ability to multitask and work under pressure ● Strong attention to detail ● Experience with project management tools and software is a plus Benefits: At Brand X, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions, paid time off, and a friendly work environment. To Apply: If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application system. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
We put ChatGPT to the test, tasking it with writing a cover letter for a mock Executive Assistant position open at mock company, Brand X. Check out ChatGPT’s writing skills and find out what Monster’s Career Expert and former corporate recruiter Vicki Salemi thinks about its work.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Executive Assistant role at Brand X. As a highly organized and experienced professional, I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional administrative support to your executive team. With over 5 years of experience as an executive assistant, I have developed a strong skill set in managing executive calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and handling various administrative tasks. I am proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite and have experience with project management tools and software. My exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable me to work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. I am confident that my experience, skills, and passion for providing exceptional administrative support make me an ideal candidate for this position. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a dynamic team at Brand X and contribute to the company's continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail. Sincerely, John Doe
What does Monster’s Career Expert think about the cover letter?
When ChatGPT wrote a cover letter for a mock executive assistant position open at a mock company, I must admit, it actually looked great! I think this cover letter could help you secure an interview at the company rather than hinder you. If I wasn’t informed this letter was written by A.I., I would not have known this cover letter was not written by a human. It gets a gold star — if I was hiring for this position, I would eyeball the letter quickly looking for experiences and skills which this letter achieves. Here’s why it works — it includes all of the cover letter essentials:
Monster’s Career Expert Vicki Salemi has more than 15 years of experience in corporate recruiting and HR and is an author and nationally syndicated columnist. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @vickisalemi.
The resume is still a job seeker’s most important critical asset. You can have a resume without a cover letter, but you can’t have a cover letter without a resume. Think of your resume as a must-have and a cover letter as a usually nice-to-have asset to elevate your resume. An effective cover letter emphasizes things on your resume that you want to pop, like taking a yellow highlight on your resume in the executive summary and your top strengths and experiences that tie back to the job you’re pursuing. At its core, your cover letter is a written version of an elevator pitch. It’s succinct and shines a spotlight on why you’re the best candidate for the job.
The first paragraph mentions the title and company name. This is key! Your cover letter may get separated from your resume when the talent acquisition team emails them internally, so this begins correctly. The second paragraph begins, “As a highly organized and experienced professional…” This is effective as it showcases some of the assets that make you a great candidate. Then it goes right into your strengths that tie directly into the top responsibilities of the job you’re pursuing. The second paragraph is critical to cover letters — this one points out your relevant number of years of experience and dives into specific skills. With the skills gap, employers are most in need of candidates who possess the required skills and candidates who can effortlessly demonstrate this in the cover letter, resume and most importantly, the interview, will likely surpass other candidates who don’t. Your goal as a job seeker is to make it easy for them to say, “Yes, this is a no-brainer to schedule an interview.” Done! Wrapping up, the letter concludes that you’re the right fit along with enthusiasm to pursue it.
Cover letters are still necessary for many job applications. Although some companies no longer require them, others still do, so it’s important to have one readily available and customized for each job you’re pursuing. They’re more prevalent in some industries than others. For instance, in financial services and law, you tend to find employers seeking cover letters whereas in other areas such as creative fields, an online portfolio carries more weight during the interview process. It also depends on the company within each industry. Perhaps a startup firm won’t require cover letters compared to one that’s been around for 100 years. Whether or not you need a cover letter depends on the type of position, too. Some part-time hourly or seasonal work won’t necessarily require cover letters as part of the process whereas many full-time roles still do. When I worked in recruiting in financial services, oftentimes my hiring managers wanted to ensure candidates submitted a cover letter even though we barely read them. I literally took three seconds to peruse each one to see if anything stood out. It’s just another asset to have to package with your resume. Keep in mind employers don’t necessarily spend a lot of time on them – and you shouldn’t either. They should include the basics, be grammatically correct and certainly refrain from any typos. The more you can automate this part of the process, the better.
How important are cover letters, really?
Job seeker's most important asset
