A Simple Guide to Using AI in Your Job Search and Work Life

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a helpful tool when you're looking for a job — or learning how to succeed once you're hired.

You don't need technical skills to use AI tools. Many of them work like a conversation: you type a question, and it responds. Think of it like texting a helper. If you'd like a guided introduction before diving in, the UW AI Skills Access Passport is a great place to begin.

How to Access AI Tools

If you've never used AI before, two free options to try are:

Both are examples — you'll find additional tools and resources throughout this post. Note that free access may have some limits.

Here's how:

Go to the AI website
Create a free account
Type a question or request
Read the response and adjust as needed

Three Ways AI Can Help:

1. Strengthen your job search

Now you can ask for help with real tasks.

Try prompts like:

"Help me write a resume for a retail job."
"What are common interview questions for a warehouse job?"
"Help me write a short cover letter."
"How do I explain a gap in my work history?"
Copy and paste your resume and ask: "Can you improve this and make it clearer?"
You can also copy and paste a job description and ask: "Can you help me tailor my resume to match this job?"

Tip: Always review and edit the results so they reflect your real experience.

2. Prepare for interviews and workplace situations

AI can help you practice and build confidence before your first day on a job.

Try asking:

"What should I expect on my first day at a warehouse job?"
"Help me practice answering: 'Tell me about yourself.'"
"What questions can I ask at the end of an interview?"
"How do I ask for a reasonable accommodation at work?"

Tip: You can ask AI to play the role of an interviewer and practice back and forth. The more specific you are about the job, the more useful the practice will be.

3. Get support once you're working

Already have a job? AI can help there too.

Try asking:

"Help me write a professional email to my supervisor."
"Break this task into simple steps." (then paste the task)
"Create a simple to-do list for my shift."
"How can I stay organized at work?"

Tip: Save prompts that work well for you. If a certain request gets a helpful response, write it down so you can use it again next time.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind as You Go

AI is a tool — it doesn't replace your judgment.
Always double-check important information.
Don't share personal details like Social Security numbers or bank info.
These tools work with screen readers and can be used with voice-to-text software if that's helpful for you.

And speaking of helpful — here are a few tools worth bookmarking.

Helpful Tools and Resources

These free tools can support your job search and work life:

Jobscan - Compares your resume to a job posting and tells you what to add or change to get past automated screening systems.
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work - A free resource sheet of AI prompts specifically for job seekers with disabilities — useful for interview prep and beyond.
Goblin Tools - A set of simple AI tools designed for neurodivergent users. Especially useful for breaking a task into steps or checking the tone of a work email before you send it.
UW AI Skills Access Passport - A simple, guided introduction to AI and how it can be used in everyday life and work.

Final Thought

You don't have to figure everything out on your own.

Using simple AI tools can make job searching and working feel more manageable — one step at a time. AI can support your efforts, but your experience, judgment, and relationships matter most.