AI in job and internship search
AI in job and internship search
You have to help the machine
Stand out. It is one of the most important pieces of advice when you make your CV and cover letter, and when you contact a potential business partner in Denmark. Your material and your approach should be personal and adapted to the particular company. And that is why generative AI cannot stand alone.
Use generative AI constructively in the process - just be mindful of using it with critical reflection and evaluate how you use it and the answers it provides. The AI's output is general, so you have to get yourself as a human 'into the loop' and tell the company something about you and your profile when you e.g. are applying for a job.
Source: Ballisager's recruitment analysis 2023
What do Danish companies think about AI?
25%
of danish companies with more than 10 employees use artificial intelligence in their daily operations.
97 %
do not use AI when they screen candidates
78 %
recommends no or moderate use of AI in job search
Guide
The good prompt
When you're working with generative AI, it is crucial to consider how you interact with the tool (also known as prompting). The system is only as intelligent as the context you provide. The better input you give, the better output you can expect.
Strategies for prompting
Avoid ‘zero-shot prompting’. With a simple and very brief question or command, you will not get a useful answer. Often, it requires a 'dialogue' in an iterative process to steer the system toward an answer that aligns with your intended use.
AI as a digital guide
Imagine you’re asking your project supervisor for input. The email you send them is not just a short question; it would include information about why you’re asking, what you intend to use it for, and perhaps what you’ve already tried, etc. You need to “prepare” your supervisor to provide effective assistance - and the same goes for an AI.
5 steps to crafting an effective prompt
When generative AI systems have a good understanding of language and general knowledge about the world, it is because they are pretrained. Large models have essentially “read” the entire internet.
Since approx. two-thirds of the internet are in English, the models perform better in English than in other smaller languages (e.g. Danish). Additionally, they are often biased in an Anglo-Saxon direction regarding culture and values. Keep this in mind when you interpret their output.
Therefore, it is recommended to use English for the best possible output.
Most large generative AIs are general-purpose models and not specifically trained for a single purpose. Consequently, the system may struggle to determine the appropriate perspective from which to understand your question and provide a useful answer.
Therefor, assign the system a role. Think about who, in the "real world", would be best suited to answer your question.
Additionally, providing information about your own perspective helps the system understand the context of your query. E.g., that you’re a master’s degree student at Aalborg University in Denmark.
Examples
- “Act as an experienced recruiting consultant with extensive knowledge of the Danish labor market"
- "Act as an emphatic career counsellor from a Danish university"
- "Act as an innovative business consultant with extensive industry knowledge within green energy in Europe"
To provide the AI with the best possible conditions for producing a useful output for your query, you must give it an understanding of the context.
Consider the considerations behind your query. Why are you asking? What do you need it for? What have you already tried? What kind of data are you possibly providing? Try to articulate all the unsaid and ‘between the lines’. Keep it concrete and constructive.
Example
- "I need your help to analyse the following Danish job ad. I’m a university master’s student and want help to figure out which skills it would be beneficial to highlight to make me stand out positively when writing my CV and cover letter for the ad in question."
A request to an AI can serve many purposes. For instance, to receive feedback, to have a text corrected or rephrased, to generate new ideas, to receive relevant counter-questions that can lead you to think in new directions or test your knowledge, etc.
Since the AI still doesn’t know what you’re thinking when you ask it, you need to make it explicit.
Example
- If you write “proofread the following text” the AI will do so. But since it doesn’t know what the goal is, the output can be quite random. Instead, you can tell it that the goal is a grammatically correct text: “Proofread the following Danish text, which is an introduction to a cover letter for a job application, and make sure to correct grammar and punctuation according to official Danish orthography.”
The AI doesn't know what you are wishing for. So you need to tell it.
Describe the optimal output. Do you want a text, an image, a table, a graphic, or a bullet list? If the output is text, should the text be professional, humorous, contain emojis, written in many small paragraphs or a few large ones, do you just want one answer or would you like 3 different suggestions, etc.?
Maybe you don’t really know what you want, and then you can gamble and see what it churns out. But it may require many attempts to hit something that you think is useful. In this case, you can also ask for an answer in 3 different versions, so you can assess which one is best for the purpose.
Examples
- "Make a 10 bullet list with ideas formulated in professional and business-like language"
- "Give me 3 different examples with ideas on how to articulate the section in creative ways"
It can be difficult to know if you have included everything when interacting with an AI, and it often requires a series of iterations before you hit exactly what you desire.
One way to get even closer to a good prompt is simply to ask the AI if there’s anything it lacks knowledge about to provide the best possible answer. It may seem trivial, but it often has a positive effect.
Example
- For instance, conclude your prompt with: “Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements"
The more general a prompt you give to the AI, the more general (and useless) an answer you will get.
The 5 categories in the guide are a method for making your prompt targeted and specific, which will mean that your answer becomes more consistent.
Example of a prompt composed using the guide’s steps
“Act as an experienced recruiting consultant with extensive knowledge of the Danish labor market.
Analyse the following Danish job ad. I’m a Belgian university master’s student and want help to figure out which skills it would be beneficial to highlight to make me stand out positively when writing my CV and cover letter for the ad in question.
Make a 10 bullet list with ideas formulated in professional and business-like language.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements."
Which AI should I choose?
There are many different tools that use generative AI for various purposes. Some of the most popular general tools include: ChatGPT (OpenAI), Copilot (Microsoft), Gemini (Google), Llama (Meta), and Claude (Anthropic).
Differences between tools
Some can only be used in specific countries, some have both paid and free versions (with significant differences), some rely on knowledge from their databases, while others can also find information online, etc. So be aware of which tool you are using, what it is built for, and the terms of use for the tool.
Copilot at AAU
As a student at AAU, with your AAU login, you have access to Copilot Enterprise from Microsoft, where your data is protected and your history (neither questions nor answers) is not saved or risks being used for other purposes. One of the benefits of Copilot is that it often gives you a number of internet sources as to why it suggests the way it does. This makes it easier to check the quality and relevance of the answer.
6 tangible examples
How to use AI for your career
Below, you will find 6 examples of how to use AI for e.g. competence clarification, job search, and finding possible career paths. The examples are made based on Copilot. They are elaborated with prompts, answers, and last but not least the 'human in the loop': the work that the machine cannot do for you.
Analysis of job ad
Gain inspiration on how to decode a specific job ad with a focus on the ad’s competency profile. It will help you to develop a more relevant CV and cover letter for the position.
1st prompt
Act as an experienced recruiting consultant with extensive knowledge of the Danish labor market.
Analyse the following job ad. I’m a university master’s student and want help to figure out which skills (general, professional and personal skills) I need to highlight to make me stand out positively when writing my CV and cover letter.
Make a 10 bullet list with ideas formulated in professional and business-like language.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements.
1st answer from Copilot
Copilot
Certainly! Let’s start by analyzing the job ad. Please provide the text of the job ad you’d like me to review, and I’ll help you identify the key skills you should highlight in your CV and cover letter. 😊
2nd prompt
[The full text from a specific job ad is inserted without further explanation]
2nd answer from Copilot
Copilot
Certainly! Based on the job ad for the Quality Manager position at Dancop, here are 10 key skills you should highlight in your CV and cover letter:
1. Quality Management: Emphasize your practical experience in quality assurance and your ability to manage the Dancop Quality System. Highlight any achievements related to ISO 9001 compliance and continuous improvement.
2. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): Showcase your interest in ESG and your willingness to drive its implementation within the organization. Mention your data-driven approach and readiness to comply with future CSRD reporting requirements.
3. Analytical Mindset: Highlight your analytical skills, especially since your educational background is not specified. Demonstrate how you can apply critical thinking to quality-related challenges.
4. IT Proficiency: Emphasize your familiarity with using a PC and Microsoft Office. If you have experience with Microsoft Dynamics Navision, mention it as an advantage.
5. Internal Auditing: Discuss your ability to conduct internal audits of quality systems and work processes. Highlight any improvements or efficiencies you’ve implemented.
6. ISO 9001 Knowledge: Showcase your understanding of ISO 9001:2015 standards and your role in developing and maintaining the Dancop Quality System accordingly.
7. Project Coordination: Describe your experience coordinating quality-related projects. Mention collaboration with other departments and your ability to set and achieve quality targets.
8. Effective Communication: Highlight your communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Effective communication with technical and non-technical employees is crucial.
9. Structured Approach: Emphasize your structured and systematic work style while maintaining flexibility. Discuss how you handle complex situations and achieve results.
10. Ownership and Proactivity: Stress your determination, independence, and proactive attitude. Show that you take ownership of quality across all areas and contribute significantly to the organization’s ISO 9001 certification goal.
Remember to tailor these points to your specific experiences and achievements. Good luck with your application! 😊
Human in the AI loop
Since the AI’s output is a general description of how ONE can talk about the selected competencies, you need to enter the field yourself. Otherwise, you’re just parroting the job ad and the company, and that won’t tell them anything about you and your profile (which is exactly what you want).
How to do it
Use the output as inspiration and think about how you can show that you can work with the mentioned competence areas. What relevant experience do you have (perhaps relevant semester projects), and what opportunities do you see going forward in working with and developing the various themes?
Ideas for competency profile and opportunities
Learn how you can use generative AI to get inspiration for articulating your competencies, and with these, find relevant opportunities for collaboration and employment.
1st prompt
Act as an experienced university outreach consultant with extensive knowledge of the Danish labour market.
Help me to better understand what skills I have from my degree at the university that are relevant to the labour market and how they are relevant. Also help me to get ideas for what kinds of jobs (jobtitle and company name) that could be relevant opportunities with my profile.
I will provide you with 3 inputs:
1. The general presentation of my degree
2. The curriculum from my degree
3. Titles of the projects I have done during my degree
Make a table that summarises my skills and connects the skills to the ideas for jobs and opportunities.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements.
1st answer from Copilot
As an experienced university outreach consultant, I’m here to assist you in bridging the gap between your academic achievements and the Danish labour market. To provide you with the most accurate and helpful advice, I have a few questions that will allow me to tailor my guidance to your unique situation:
1. Degree Presentation: Could you please share the general presentation of your degree? This would include the name of the degree, the focus areas, and any particular emphasis that the program has.
2. Curriculum Details: Can you provide the curriculum or a list of courses from your degree? This will help identify specific skills and knowledge areas you’ve developed.
3. Project Titles: What are the titles of the projects you have completed during your degree? This will give insight into your practical experience and any specialized topics you’ve explored.
Additionally, it would be helpful to know:
- Personal Interests: What are your personal interests or industries you’re passionate about?
- Career Goals: Do you have any specific career goals or companies you aspire to work for?
- Soft Skills: What soft skills (communication, teamwork, leadership, etc.) do you believe you possess?
Technical Skills: Are there any technical skills or tools you’re proficient in?
Once you provide these details, I’ll be able to create a comprehensive table summarizing your skills and connecting them to potential job opportunities and titles. This will also include suggestions for companies that align with your profile. Looking forward to your response!
2nd prompt
Degree presentation: https://www.aau.dk/uddannelser/kandidat/biotechnology
Curriculum details: https://studieordninger.aau.dk/2023/41/4187
Project titles:
- Sickle Cell Anemia: Gene expression, genotyping and future treatment
- Characterization of Novel Functional Amyloids
- Cancer metastasis and bone degradation: Proteases in bone degradation
Personal interests: future treatment possibilities, the wellbeing of patients during treatment, ethical approaches to development of new treatments, I like to work with innovating and cumming op with new ideas and solutions to problems.
Career goals: to be a part of something that makes sense in a bigger way than just selling stuff and making money, i'd like to start my career of in denmark and then maybe later look for more international jobs.
Soft skills: teamwork and collaboration, presentation, attention to details and an innovative mindset.
Technical skills: laboratory skills, PCR, latex, Genomics and Bioinformatics, data analysis.
2nd answer from Copilot
Based on the information you’ve provided, here’s a table that summarizes your skills and connects them to potential job opportunities and companies that could be relevant for your profile:
[see image of table below]
Notice that the table from Copilot can be edited in excel by clicking on the excel icon in the top right corner.
These roles are aligned with your interests in innovation, patient wellbeing, and ethical treatment development. Starting your career in Denmark with these positions can provide a strong foundation for future international opportunities. Remember, the Danish labour market highly values collective agreements and social responsibility, which aligns well with your career goals.
For international career opportunities, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offer roles that make a global impact and align with your desire to contribute meaningfully beyond profit-making.
Keep in mind that the job market is dynamic, and the relevance of your skills may evolve over time. It’s important to stay updated with industry trends and continue developing your skill set.
3rd prompt
Thx. Could you give me examples of positions that combine two or more of the skills in the table?
3rd answer from Copilot
Certainly! Here are a few examples of positions that combine multiple skills from your profile:
Clinical Research Scientist
Skills: Laboratory Skills, PCR, Data Analysis, Ethical Development of Treatments, Wellbeing of Patients
Relevance: This role involves conducting clinical trials, analyzing results, and ensuring ethical standards are met, all while focusing on patient wellbeing.
Biotech Innovation Manager
Skills: Innovation & Problem Solving, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Presentation & Attention to Details
Relevance: Responsible for leading innovative projects, utilizing genomics data, and presenting findings accurately and effectively.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Skills: Ethical Development of Treatments, Attention to Details, Genomics and Bioinformatics
Relevance: Ensures that products meet all of the regulatory ethical standards, requires meticulous attention to detail, and often involves understanding genomic data for compliance.
Bioinformatician in Oncology
Skills: Genomics & Bioinformatics, Data Analysis, Proteases in Bone Degradation
Relevance: Specializes in analyzing genomic data related to cancer, contributing to research on metastasis and bone degradation.
Quality Assurance Analyst in Biotechnology
Skills: Attention to Details, Laboratory Skills, Ethical Development of Treatments
Relevance: Focuses on ensuring the quality and ethical compliance of biotechnological products or treatments.
Patient Advocacy Manager in Clinical Trials
Skills: Wellbeing of Patients, Ethical Development of Treatments, Teamwork & Collaboration
Relevance: Works to represent the interests of patients in clinical trials, ensuring their wellbeing is prioritized and ethical standards are upheld.
These positions reflect a combination of technical expertise, ethical considerations, and a focus on patient care, which are all important aspects of your degree and personal interests. They also align with your goal of contributing to meaningful work in the field of biotechnology.
4th prompt
Thx. This is helpful. Are there any of these types of positions currently available in Denmark?
4th answer from Copilot
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that the information was helpful. Regarding the current job openings in Denmark for the positions we discussed, here are some options:
Clinical Research Scientist:
- Entry Level Clinical Research Associate (Home-Based, Anywhere In Denmark) at PharmiWeb.jobs: Global Life Science Jobs near Copenhagen.
- Experienced Clinical Research Associate (Home-Based, Anywhere In Denmark) at PharmiWeb.jobs: Global Life Science Jobs near Copenhagen.
- Entry Level Clinical Research Associate (Home-Based, Anywhere In Denmark) at Medpace near Copenhagen.
Biotech Innovation Manager:
- Product Marketing Manager, Biopharma Software at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
- Life Sciences - Pharma & Biotechnology Talent Pipeline For Internships at Novo Nordisk.
- EMEA Marketing Program Manager - Pharma Biopharma-Marketing at Agilent Technologies.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist:
- Senior/Specialist, Regulatory Affairs - Denmark- Consultant- Home-Based at Worldwide Clinical Trials near Copenhagen.
- Regulatory Affairs position at Pepsico Nordic Denmark ApS near København.
- Regulatory Affairs Assistant at Zentiva Denmark ApS near København.
Bioinformatician in Oncology:
While specific positions for a Bioinformatician in Oncology were not found, there are related positions in the field of bioinformatics and data analysis that may be of interest.
Quality Assurance Analyst in Biotechnology:
There are several positions related to Quality Assurance in Denmark, which might align with your skills and interests.
Patient Advocacy Manager in Clinical Trials:
A specific role titled “Patient Advocacy Manager” was not found, but roles related to patient engagement and clinical research management are available, which may include patient advocacy responsibilities.
These positions are currently advertised and could be a good fit based on the skills and interests you’ve mentioned. It’s always a good idea to check the latest job postings and company websites for the most up-to-date information, as the job market is dynamic and opportunities can arise at any time. Good luck with your job search!
Human in the AI loop
It’s always important to critically assess the information you receive from a generative AI. It’s not an expert in all areas, but it is polite and will rarely say that it doesn’t have the answer you’re looking for. Instead, it might invent an answer. Therefore, be critical and make sure to quality check the output that the model gives you.
Also remember that the answer we see in this dialogue here is not the only answer to the question posed in the prompt, but one among many others that could have been given. So take it for what it is, one suggestion and maybe not the right one or the right one for you, but perhaps the answer and the dialogue can inspire you to think in new and different ways.
Feedback on cover letter
See an example of how, with the right prompt, you can get generative AI to provide you with useful feedback on your cover letter.
1st prompt
Act as an experienced career consultant at a Danish university.
Help me improve my cover letter for a specific job at Frivilligcenter Slagelse. I'll provide you with the job ad and my draft for the cover letter. I’m a university master’s student about to graduate from a master in learning and innovative change (Danish title: læring og forandringsprocesser) and I want ideas on how I can improve my chances of getting the job by building the best possible cover letter that make me stand out as a relevant candidate for the position.
Give me at least 5 ideas to how I can improve the cover letter. The ideas can be both big and small and for instance be about how the cover letter is a match to the job ad or how specific sections or sentences of my cover letter can be improved. Help me understand why you suggest the things you do by argumenting for the potential improvement the changes could make.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements.
1st answer from Copilot
I’d be happy to assist you in enhancing your cover letter for the position at Frivilligcenter Slagelse. To provide you with the most effective advice, I have a few questions that will help me understand your application better:
1. Job Description: Could you share the job advertisement or describe the key qualifications and responsibilities listed? This will help ensure that your cover letter addresses the specific requirements and expectations of the role.
2. Your Draft: Please provide the current draft of your cover letter. Understanding your initial approach will allow me to offer targeted suggestions for improvement.
3. Relevant Experience: Do you have any prior volunteer work, internships, or projects that are particularly relevant to this job? Highlighting specific experiences can demonstrate your suitability for the position.
4. Skills and Competencies: What are the core skills and competencies you’ve gained from your master’s program that you believe are applicable to this job?
5. Personal Motivation: What motivates you to apply for this job at Frivilligcenter Slagelse? Expressing genuine enthusiasm and personal connection can make your application stand out.
Once I have this information, I’ll be able to provide you with at least five concrete ideas to improve your cover letter, explaining why each suggestion could enhance your chances of securing the job.
2nd prompt
1. The job description can be found here: https://www.jobindexarkiv.dk/cgi/showarchive.cgi?tid=r8965683
2. My draft is this: [insert your draft for the cover letter]
3, 4, 5: In my draft I try to highlight my relevant experience, skills and competencies, and personal motivation. Some of these topics would also show from the CV that I will attach to the cover letter. Let me know if you think there are other relevant skills from my academic degree that it could be an advantage to emphasise.
2nd answer from Copilot
Copilot
Thank you for sharing your draft, Pernille. It’s a strong starting point, and with a few enhancements, it can be even more compelling. Here are five ideas to improve your cover letter:
1. Personalize Your Opening: Your current opening is good, but consider starting with a powerful personal anecdote that connects your passion for community and volunteer work with the mission of Frivilligcenter Slagelse. This can immediately engage the reader and set a personal tone.
2. Highlight Specific Skills: You’ve mentioned your academic background and experience with project work. To strengthen this, pinpoint specific skills you’ve acquired, such as conflict resolution, strategic planning, or digital communication, and relate them directly to the job’s requirements.
3. Quantify Your Impact: Where possible, quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “I have experience with problembaseret projektarbejde,” you could say “I successfully led a team of 10 in a project that increased volunteer retention by 20 %.”
4. Show Your Understanding of the Role: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role by discussing how you would approach the two key projects mentioned in the job description. Offer a brief vision or a specific strategy that shows you’ve thought about what you can bring to the role.
5. Close with a Call to Action: End your cover letter by expressing your eagerness to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the center’s goals in an interview. This shows initiative and confidence.
Remember, the goal of the cover letter is to make the reader want to learn more about you. Each paragraph should serve a purpose and move the narrative forward, showcasing why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Good luck!
Human in the AI loop
Copilot’s advice is not bad at all, but they are quite general, and it is up to you to figure out how to implement the advice.
At the same time, you must remember that Copilot’s training data primarily consists of English, which is why its advice often stems from English and American approaches to the topic.
In this case, it is important to bear in mind that job searching as a discipline can vary greatly between different cultures. Therefore, you should not necessarily take all the advice at face value. Instead, you should use them as inspiration and reflect on which ones you can endorse yourself, so your application remains personal.
The relevance of a project or thesis
Sometimes it can be difficult to see a connection between the projects you have done at AAU and how the project can be used for something outside the university’s academic arena. See how AI can help with just that.
1st prompt
Act as an experienced career advisor at a university with extensive knowledge of humanities studies and the Danish labor market.
I'm about to finish my Master of Arts (MA) in Danish (Danish title: cand.mag i dansk). Based on my master's thesis, can you help me understand how I can use my academic profile and the knowledge from my thesis for inspiration for applying for jobs? What industries are suitable for my profile and what transferable skills do I have from my degree and my thesis? I will provide you with the abstract of my thesis for background knowledge.
Make a list of ideas that are both ordinary and expected but also include creative and news ways of thinking about my profile and the opportunities it could open for me.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements.
1st answer from Copilot
It’s great to hear that you’re about to finish your MA in Danish! To better assist you, I have a few questions that will help clarify your inquiry and ensure that my suggestions are tailored to your unique profile:
Thesis Abstract: Could you please provide the abstract of your thesis? Understanding the specific subject matter and the skills you honed while working on it will be crucial.
Skills and Interests: Apart from your thesis, what other skills or areas of interest have you developed during your studies? This can include internships, extracurricular activities, or personal projects.
Career Aspirations: Do you have any specific industries or roles you’re already considering? Knowing your career aspirations can help identify how your academic background can be leveraged.
Work Experience: Have you had any work experience, whether part-time, full-time, or internships, related to your field of study or otherwise?
Geographical Preference: Are you open to relocation, or are you looking to work within a certain area in Denmark?
Values and Impact: What kind of impact do you wish to make in your career? Are there certain values or sectors (like non-profit, education, corporate) that align more with your personal goals?
Once you provide this information, I can help you craft a list of potential job industries, roles, and the transferable skills from your degree and thesis that will be valuable in the job market. Additionally, I’ll suggest creative ways to think about your profile that could open up unique opportunities for you.
2nd prompt
Thesis abstract:
[insert abstract here]
Skills and interests: I enjoy writing and communication in creative ways, I love Danish literature and always keep up to date on new authors, I've been writing a bit of poetry in my spare time.
Career aspirations: I'd like to work with writing and communication but also if possible with teaching or facilitation if these interests can be combined.
Work experience: I've worked as a copywriter, a library assistant, and service employee at a gas station. I've also worked on a series of larger written PBL projects during my studies.
Geographical preference: Preferable in the northern part of jutland in Denmark, but I'm also open if the right opportunity comes along.
Values and impact: I have a hard time seeing my self in a strictly corporate setup where money and shareholder value are primary concerns. In terms of impact, I would like to help carry on the Danish literary heritage in some way.
2nd answer from Copilot
Based on your academic background, skills, and interests, here are some ideas for industries and roles that could suit your profile, along with the transferable skills from your degree and thesis:
Industries Suitable for Your Profile:
- Academic Institutions: Your thesis indicates a deep understanding of literature, which can be valuable in educational settings.
- Publishing Houses: Your writing and analytical skills could be beneficial in editorial roles.
- Cultural Organizations: Institutions focusing on literary heritage would value your expertise in Danish literature.
- Non-Profit Sector: Organizations that deal with grief support or cultural preservation could align with your values.
- Creative Industries: Your creative writing skills could find a place in industries like advertising or media.
Transferable Skills from Your Degree and Thesis:
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze texts and themes critically.
- Communication Skills: Proficiency in conveying complex ideas effectively.
- Research Skills: Experience in conducting thorough research and synthesizing information.
- Empathy: Understanding of human emotions, useful in roles that require sensitivity.
- Writing Skills: Crafting narratives and expressing ideas creatively.
Creative and New Ways to Think About Your Profile:
- Literary Therapy Facilitator: Use literature as a tool for healing in therapeutic settings.
- Cultural Heritage Consultant: Advise organizations on preserving and promoting Danish literary heritage.
- Grief Counselor: Utilize your understanding of grief in literature to support individuals in mourning.
- Community Engagement Coordinator: Foster literary appreciation and cultural activities in local communities.
- Digital Content Creator: Start a blog or podcast discussing new Danish literature and grief portrayal in arts.
Job Opportunities:
- Teaching: Look for positions in universities or schools in Northern Jutland that focus on Danish literature or humanities.
- Communication Roles: Explore opportunities in communication, such as public relations, within organizations that align with your values.
- Writing and Editorial Work: Consider roles in publishing or freelance writing that allow you to engage with contemporary literature.
Remember, your unique combination of skills and interests, particularly your expertise in Danish literature and understanding of grief portrayal, makes you a strong candidate for roles that require depth of thought, empathy, and creativity. Keep an open mind, and don’t hesitate to explore unconventional paths that may lead to fulfilling career opportunities. Good luck!
3rd prompt
Thank you - very informative. I'm considering moving to Norway. Could you give me ideas for specific current jobs in Norway (with job title and name of the organisation) that could be a match for my profile, interests, and values based on what I already told you about me.
3rd answer from Copilot
Certainly! Based on your profile, interests, and values, here are some specific job opportunities in Norway that could be a good match for you:
Academic Positions:
- PhD Candidate in Applied Ethics at the Norwegian University of Science & Technology - NTNU.
- PhD Research Fellow in International Business at the University of Agder (UiA).
- Doctoral Research Fellowship in Philosophy at the University of Oslo.
Language Specialist Roles:
- Nordic Language Job Opportunities with a Relocation Package to Crete at Teleperformance.
- Transcriber With Danish at TELUS International AI Data Solutions in Oslo.
- Danish Transcriber with a Relocation Package & Welcome AI Bonus at TELUS International AI Data Solutions in Oslo.
Cultural Organizations:
- Global Corporate Relations Adviser at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
- Deputy Regional Representative Europe at the Norwegian Red Cross.
- Norwegian speaking intern at the UNDP Nordic Representation Office in Oslo.
Non-Profit Sector:
- Grants Coordinator at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
I- nternships - Head Office at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
Creative Writing and Communication:
You may explore freelance content writing and creative writing opportunities on platforms like Upwork, where various projects are available that could match your skills in writing and communication.
Teaching Positions:
While specific job titles are not provided, you can look for teaching positions in Norwegian universities, international schools, or private institutions that might require expertise in Danish literature and language.
Remember to check the individual job listings for the most current information and to ensure that they align with your qualifications and work authorization status. Good luck with your job search!
Human in the AI loop
In this example, it is clear that although Copilot comes up with some good general advice and ideas, it also misses the mark significantly. For instance, by suggesting a Ph.D. in international business or a doctoral fellowship.
By continuing the dialogue, one could probably guide Copilot to come up with even better answers, but it would require you to critically reflect on its suggestions and consider whether they are realistic, but also whether they are desirable in relation to what you personally finds interesting and relevant.
So even though Copilot can provide good suggestions and inspire new thoughts, you cannot avoid being the ‘human in the loop’, and it does not make sense to imagine an iteration of prompts and answers that would be beneficial and applicable to all Master of Arts in Danish.
Interview training
It can be challenging to imagine how a job interview might unfold and what questions the company might come up with. AI cannot answer everything, but with the right prompt, you can use generative AI to practice the situation and thus be better prepared.
1st prompt
Act as an experienced recruiting consultant specialised in high quality job interviews to find relevant candidates for specific open positions.
Help me analyse a job description and provide me a list of at least 10 possible questions that it would be relevant for a recruiter to ask me in an interview for the position.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements of my instruction.
1st answer from Copilot
Certainly! To provide you with the most relevant interview questions, I would need some additional details about the job description. Here are some questions and suggestions to refine your inquiry:
1. Job Title and Industry
What is the title of the position, and in which industry is it located?
2. Key Responsibilities
Could you outline the main responsibilities associated with the role?
3. Required Skills and Qualifications
What specific skills, qualifications, or experiences are required for this position?
4. Company Culture
What can you tell me about the company’s culture and values?
5. Performance Goals
What are the short-term and long-term performance goals for someone in this position?
6. Team Structure
Will the candidate be working as part of a team? If so, what is the team’s structure?
7. Challenges and Opportunities
Are there any specific challenges or opportunities that come with this role?
8. Location and Travel
Is the position based in a specific location, and is there any travel involved?
9. Growth Potential
What are the prospects for professional development and career advancement?
10. Diversity and Inclusion
How does the company approach diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Once you provide this information, I can craft a list of interview questions that are tailored to the specific requirements of the job and the company’s expectations. This will ensure that the questions are relevant and help identify the most suitable candidates for the position.
2nd prompt
I don't have answers for all these questions. The position is described in this job ad: https://sundogbaelt.career.emply.com/ad/erfaren-baeredygtighedskonsulent-til-ny-afdelingen-for-baeredygtig-governance/x7cv37/da. Look for answers for your list of questions in the ad and answer my initial inquiry.
2nd answer from Copilot
Based on the job advertisement for an Experienced Sustainability Consultant for the new department of Sustainable Governance at Sund & Bælt, here are 10 relevant interview questions that a recruiter might ask:
1. Experience with CSRD
“Can you discuss your experience with implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and how you’ve developed sustainability reporting in previous roles?”
2. KPI Development
“How have you approached the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustainability efforts in the past?”
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
“This role requires close collaboration with specialists and experts. Can you provide an example of how you’ve successfully worked across different departments to achieve sustainability goals?”
4. Data Management
“What experience do you have with data handling and using KPIs to drive sustainability initiatives?”
5. Sustainability Strategy
“Can you describe a sustainability strategy you’ve developed or contributed to in your previous position?”
6. Project Management
“Do you have any formal project management training or experience leading projects, particularly in sustainability?”
7. EU Taxonomy Regulation
“How familiar are you with the EU’s taxonomy regulation, and how have you applied it in your work?”
8. Reporting and Documentation
“What has been your approach to sustainability reporting and what challenges have you faced in this area?”
9. Academic Background
“Can you tell us about your academic background and how it has prepared you for a role in sustainability governance?”
10. Language Proficiency
“The job requires fluency in English. Can you provide examples of professional situations where you’ve used English to communicate complex sustainability concepts?”
These questions are designed to assess the candidate’s experience and skills relevant to the job description provided in the advertisement1. They cover various aspects of the role, including technical knowledge, experience with EU regulations, project management, and communication skills.
3rd prompt
What could be other relevant questions as a part of a job interview besides questions about the professional skills?
3rd answer from Copilot
Certainly! Besides questions about professional skills, here are some other relevant interview questions that can provide insights into a candidate’s suitability for the role:
Behavioral Questions
- “Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation or conflict at work. How did you approach it?”
- “Describe a project where you had to work under tight deadlines. How did you manage your time and prioritize tasks?”
- “Can you share an example of a successful collaboration with a colleague or team?”
- “How do you handle stress or pressure in the workplace?”
Cultural Fit and Values
- “What motivates you to work in a sustainable governance role?”
- “How do you align with our company’s mission and values?”
- “What kind of work environment do you thrive in?”
Adaptability and Learning
- “How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes?”
- “Tell me about a time when you had to quickly learn a new skill or adapt to a new process.”
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
- “Give an example of a complex problem you’ve solved related to sustainability. What steps did you take?”
- “How do you approach decision-making when faced with conflicting priorities?”
Communication and Stakeholder Management
- “How do you communicate sustainability initiatives to different audiences, including non-experts?”
- “Tell me about a time when you had to influence stakeholders to support a sustainability project.”
Self-Reflection and Growth
- “What areas of your professional development are you actively working on?”
- “How do you handle feedback and use it to improve?”
Remember that these questions can help assess not only the candidate’s technical abilities but also their interpersonal skills, adaptability, and alignment with the company culture. Feel free to tailor them further based on the specific requirements of the role and your organization.
4th prompt
Can you help me train the interview for the position? Ask me one questions at a time and follow up with relevant questions based of my response.
4th answer from Copilot
Certainly! Let’s start with the first question:
Question 1
Can you share an example of a sustainability project you’ve worked on in the past? What was your role, and what impact did the project have?
Human in the AI loop
It is always important to critically assess the output you receive from a generative AI. What you see in the dialogue above is neither the answer to which questions you will encounter in an interview, nor the answers to the most frequently asked questions – but probably something in between.
The language model behind Copilot has read a lot of texts about recruitment and job interviews and combines this general knowledge with the specific job ad, to then come up with a general suggestion of questions for the specific job ad.
The questions likely come from an Anglo-Saxon cultural understanding of what good recruitment entails, which does not necessarily align with a Danish or Nordic approach.
It also knows no more about the context than the job ad. It does not know what situation the company is in, why they are recruiting right now, what they are specifically looking for, and what their goals are, etc. But note that it actually asks for this knowledge at the start of the dialogue to qualify its possible answers.
So take it for what it is – it is a suggestion, and it is all fictional. But having said that, it poses a series of questions that would be beneficial to reflect on prior to an interview.
AI as a sparring partner
Generative AI can not only be used to generate answers to your questions; it can also be used to qualify and challenge your thinking with questions that make you reflect. Learn how you can use AI in this way.
Background
Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher who is regarded as one of the foundational figures in Western philosophy. He lived in Athens from approximately 470 BCE to 399 BCE and is known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology.
Socrates is famous for his so-called Socratic dialogues, which are literary works where Socrates often plays the main role. These dialogues typically involve conversations about moral and philosophical problems.
The dialogues illustrate the use of the Socratic method, which is a form of investigative conversation. In this method, Socrates asks questions to challenge and examine the other party’s knowledge and beliefs. The goal of the method is to promote critical thinking and to achieve a deeper understanding of the subject.
Since the language models behind generative AI are familiar with philosophical texts and methods, we can ask the models to act in the same way by activating a so-called ‘Socratic mode'.
Prompt
Act as an experienced career advisor at a university with extensive knowledge of graduate employability and the labor market.
I'm about to graduate from my masters in Tourism at Aalborg University in Denmark, but I'm a bit unsure about how to handle the transition from university student to graduate and future employee.
Using socratic-mode, help me to gain insight into relevant perspectives of the process and help me to come up with ideas for how to be better suited to handle the transition.
Before answering my inquiry, please help me improve the inquiry by asking me any relevant questions or giving suggestions for improvements of my instructions.
Answer from Copilot
Certainly! Congratulations on nearing the completion of your master’s degree in Tourism at Aalborg University. The transition from being a student to a professional in the workforce can indeed be both exciting and challenging. Let’s explore some relevant perspectives and considerations to help you navigate this transition effectively:
Self-Reflection and Goal Setting
- What are your career aspirations?
Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals. Are you interested in working in a specific sector within tourism (e.g., hospitality, travel agencies, event management, sustainable tourism)?
- What skills and strengths do you possess?
Consider your academic achievements, practical experiences, and personal qualities. How can you leverage these to excel in your chosen field?
Networking and Building Connections
- Have you connected with industry professionals?
Attend networking events, conferences, and workshops related to tourism. Building relationships with professionals can provide valuable insights and potential job opportunities.
- Are you on LinkedIn?
Create or update your LinkedIn profile. Connect with alumni, professors, and professionals in the tourism industry. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job hunting.
Job Market Research
- What is the current job market like for tourism graduates?
Research job trends, demand, and salary expectations. Look for job postings to understand the skills and qualifications employers seek.
- Are there specific companies or organizations you’re interested in?
Investigate their hiring practices, company culture, and job openings.
Resume and Cover Letter Preparation
- Have you crafted a strong resume?
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, internships, and any specialized skills (e.g., languages, software proficiency).
- Do you know how to write an effective cover letter? Customize your cover letter for each application, emphasizing your passion for tourism and how your background aligns with the role.
Internships and Practical Experience
- Have you completed any internships or practical placements during your studies?
Practical experience is crucial for gaining industry-specific skills and building your professional network.
- Can you seek out additional internships or volunteer opportunities?
Even after graduation, consider short-term roles to gain practical exposure.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
- Are there any gaps in your skillset?
Identify areas where you can improve (e.g., digital marketing, data analysis, customer service). Consider online courses or certifications.
- Stay updated with industry trends.
Tourism is dynamic, so staying informed about emerging technologies, sustainability practices, and global travel trends is essential.
Interview Preparation
- Have you practiced interview scenarios?
Prepare answers for common interview questions. Highlight your achievements, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.
- Research the company before an interview. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects.
Embrace Adaptability and Resilience
- Are you open to different career paths within tourism?
Sometimes your first job might not be your dream role, but it can be a stepping stone.
- How do you handle setbacks?
Resilience is crucial. Job hunting can be challenging, but persistence pays off.
Remember that transitioning from academia to the workforce is a process, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. Seek guidance from career advisors, mentors, and professionals in the field. You’ve already taken an important step by seeking advice, and I’m here to assist you further! 😊
Human in the AI loop
When you use this type of prompting method, you are specifically asking the AI not to give you answers, but to ask you questions, making it clear that there is a need for a ‘human in the loop’. The “dialogue” cannot continue without you entering the field and engaging with your preliminary thoughts.
You will find that the more you engage and make the interactions personal, the more you will benefit from your sparring with the AI. In other words, if you answer generally, you will also receive general counter-questions. But if you answer personally and sincerely, you will get questions that is more personal, and therefore can qualify your further reflection processes.
As with so much else in interactions with generative AI, you must move from the general to the specific level and properly equip the AI before it can provide a useful output.
Authors of this page
This page is developed by AAU Career in collaboration with Copilot Enterprise.