Your Secret Weapon for Getting Back to Work

Returning to the workforce can feel overwhelming--especially if it's been a while since you were last employed.  But this time, you've got something that likely didn't exist the last time you were job hunting--AI tools.  

You may be thinking, But I'm not that technical. I wouldn't even know where to start.  Well, if you've used a cell phone to send a text, I promise you can figure out how to use AI. 

And here's the other thing.  Learning it now isn't just helpful.  It's becoming expected.  More and more employers want to hire people who are comfortable with AI.  Which means getting familiar with it before you walk in the door?  You'll already be one step ahead.  Let's make this easy.

How to Use AI to Get a Job

Start here: ChatGPT or Claude.  Both LLMs (Large Language Models) are free to start.  Both work in plain English.  You just type what you need into the box, as if you're texting a really smart friend, and it responds.

No coding.  No tech degree.  Just you and a search bar.

1. Let AI help you write your resume, but use your own stories.

Open the LLM and type something like:

"I've been out of the workforce for 8 years raising my kids. Before that I worked in [your field]. I also volunteered at my kids' school, managed our family's finances, and coordinated a nonprofit fundraiser. Can you help me turn this into resume bullet points?"

Then read what comes back.  Edit it and make it sound like you.  Use the ideas, not necessarily the exact words.  You can also upload a resume you already have and ask it to improve it or add to it.  

2. Practice interviewing with AI as your coach.

Most women I talk to say the interview is the scariest part.  You're out of practice.  You second-guess yourself.  You forget what you were even trying to say.  Here's a way to use AI to practice.

Go to ChatGPT or Claude and say:

"I'm interviewing for a project manager role after an 8-year career gap. Can you give me 5 common interview questions and then coach me on my answers?"

Type your answers back. Ask it: "How can I make that answer stronger?"  If the answers don't sound like you, ask it to return answers to you in "natural, 10th grade language." 

You can also ask AI to give you questions that a specific company is likely to ask you or questions to a specific industry.

3. Use AI to update your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn has changed a lot, and you may not have ever had a profile.  But AI can help make it easier to get started.  

Ask the LLM in the prompt box:

"Can you write a LinkedIn About section for a mom returning to the workforce? I have a background in [your field], I took time off to raise my kids, and I'm now looking for roles in [target area]. My tone should be warm, confident, and natural--not corporate."

Copy what you like.  Edit what doesn't sound like you. Paste it into LinkedIn.

4. Research companies before you apply.

This one is underused.  Before you send in a single application, ask AI to help you understand the company.

Try: "Tell me about [Company Name]. What do they value? What should I know before I interview there?"

Then follow up with: "What questions should I ask them in an interview?"

You'll walk in knowing more than half the other candidates.

5. Ask AI to help you explain your career "gap" without apologizing for it.

Not everyone with a career break gets asked about it.  So don't panic.  But if you aren't prepared, you might either over-explain your break or not know what to say when it comes up.  AI can help you explain it in a way that's honest, confident, and brief.

Try this prompt:

"I took 7 years off to raise my children. Can you help me write a confident, one or two sentence explanation of my career gap that I can use in interviews and on my resume? I don't want to over-explain or sound apologetic."

Read what it gives you.  Adjust it until it sounds exactly like something you'd actually say.  Then practice saying it.  In the mirror.  In the car.  Until it feels normal.

A few things to remember.

AI is a tool, not a magic wand.  It gives you a starting place.  You still have to edit the information and make it your own.  And only you know your story.  That's still the most important thing you bring.  But if AI can help you get your resume done faster, that's worth a lot.

Start with one of these prompts today.  Just one.  See what happens.  You might surprise yourself.

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