Living Document Notice

This guide is intentionally designed as a living resource and will be revised frequently to reflect the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and assistive technologies, as well as best practices in career preparation.

Last updated: March 17, 2026

This resource models responsible AI use. Artificial intelligence tools supported drafting and revision, while Career Development Center staff ensured accuracy, alignment with best practices, and relevance for NC State students.

Responsible and Ethical Use of AI in Career Preparation

AI tools are designed to support your learning and skill development, not replace your personal insight or effort. When using AI for career preparation, ensure that all application materials accurately reflect your own experiences and abilities. Carefully review and personalize any AI-generated content to maintain authenticity and professional quality.

AI can be a valuable resource for exploring career options, drafting and refining materials, and practicing professional skills. Use it as a tool for brainstorming and feedback, while continuing to seek input from career professionals, faculty, and peers. Most importantly, your final application materials and interview responses should always reflect your own voice and experiences.

To get the most value from AI, be specific in your prompts so the tool can generate more accurate, relevant, and useful results.

For additional guidance on ethical, responsible, and effective use of AI tools, visit the AI at NC State website at https://ai.ncsu.edu.

For career resources and support, visit the NC State University Career Development Center website at https://careers.dasa.ncsu.edu/

Using AI to Explore Career Paths

AI tools can help you explore career options that align with your academic major, interests, and strengths by synthesizing labor market data, skills frameworks, and industry trends. However, especially in career exploration and company research, AI may generate outdated or inaccurate information.
Note: Confirm any information AI provides by checking company websites, job postings, or industry reports to ensure accuracy.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• What are 10 career paths for a graduate with a major in [your major] who enjoys [your interests]?
• What are emerging career opportunities in the [your industry] field?
• What skills and competencies are needed to succeed in a career in [your field]?

Using AI for Resume Writing and Customization

Generating Resume Content

If you are just beginning your resume, AI tools can help you identify key content areas and draft initial bullet points.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• When developing a resume for a [insert job title], what are five elements a career coach would recommend including?
• What keywords from this job description should be reflected in my resume? [insert job description]
• Help me turn my experience into strong resume bullets that show what I actually did, what I learned, and the skills I gained. My role was [role], and my main responsibilities included [tasks]. I want these to reflect career readiness skills.

Refining Resume Bullet Points

AI can support the revision process by helping improve clarity, impact, and alignment with employer expectations.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• Revise my resume bullet points for my role as a [insert job title] where I [insert job tasks or responsibilities]
• Edit these bullet points so they begin with strong action verbs. [insert bullet points]
• Suggest three ways to quantify impact in these resume bullet points. [insert bullet points]

Final Resume Review

Once you have a draft, AI can provide feedback to help improve alignment with a specific role.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• Act as a career coach and review my resume based on this job description. Suggest revisions. [insert resume] [insert job description]
• How can I strengthen my resume for a [insert job title] position at [insert company]?
• Review my resume from a recruiter’s perspective. What would stand out in the first 15 seconds, and what might be overlooked?

Important Reminder:

Carefully review and edit all AI generated suggestions to ensure accuracy and authenticity. Be prepared to clearly and confidently explain every experience on your resume during interviews.

Using AI for Interview Preparation

Researching a Company for Interviews

AI tools can help you quickly gather insights about an organization, its values, and the role you are pursuing.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• How do I prepare for a [insert job title] interview at [insert company]?
• What core values and mission statements should I understand before interviewing with [insert company]?
• Generate eight thoughtful questions to ask an employer during an interview for this role. [insert job description]

Generating Practice Interview Questions

AI can simulate interview scenarios and help you practice structured responses.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• What are eight likely interview questions for this position? [insert job description]
• Generate eight behavioral interview questions based on this job description. [insert job description]
• Create eight interview questions and draft STARR responses using my resume. [insert job description] [insert resume]

Using AI to Engage with Employers

Research Employers Before the Career Fair

AI tools can help you quickly research employers attending the career fair and identify organizations that align with your major, interests, and career goals.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• Upload the list of employers attending this career fair. Which of these employers align best with a major in [your major] or offer projects related to my interests, such as water resources, sustainability, or environmental projects?
• What types of roles do [insert company name] typically recruit for at career fairs?
• What skills and experiences are employers in [your industry] seeking from students?

Career Fair Strategy

Maximize your time at events by being the most prepared person in the room.

Here are some prompt ideas:

• Research [Company Name] and tell me their mission, recent news, and what they look for in interns.
• Help me write a 30-second introduction. I am a [Year] majoring in [Major] at NC State, interested in [Field]. Mention my experience in [Skill].
• What are 3 thoughtful questions I can ask a recruiter at a career fair that show I’ve researched their company’s commitment to [Value, e.g., Sustainability]?

Common AI Pitfalls in Career Preparation

• Copying AI generated content without personalizing it
• Exaggerating or misrepresenting skills or experiences
• Relying solely on AI for reflection or decision making
• Using generic responses instead of tailoring them to the specific company or role

Closing Thoughts: Career Preparation in Action

Career preparation is a process, not a single tool or moment. AI can support your exploration and preparation, but the most meaningful career decisions come from reflection, experience, and conversation. The NC State Career Development Center is here to support you as you explore options, build skills, and prepare for what comes next.

*This resource models responsible AI use. Artificial intelligence tools supported drafting and revision, while Career Development Center staff ensured accuracy, alignment with best practices, and relevance for NC State students.