AI & finding a job
Here you will find tips and information that can help you in your job search.
AI and applying for jobs
How can AI help you?
Job hunting is not always easy. It requires several step: understanding what kind of job you are looking for, identifying your strengths, creating a CV, writing cover letters and preparing for job interviews.
AI can support you troughout this process. It can help you organise your ideas, describe your skills, improve your CV, draft a cover letter or practice interview questions.
In this way, AI can act as a digital coach that is available whenever you need support.
What you need to know before getting started
- Do not enter personal data into an AI tool: this includes information such as your national register number, full name, address, bank account number or other sensitive details. If you use your CV in an AI tool, remove personal data first. You can keep the information that is needed to improve the text, such as your work experience, education and skills, but avoud sharing details that can identify you directly.
- AI is a tool. Do not let it write everything for you: When you apply for a job, employers want to get to know you: your experience, you rmotivation and your way of communication. AI can help you organise your ideas, improve your text or find the structure, but the finam result should still sound like you. Use your own word and tell your own story. AI can support you, but it should not replace your voice.
- Always check what AI says. AI can make mistakes or invent information that is not correct. It is also a good idea to have your CV and cover letter reviewed by your consultant or supervisor. They can help you make sure that your application is clear, accurate and suited to the job you are applying for. In Brussels, you can contact the Werkwinkel for support and guidance in your job search.
Useful tools that can help you
Interesting tools and websites
Lees Simpel | leessimpel.nl
Dit is een app die je moet downloaden op je smartphone. Scan een vacature en de app schrijft ze in een eenvoudige taal. Zo begrijp je beter wat de werkgever zoekt en of de job bij jou past.
Interessetest – VDAB | orientatie.vdab.be
In deze tool van de VDAB ga je op zoek naar wat jouw interesses zijn en de test zegt dan welke jobs het beste bij jou passen. Dit kan helpen bij de start van je zoektocht naar werk.
Skill Check – VDAB | Information in English | VDAB
With this tool from the VDAB (Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training), you can discover which competencies or skills you have already developed. These can be skills you gained at work, but also through volunteering, hobbies, household task or other daily activities.
The tool helps you understand what you are good at and how you can use those skills in a job.
CV-builder – Adecco | CV Maker
With this app, you can create a CV in a simple way. You fill in your personal details in text boxes. You can also dictate parts of your CV in different languages? This means that you can speak about your life, work experience, education and skills and the app helps turn that information into a CV.
Afterwards, you can download your CV in different languages. You don’t need to be an Adecco customer to use this tool. Keep in mind that Adecco stores your data on a server in Europe.
Tip: If you don’t want to enter your real name or address immediately, you can use temporary information first. You can correct this later, when your CV is ready.
Jobfunders | JobFunders
JobFunder supports you in your job search trough a career buddy, short exercises and tests. The platform helps match you directly with employers, without the intervention of temporary employment agencies.
JobFunders works together with VDAB (Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training) and is active troughout Flanders. The number of vacancies in Brussels is limited though.
You can use JobFunders trough an app on your smartphone or via the website on you computer. The platform is available in Dutch and English.
Test deze prompts zelf eens uit
Prompt examples
In addition to the examples of apps given above, general AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Mistral can also help you at work. Below you will find several prompts that can give you you inspiration on how to use AI at work.
How do you go about it?
Copy an example, paste it into the prompt bar of the app of your choice and customize it to your liking. Change the information between the [brackets] with your own information
Understanding the job vacancy
Here is a job vacancy: [paste the job description].
Can you explain it in simple words? Please tell me:
- what kind of person they are looking for.
- what tasks I would have to do.
- which skills and experience are needed.
- wheter there are difficult words or requirements I should pay attention to.
This prompt is useful when a job vacancy contains difficult language or jargon. It can help you understand the job better and decide wheter it suits you.
Getting to know yourself better
What are my strenghts? Which job might suit me?
Here is some information about me: I used to work as [your job or tasks]. I also do [hobby or volunteer work] at home. I am good at [something you find easy].
–> Try to fill in as much as possible, the more information you give, the more conclusive the answer will be.
Based on this information, can you help me identify my strenghts and skills? Can you also suggest types of jobs that might suit me and explain why?
⚠️ This prompt can help you think about your strenghts and competencies. The first answer may not be completely right. You can continue the conversation by saying what feels correct, what does not fit and what you would like to explore further. This helps the result become more personal and closer to who you are.
Cover letter - first draft
I would like to apply for the position of [position] at [company name]. I previously worked as [previous job] and [previous job]. I’m good at [strenghts]. Write a short cover letter in [language of choice].
→ Then read the text carefully and adapt it so it sounds like you. Add concrete examples from your own life, experience or daily activities. Change anything that does not feel right or does not fit your situation. Keep adjusting the text until you are satisfied with the result.
If you already have a cv, you can upload the document and ask to base the text on your cv. You can always add extra information if needed.
- Tips to sound more like yourself:
- Write this letter in simpel Dutch.
- Write this letter at [A2, B1, breakthrough, waystage 1 of 2] level.
- Use an actual letter of yours that you wrote in the past and update it. Say: this is a letter from me, write a new letter in the same tone, style and level of Dutch.
⚠️ Do not enter a full address, national register number or other private details. Use only your first name or use a false name.
Improve cover letter
Here is my cover letter: [paste you text]. Can you improve it? Make sure it is correct Dutch and sounds good, but that it is still my own words.
→ This is the safest way: you write the content; AI improves the language. The result is the most authentic and personal.
Improve CV
This is my CV: [upload it as an attachment or take a photo of it].
Can you help improve it? Please check whether the Dutch is correct, clear and professional. Als help me make it more fluent, while keeping my experience and skills accurate.
Can you also give me feedback on the lay-out? Please look whether the CV is clear, well-structured, easy to read and visually professional.
Create a CV
I want to create a simple CV. Ask me simple questions one by one. Use short sentences and only use difficult words if you explain them clearly.
After I answer your questions, help me turn my information into a clear and simple CV.
Ask me about:
- my name and contact details (don’t give your actual information, use an alias)
- what kind of work I’m looking for
- my work experience
- my education or courses
- my competencies
- my language skills
- other things that are important for my cv
Next, create a clear CV in simple Dutch.
Use short sentences. Keep it clear and organized. Do not include information in my CV that I have not provided.
Practice job interview
I have a job interview for the position of [position]. Ask me the 5 most common questions they might ask me. Then help me prepare good answers.
–> You can also ask: “Ask me a difficult question and give me immediate feedback on my answer.”
–> Did you know that you can speak with ChatGPT? To the right of the text bar, there is a small microphone icon where you can record your answer. You can also have ChatGPT’s questions or answers read aloud. For Dutch, this is the Dutch accent from the Netherlands.
Voor jouw gemaakt
JOBWIJS tools
Onze coaches hebben twee speciale AI-assistenten gemaakt in ChatGPT. Om deze assistent te openen heb je een ChatGPT account nodig. Klik op de link hieronder.
JOBWIJS beroepenverkenner:
Oefen je Nederlands en maak een praatje met 4 personen om meer te leren over hun job. De Beroepenverkenner antwoordt in een eenvoudige taal (A1–B1)
JOBWIJS CV coach
Ik help werkzoekenden in Brussel om een eenvoudig, professioneel en ATS-vriendelijk cv te maken, afgestemd op echte vacatures.
Wat is een ATS?
ATS staat voor Applicant Tracking System, dat is een computerprogramma dat cv’s automatisch sorteert voordat een mens ernaar kijkt. Veel grote bedrijven gebruiken zo een systeem. Als jouw cv de verkeerde woorden gebruikt of een rare opmaak heeft, wordt hij soms automatisch geweigerd. Onze AI CV coach kijkt jouw cv na en geeft je tips.
Learning in a group
Would you rather do it together?
Ask your consultant or coach to use these tools with you. They are happy to help you further.
If you live in or near Brussels and are looking for work, you can also attend a free workshop and register via the button on the right.