‘ChatGPT negotiated my salary’: How Gen Z uses AI to boost their careers
They’re botty builders.
As no-nonsense nonconformists, Generation Z has no problem taking workplace matters into their own hands. Be it calling out an older colleague for using the ever-hostile thumbs emoji or asking mommy to tag along for job interviews, twenty-somethings will do whatever it takes to make their jobs work for them — including turning to artificial intelligence to aid them in getting a raise.
“I used ChatGPT to help me make my resume, cover letter,” began content creator known online as @SonrisaScents in a trending TikTok tell-all. “I’m now working from home, got a huge pay increase, flexible hours and [amazing] benefits.”
A separate Gen Z shared a post detailing how she prompted the AI system to give her tips on scoring an income bump up to $60,000.
“I couldn’t help myself, I used AI again to help me with a salary negotiation,” said the brunette. “I’m impressed.”
And tech-savvy staffers under age 26, which is the fastest-growing employee demographic, are employing the bot to boost their bucks in more ways than one.
A February 2024 report commissioned by Handshake, a job-search platform for college students, found that 50% of this year’s graduating senior class plan to build new skills in light of the emergence of generative AI such as ChatGPT and DALL-E. The study also determined that one-third of the soon-to-be grads plan to use generative AI in their career.
“I am afraid of what Al can become, but if used correctly I think it can be a good thing,” a class of 2024 business major told researchers.
Zoomers are, too, leaning on bots for job advancement advice as bosses have become too busy to care.
A staggering 47% of Gen Zers reported receiving better corporate ladder-climbing counsel via Chat GPT than from their superiors, per a December 2023 poll of 800 US employees commissioned by INTOO, a career development platform. The findings indicated that 62% of the younger workers would like to talk to their managers more often about their career, but feel their bosses are preoccupied with other tasks.
“Gen Z’s reliance on digital platforms for career advice, including innovative tools like ChatGPT, points to a larger issue — a craving for guidance that they’re not finding within the traditional structures of their workplaces,” INTOO’s Mira Greenland told FOX Business. “They want conversations about their careers to be as dynamic and responsive as the technology they’ve grown up with.”
And while some hiring executives have shied away from onboarding folks of the rising generation, hoping to avoid contending with their workplace needs and demands, Greenland says businesses would be wise to simply comply.
“Companies must adapt to attract and retain this new wave of talent,” she suggested.
“This means not only offering more frequent and meaningful career development discussions, but also rethinking their approach to mentorship and support.”
