ChatGPT needs no introduction, so I guess you click on my article because you wish to know my experience with it. For the uninitiated, you may want to register an account with https://chat.openai.com/chat.

I read somewhere that ChatGPT could only answer your queries satisfactorily when you input specific prompts into it. That was all I knew about it - until my Head of Department excitedly shared how she used the tool with her students.

Now, if my boss has paved the way by utilising this tool, I can no longer hide my head in the sand like an ostrich and claim that I’m too busy to use it, right? Do note how she crafted a detailed prompt. It is not just “write a job application letter”. You have to instruct it to “write an application letter to a supermarket for the position of a retail assistant”. 

Consequently, I typed “Write me a job application letter to become a teacher”. Its response was instantaneous. This is what ChatGPT suggested:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position of teacher at your school. As a passionate and dedicated individual, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of young learners.

I have recently completed my Bachelor's Degree in Education, specializing in Elementary Education. During my studies, I have gained extensive experience in developing lesson plans, delivering engaging and interactive lessons, and assessing student progress. Additionally, I have completed several internships in various schools, where I have had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of students and develop my skills as an educator.

Furthermore, I have a strong understanding of the importance of creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters students' confidence and creativity. I firmly believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and it is my responsibility as an educator to provide them with the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals.

In addition to my academic qualifications, I possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which I believe are essential for building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. I am also a team player, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my passion and enthusiasm for teaching to your school, and I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

Honestly, I was rendered speechless by ChatGPT’s response because it was reminiscent of the way I used to write. I used to feel that using one adjective to describe something was insufficient and would often use two adjectives. Some of the adjectives it used would actually not look out of place in my earliest job application letters. Words like diverse, passion, dynamic and confident, to name a few. It made me wonder the extent to which I was a product of the social conditioning cast by society such that I thought that the ideal way to write a letter was to pepper it with buzzwords.

I will like to think that my writing has evolved beyond such a formulaic style nowadays. Instead of falling back on stock phrases, I think I am confident (old habits die hard!) about using simple words to showcase my funky and quirky personality. 

So, I guess even though ChatGPT gets the job done in record time, it can only come up with a generic response that doesn’t do justice to an individual’s vibrant personality. I think my job as an English teacher is secure for the time being because society still needs experienced individuals who are adept at bringing out the inner voices within their students.