What can ChatGPT do for HR?

How? Well, lots of ways. Let’s start with some of the most annoying tasks.

1. Write job descriptions

This may seem ridiculous to use a bot for – after all, you want to describe the job you need to be done, not just a generic job! But the reality is most job descriptions are terrible at describing the actual job.

Why? The people who write them (managers and recruiters) don’t actually do that actual job!

ChatGPT shouldn’t be copied as is, but it can give you a starting point. It may include some important things that you wouldn’t normally think to include. For instance, I asked ChatGPT to write a job description for an entry-level accounts receivable clerk and got this:

Job Title: Entry Level Accounts Payable Clerk

Job Summary: We are seeking an entry level accounts payable clerk to join our accounting department. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. This position will report directly to the Accounts Payable Supervisor and will work closely with other members of the accounting team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and process invoices from vendors, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information
• Code and enter invoices into the accounting system
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payments to vendors
• Resolve any invoice discrepancies or issues with vendors in a timely manner
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any outstanding balances or discrepancies
• Communicate with other departments to ensure accurate recording of expenses and proper authorization for payments
• Assist with month-end close activities, including preparing accruals and reconciling accounts
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all accounts payable transactions

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in accounting preferred
• Prior experience in accounts payable preferred but not required
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other accounting software
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities as needed

This is an entry level position with opportunities for growth and advancement within the accounting department. If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for accounting and a desire to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Takeaway: ChatGPT is a starting point, not an ending point. It will not write everything perfectly for you, and you still must edit.

2. Help to summarize complex documents.

When you are trying to understand a document from the EEOC or a court case, ChatGPT can give you a good summary. For instance, I asked for an overview of the EEOC’s Draft Strategic Enforcement Plan as it relates to talent acquisition. It gave an excellent summary:

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) proposed new guidelines, outlined in the Draft Strategic Enforcement Plan, could impact talent acquisition in several ways.

First, the plan prioritizes addressing issues such as systemic barriers to equal employment opportunities and discriminatory practices in the hiring process. This could lead to increased scrutiny of hiring practices and a focus on ensuring that they are non-discriminatory and fair.

Second, the plan emphasizes the protection of workers in industries that are rapidly changing or expanding, such as technology. Talent acquisition practices in these industries may need to be re-evaluated to ensure they are not discriminatory.

Finally, the plan also highlights the need to address emerging and developing issues in equal employment, such as discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Talent acquisition practices may need to be adapted to comply with these new protections and avoid potential legal action.

In summary, the EEOC’s proposed guidelines could impact talent acquisition by promoting non-discriminatory practices, protecting workers in rapidly changing industries, and addressing emerging issues in equal employment.

Great, right? But be careful. ChatGPT just makes stuff up if it doesn’t know.

For example, I asked it to give me a summary of this recent court case on employees’ reproductive rights. Here’s the response:

Certainly! Here is a brief summary of the court decision in question:

The court upheld a lower court ruling that the New York State law prohibiting the possession and sale of stun guns violates the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. The court found that stun guns are “bearable arms” that are commonly used for self-defense, and therefore are entitled to Second Amendment protection. The court also rejected the argument that stun guns are “unusual” weapons that fall outside the scope of the Second Amendment.

The decision has implications for New York State, as it may require the state to change its laws related to stun guns. However, the decision may also have broader implications for other states that have similar laws prohibiting the possession or sale of stun guns, as they too

You’ll notice it ends without a complete sentence. That’s because I stopped it because this has absolutely nothing to do with the case at hand. The case actually involves an employer who argued they could take adverse actions against an employee for their reproductive rights decisions. Not a thing to do with guns.

So, while it can be good to summarize things, much like a high school senior, it will just make stuff up if it doesn’t know. An AI bot needs to learn things, and a brand new court case hasn’t been around long enough for it to learn.

Takeaway: You can use ChatGPT to summarize things, but be careful and double-check! If it’s something you know nothing about, this is probably not the best place to start.

3. Helps neurodivergent people

Brenda Neckvatal, Human Resource Professional and e-Commerce Entrepreneur, has dyslexia. That hasn’t stopped her career one bit, and she’s even become a bestselling author. She’s found ChatGPT to be super helpful.

“As a dyslexic person, I find it difficult to accurately compose written text. AI can help me write more effectively by providing me with tools that can check my grammar, spelling, and syntax,” Brenda says.

“AI can also suggest words, phrases, and sentence structures that I may not have thought of, which can help me create clearer, more concise writing. Additionally, AI can help me find more appropriate resources for research, allowing for more accurate and informed writing. With AI, I can write more effectively and efficiently and with much more confidence.”

That’s not the only way someone who is neurodivergent can use this AI tool.

Members of Reddit’s /r/autism group discussed the benefits of ChatGPT for people with autism.

Here are some excerpts from that discussion:

“Being a learning language model, the software can help with just about anything, and I know many people have found it great with assignments for high school/college, myself included.”

“But I have been using it more recently like it is a small neurotypical brain in my phone. Not only can I run social scenarios through ChatGPT, but it’ll talk with [me] about my special interests for hours without getting bored.”

“The software has continually provided great advice on tricky social situations, reminders, and positive reinforcement in my day-to-day activities. It can even give you encouragement/motivational messages.”

“Maybe it’s the technology nerd in me, but I love ChatGPT, it’s free and I don’t think it’s being discussed how helpful this software is for people on the spectrum.”

That’s a massive benefit for HR and employees alike.

Takeaway: Think of it as a translator. ChatGPT can help you write out things you’re uncomfortable with.

4. Personal assistants

Every HR person would love a personal assistant, but what company has the budget for that?

Director of People Support Robert Jumalon said he uses ChatGPT as a personal assistant. The tool figured out how to set up e-signatures and gave instructions for his existing systems, gave step-by-step instructions for filing a legal complaint, and other things. Jumalon is just starting to use it and is excited about it.

But could there be more? Combining ChatGPT with a bit of Python programming can take over a wide variety of tasks that a personal assistant would originally be able to do.

According to Artificial Intelligence in Plain English contributor “Ordinary Programmer”, here are a few of things it could do for you.

• Scheduling appointments and setting reminders
• Answering questions and providing information on a wide range of topics
• Finding and booking travel arrangements
• Making recommendations on books, movies, and other forms of entertainment
• Helping manage finances, such as tracking expenses and budgeting

You say that’s all fine and good, but you don’t know Python, and again, there’s no budget. Well, he also gives the instructions.

Think of the benefits of a recruiter using AI to schedule appointments! That alone could save hours of tedious work, putting the recruiter’s skills to better uses.

Takeaway: Don’t limit yourself. See what ChatGPT can do for you!

5. Helps you be more creative

Creativity is hard work. Anybody who tells you otherwise is probably not very creative, and HR people are often called on to find creative solutions to problems. Brainstorming, list making, and figuring out how to handle a problem employee are all things ChatGPT can help you with. I asked it about icebreakers for HR people and got this response:

Sure, here are a few icebreakers that HR professionals might find useful:

• Two Truths and a Lie: Have each person share two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The others in the group must guess which statement is false.
• Name Game: Have everyone introduce themselves and share one interesting fact about themselves that begins with the same letter as their first name.
• Group Juggle: Have everyone stand in a circle and toss a ball or object to each other. Each time someone catches the object, they must say the name of the person they are throwing it to. After everyone has caught the object once, add a second object and repeat the process.
• Personal Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of characteristics or experiences, such as “Has traveled to more than five countries” or “Has a pet.” Have everyone circulate and try to find someone who matches each characteristic.
• Speed Networking: Set up a series of two-minute conversations where each person has the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their professional interests.

Remember, the goal of an icebreaker is to help people get to know each other and feel more comfortable, so be sure to choose activities that are appropriate for the group and the setting.

If you’re stuck and out of ideas, ask it a question:

What are five ways to help a new employee who doesn’t seem to fit in?

It can be challenging for a new employee who doesn’t seem to fit in, but here are five ways to help them feel more comfortable and welcome:

• Assign a Buddy or Mentor: Pair the new employee with a buddy or mentor who can show them the ropes, answer questions, and introduce them to other colleagues. This can help the new employee feel less isolated and more connected to the team.
• Set Clear Expectations: Make sure the new employee knows what is expected of them in terms of their job duties, goals, and company culture. This can help them feel more confident and less uncertain about their role.
• Provide Feedback: Regularly check in with the new employee to provide feedback on their performance, progress, and any areas for improvement. This can help them feel supported and motivated to succeed.
• Encourage Social Interaction: Create opportunities for the new employee to interact with other team members, such as group lunches or team-building activities. This can help them form relationships and feel more included.
• Be Patient and Understanding: Recognize that it can take time for a new employee to adjust to a new job and workplace. Be patient and understanding, and offer support and encouragement as they navigate the transition.

Overall, the key is to be proactive in helping the new employee feel welcome and supported, and to create a positive and inclusive work environment for all team members.

This type of brainstorming can help you get started when you’re stuck. And it can make things fun as well.

Obviously, this is far more exciting than a regular company picnic invitation. (Note to Workable employees – I just made this up. It’s not an actual event!).

I entered this as a prompt: “Please write a poem in the style of Dr. Seuss inviting the employees at Workable to a summer picnic. It will be held at 12 p.m. on June 7, 2023 at Boston Common. Partners and children are invited. No pets, though.”

This was the result:

Oh, Workable team, listen up, do!

We have a picnic planned just for you!

On June 7th, at noon on the dot,

We’ll gather at Boston Commons, a perfect spot!

Bring your partners and bring your kids,

We want everyone to come and have some fun, we insist!

But leave your pets at home, oh please,

For safety’s sake and everyone’s ease.

We’ll have food and games galore,

And plenty of chances to chat and explore.

So mark your calendars, don’t delay,

And let us know if you’ll be joining us that day!

We can’t wait to see you there,

With your picnic blankets and your flair!

We’ll make some memories that’ll last,

And have a blast, blast, blast!

So come one, come all, and let’s unite,

For a Workable picnic that’ll be just right!

Takeaway: Let ChatGPT help you get those creative juices flowing! It can make a huge difference.

There are a million other things that it can do, and we’re just learning the beginnings. Just remember, ChatGPT is not perfect, and it is biased. (You are too, but it has a problem recognizing its own bias.) It’s a tool, not the solution to everything. It definitely doesn’t replace humans, and it sometimes lacks good sense. But give it a try!