ChatGPT vs. BARD: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Job Search Outreach

In job search, our networks are our most valuable assets. As the search wears on, the cost of LinkedIn connections fading grows more significant by the day. Now more than ever, it's crucial to not only revitalize relationships with existing contacts, but also expand your sphere of influence by connecting with the movers and shakers in your target organization list. To truly stand out and make a lasting impact, you need a secret weapon - enter #ChatGPT and #Bard! Harness the power of cutting-edge #AI technology to craft engaging, quippy, and captivating introductory messages that will leave your existing connections eager to rekindle your professional bond, and new prospects itching to discover what you bring to the table. Don't let your network grow stale; reignite your professional relationships and blaze a trail to success with ChatGPT and Bard.

Wait, who's BARD?

ChatGPT was launched by OpenAI in November of 2022 and has been an internet darling and headline-grabbing sensation for the past 6 months. In April 2023 Bard by 谷歌 entered the fray challenging ChatGPT for conversational AI dominance. Why "Bard"? In Bard's own words it explains, "Google gave me the name "Bard" because it is a word that means "poet" or "storyteller." and that its creators at Google, “...thought Shakespeare would be a good role model for me, as he was a master of language and communication.”

What's the Difference?

Both are chatbots using Generative AI, and according to Tech Target, "the main difference between ChatGPT and Bard is the data source. Bard continually draws information from the internet, so it has the latest information. ChatGPT's sources (as of May 2023) end with September 2021 data, so it is limited on newer research and information. Bard has more data to gather information in real time by accessing the latest research.

Bard simplifies this even more, Both Bard and ChatGPT are large language models that are capable of generating text, translating languages, writing different kinds of creative content, and answering your questions in an informative way. However, there are some key differences between the two models.

• Data:?Bard is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, including the entirety of Wikipedia, books, code, and other publicly available information. ChatGPT is trained on a dataset of text and code that is curated by OpenAI.
• Access:?Bard is currently only available to a limited number of users. ChatGPT is available to anyone who can sign up for an account on OpenAI's website.
• Cost:?Bard is free to use. ChatGPT has both free and paid tiers.

Which is better in job search?

I put the two to the test and the short answer is - "it depends". Today's newsletter focuses on the challenges of reigniting conversations with your current LinkedIn network and beginning the Outreach - Connect - Meet Up chapter of your job search. Without further ado, here are the head to head results:

Connecting with a Current LinkedIn Connection who works at a Target Organization

PROMPT:?Please write a brief, warm, quippy note to a LinkedIn contact whom I have not connected with in some time, but who works at an organization that I would like to join. I don't want to come across as desperately looking for a job, just trying to catch up and find out what they like about the organization, its culture, and if they would recommend it as a good place to work. The call to action is to set up an appointment for a 20 - 30 minute conversation or to get together for coffee.

Bard: Hi [contact's name],

I'm reaching out because I saw that you're currently working at [organization name], which is an organization that I've been following for some time now. I'm really impressed with the work that you and your team are doing, and I'm curious to learn more about the organization and its culture.

I know that you're busy, but I'd love to set up a time to chat for 20-30 minutes over coffee or a phone call. I'd be grateful for your insights on the following questions:

• What do you like most about working at [organization name]?
• What are some of the challenges that you've faced in your role?
• What are some of the opportunities for growth and development at the organization?
• Would you recommend [organization name] as a good place to work?

I understand if you're not able to connect, but I appreciate your time and consideration. Feel free to use the link below to schedule a time that works for you.

Thanks, [Your name]

ChatGPT: Dear [LinkedIn Contact],

It's been some time since we last connected, and I wanted to take a moment to catch up and learn more about your experiences at [Organization Name]. I've always admired the work that your organization does, and I'm interested in gaining a better understanding of its culture and values.

I would love to hear more about your experiences working at [Organization Name] and learn what you like most about it. I'm always interested in exploring new opportunities and learning about great organizations like yours.

If you have some time this week or next, I would be delighted to set up a 20-30 minute call or meet up for coffee to chat further. Feel free to use the link below to schedule a time that works for you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

VERDICT: My vote is for ChatGPT in this case as the message is short and to the point. I would even copy and paste this response back into ChatGPT with an instruction to PROMPT: "Rewrite this message in a way that makes me sound unique, fun, and interesting. I want to make it nearly impossible for this contact to reject this invitation."

OK, so I did this and here is what ChatGPT returned:

ChatGPT: Hey there, [LinkedIn Contact]!

It's been too long since we last caught up! I couldn't help but notice all the amazing things you've been up to at [Organization Name] and I'm dying to learn more. Your work is simply inspiring and I'd love to hear all about it.

I've been a long-time admirer of [Organization Name] and I'm curious to get a glimpse into the fantastic culture and values that make it such a unique place. I'm always on the lookout for exciting opportunities and organizations like yours definitely fit the bill!

How about we set up a quick 20-30 minute call or grab a coffee to chat? I promise it'll be a fun and insightful conversation. Just click on the link below and we'll get it scheduled ASAP!

Can't wait to chat with you soon!

Warmest regards, [Your Name]

Better!

Connecting with an HR Leader from a Target Organization

PROMPT: Please write a brief, warm note to a brand-new LinkedIn contact who works in a Human Resources leadership position at a target organization that I would like to join.?I want to come across as a fellow professional who is impressed with their company and would like to hear a little about their experiences there, their opinions on the corporate culture and perhaps some advice on their hiring practices.?The call to action is to set up an appointment for a 20 - 30 minute casual conversation or to get together for coffee.

Bard: Hi [contact's name],

My name is [your name] and I'm a [your title] at [your company]. I recently connected with you on LinkedIn and I'm excited to learn more about your role as [contact's title] at [target company].

I've been following [target company] for some time now and I'm really impressed with the work that you and your team are doing. I'm also drawn to the company's culture and values.

I'd love to set up a time to chat with you about your experiences at [target company]. I'm particularly interested in learning more about:

• Your thoughts on the company's culture and values
• Your insights into the company's hiring practices
• Any advice you have for someone who is looking to join [target company]

I know you're busy, but I'd be grateful for even 20-30 minutes of your time. I'm available for coffee or a phone call, whatever works best for you.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Best, [Your name]

ChatGPT: Dear [Human Resources Leadership Contact],

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience in Human Resources leadership, particularly at [Target Organization Name]. As someone who is passionate about [Industry/Field], I would love to learn more about your experiences working at [Target Organization Name] and gain some insights into its corporate culture.

I'm always interested in hearing about great organizations like yours and learning from experienced professionals like yourself. If you have some time in the coming weeks, I would be delighted to set up a 20-30 minute call or meet up for coffee to chat further.

I would also welcome the opportunity to hear your thoughts on hiring practices in the industry, as I am always looking to improve my own skills and knowledge.

Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards, [Your Name]

VERDICT: I'm not a fan of how literal Bard takes my prompt, bullet pointing out my requests. I want it to feel more conversational, so I believe ChatGPT takes this one as well - with a good deal of editing of course. One more...

New contact, someone who performs a similar role as one you desire at a Target Organization.

PROMPT:?Please write a brief, warm note to a brand-new LinkedIn contact who works in a role and on the team I would like to join in their organization. I want to come across as a fellow thought leader in their space who is impressed with the work that their team does and would like to hear a little about their experiences there. I would also love to hear about some of the biggest problems they are facing now and perhaps share ideas on how I've helped organizations solve similar problems in my past. The call to action is to set up an appointment for a 20 - 30 minute casual conversation or to get together for coffee.

Bard: Hi [contact's name],

My name is [your name] and I'm a [your title] at [your company]. I recently connected with you on LinkedIn and I'm excited to learn more about your role as [contact's title] at [target company].

I've been following [target company] for some time now and I'm really impressed with the work that you and your team are doing. I'm also drawn to the company's culture and values.

I'm reaching out because I'd love to learn more about your experiences in your role and on your team. I'm particularly interested in learning more about:

• The biggest challenges that you're facing at the moment
• How you're working to overcome those challenges
• Any advice you have for someone who is looking to join a team like yours

I know you're busy, but I'd be grateful for even 20-30 minutes of your time. I'm available for coffee or a phone call, whatever works best for you.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Best, [Your name]

ChatGPT: Dear [LinkedIn Contact],

I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience and expertise in [Industry/Field], especially in your current role on the [Team Name] at [Organization Name]. As someone who is also passionate about this space, I would love to learn more about your experiences working on this team and gain some insights into the challenges and opportunities that you face.

I'm always interested in hearing about new and innovative approaches to solving complex problems, and I would be delighted to share some of my own experiences in helping organizations tackle similar challenges in the past. If you have some time in the coming weeks, I would love to set up a 20-30 minute call or meet up for coffee to chat further.

Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards, [Your Name]

VERDICT: This one goes to ChatGPT hands down. This sounds more engaging, and less formal.

The winner is - ChatGPT is CHAMP! OK, maybe I'm a bit biased, but I'm finding ChatGPT gets me zero to 60% of my final product, whereas Bard gets me zero to less than 50%. I'll take the extra 10%.

What do you think? Have you tried ChatGPT vs. Bard? I would be delighted to hear your thoughts and opinions on this and the content of these newsletters. Please share them below. Looking for assistance with your job search? Schedule a consultation using this link and I'd be happy to share more on how ChatGPT can accelerate your job search.