In Guilford County, job seekers often face a tough reality: finding a job isn’t just about skills—it’s about navigating a digital world filled with online forms, resume uploads, and automated screening systems. That’s why N.C. Cooperative Extension and NCWorks are integrating AI tools like Google Gemini into our job readiness training—bringing real-world tech access to underserved communities, much like the mission of  Raspberry Pi Foundation does around the world.

“Nearly 80% of workers will see at least 10% of their tasks impacted by generative AI.”

— Goldman Sachs, 2023

The Challenge: Digital Skills Gaps in Underserved Communities

Finding a job is a maze of barriers and challenges: resume writing, navigating online forms, lack of confidence with technology. In partnership with NCWorks, job seekers are supported with classes on practical skills in overcoming these barriers. As AI rapidly reshapes the job search landscape in 2025, tools that once felt futuristic are now essential career-building collaborators. Tulane Career Services reports that AI-powered platforms now offer personalized job matching, resume and cover letter optimization, and even interview preparation — all designed to save valuable time and help candidates stand out in competitive talent markets. 

This shift in how we write and create isn’t just happening in academia. It’s happening at the frontlines of workforce development, too. Many job seekers struggle with online forms due to confusing layouts, resume scanner filters, and limited digital access. 

Practical solutions include 

• using autofill tools, 
• saving answers in a separate document
• practicing with mock forms. 

Using your Google profile can simplify job applications by enabling autofill for online forms. When you’re logged into Chrome with your Google account, it can automatically fill in saved information like your name, address, phone number, and even work history—saving time and reducing errors. Just make sure your profile is up to date under Chrome’s Settings > Autofill.

Practice builds confidence. The Japanese call it Kaizen. Practice digital skills 15 minutes at a time to build upon your confidence and skill. In our WorkforceReady class series at NCWorks we practice crafted AI prompts to answer job seeker questions, such as these examples. AI is not a replacement for human effort.

• Drafting a resume from work history
  
• Brainstorming job interview answers
  
• Generating cover letter templates

One student shared the story that within weeks of our job preparation class, she interviewed for a job and she was amazed that our in class practice for interview questions empowered her to feel confident and land the job. “It helped me say what I wanted to say but didn’t know how.”

What research says:
A 2023 report from MIT found that job seekers who used AI-assisted resume tools were 8% more likely to get hired than those who didn’t.

Practical tips:
Use AI tools (like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Rezi.ai) to:

• Match your resume to job descriptions
• Reword bullet points using keywords from postings
• Quantify achievements (“Increased sales by 18%”)

Ask AI to:

• Generate a cover letter draft with your resume and job posting
• Match tone to industry (formal for law, friendly for nonprofits)
• Include a strong “hook” in the first paragraph
• “Act as an interviewer for a [job title] position. Ask me 3 common questions and evaluate my answers.”

Reflections: Teaching AI Literacy Alongside Digital Literacy

As an instructor, I often hear students balk at using AI as a form of cheating. Instead I encourage them to remember that AI is never a replacement for their creativity or their responsibility. Every response from AI has to be fact-checked, verified. Every cover letter draft has to be in the tone and voice of the person sending out the final draft. We focus on demystifying AI and achieving real-world goals.

Bigger Picture: Equity, Access, and Emerging Tech

N.C. Cooperative Extension values democratizing digital access to computer education. This approach echoes the values of organizations like the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which champion global access to hands-on computing education and inclusive tech empowerment. Innovation in the workplace is not just coding – it’s empowering everyday users with the right tools and mindset. 

Interested in joining us?

Our free Workforce Ready job skills class meets three Wednesdays a month at the Greensboro NCWorks Career Center. To learn more or enroll, visit Guilford County N.C. Cooperative Extension’s website or register through Eventbrite. If you’re an employer or educator passionate about equitable tech access, we’d love to connect.

“AI won’t replace people—but people who use AI will replace people who don’t.”

— Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA

If you have questions please contact Jeffrey Cates, Digital Skills Agent, Guilford County, NC. Jeff_Cates@ncsu.edu, 336.641.2400